EFH

Congrats!! Like the display.

Hope to do that myself one day.

Which do you enjoy hunting the most? I only get Easterns here, but did get a rio on a pay hunt years ago.

neb

Outstanding accomplishment!
I was reading through the posts and seen where coulor was discussed on Merriam/Rio. I'm also use to seeing and harvesting white tipped Merriam but this year I apparently got a buff tipped phase coulor.
Great Job once again!

kellyguinn

Thank ya. Hope to get back up to SD again in the future to chase another Merriams.

kellyguinn

Not sure I really have a favorite. I mainly hunt Rios here but do make a trip to the SE corner of the state for an Eastern once or twice a year. The Merriams was pretty cool being up in the Black Hills and all the history up there and the Osceola was like hunting in another country with with the snakes and gators. If I had to choose it would probably come down to those two though. Only thing I didn't like in Florida was the heat. It was 95 when I shot that bird.

If it wasn't for this forum I may not of finished it up. Have made a few friends off here that have helped me along the way. Actually met them from the turkey contests we use to have.

flags

All I need to complete a slam is a Merriams. Got Easterns when I was stationed in VA. Got Osceolas when I was stationed in FL. Got Rios here in TX. Someday I'll go to my native CO and try for the Merriams.

Rob in VT

That’ awesome, congrats Kelly! Very nice display as well.

Phil from Maine

Nice display Kelly and also congratulations on getting it done!

elkman30

Beautiful display. Congrats!

SC Fowler

Good stuff

Strut&Rut

Nice! It would be cool to add some wing feathers from each bird, would highlight the difference between the Eastern and Osceola.

Any idea what happened with the beard on the Merriams? I know they typically have thin, whispy beards that may be a bit shorter than Easterns - but that one looks broken from ice or beard rot/vitamin deficiency...

I've considered pursuing a US SuperSlam, and maybe once my last kid is out of the house I'll seriously consider it. Not sure I would pursue a Royal or World slam, mainly because I think those foreign birds look more like peacocks than turkeys..haha...