How do you tell the difference between the Rio Grandes and the easterns? I guy I ran into, told me that there is a population of each where I hunt...the seasons are different here, so I didn't want to get into any trouble. Thanks.

Easterns have far darker Plumage on the rump feathers and the legs are a little shorter as well the Tail feathers are longer in length then the Rio.

Hope that helps and I hope to see someone like Bob reply as he has the different birds I believe...BT

Adrian is right. Rio's will have cream coloration in their feathers. You will especially notice this if they are strutting. The tips of the fan will be a light cream color and so will the tips of the feathers on their backs next to their tails. Easterns will have dark feathers on their backs and darker tail feather tips than the Rio's.