Man what a trip. Day 1 hiked over 8miles which started at 7000ft of elevation and got as high as 8600ft during the 8.7 mile day. Didn't hear or see much sign so day 2 we started in a different location and found some birds right away. Called in 3 jakes first but then found 2 other Tom's down the canyon some.
Shifted and moved around using cover as much as we could. Seems Merriam gobble A LOT haha which is nice cause it was easy to know where they were while trying to adjust. Got close a few times but they just wouldnt commit. FINALLY at around 2pm I got the shot I was looking for and ended up being a perfect 28yd shot.
Just wild to me the environment they live in out there and how different they act and sound vs easterns. Those birds can cover A LOT of ground in a short amount of time. Very very few roost tree options and still can't figure out exactly how or where they roost given the terrain.
It's beautiful but man it's a harsh place to live. Also did end up seeing 7 elk and 8 mule deer while out hunting. Am super blessed and very thankful for the opportunity to go do this and it's a time I will never forget.
First Merriam checked off the list. Best part is ended up calling another one in this morning for my buddy I was with that lived out there and he also got his first ever Merriam/Nevada turkey and he has lived there his whole life and is a world class sheep hunter.
Shifted and moved around using cover as much as we could. Seems Merriam gobble A LOT haha which is nice cause it was easy to know where they were while trying to adjust. Got close a few times but they just wouldnt commit. FINALLY at around 2pm I got the shot I was looking for and ended up being a perfect 28yd shot.
Just wild to me the environment they live in out there and how different they act and sound vs easterns. Those birds can cover A LOT of ground in a short amount of time. Very very few roost tree options and still can't figure out exactly how or where they roost given the terrain.
It's beautiful but man it's a harsh place to live. Also did end up seeing 7 elk and 8 mule deer while out hunting. Am super blessed and very thankful for the opportunity to go do this and it's a time I will never forget.
First Merriam checked off the list. Best part is ended up calling another one in this morning for my buddy I was with that lived out there and he also got his first ever Merriam/Nevada turkey and he has lived there his whole life and is a world class sheep hunter.