It's been a long while since I've posted something here, but wanted to update everyone on the U.S. Slam.
2015 has been a very significant and meaningful year to me. I was able to complete all US states directly attached to the continental United States. I traveled a lot and had the time of my life. These memories will forever be remembered and cherished to my very last breath. I was blessed from above with great health and lots of luck for the 2015 turkey season. I also gained many new friends along the way that live and breathe the same passion as I for the wild turkey.
To me, it's the journey I'm confronted with when going into these new states I've never put a foot in. I equally get the same amount of pleasure planning these trips as getting after these precious spring time jewels. Some know how difficult it can be getting all your dates in line with the rest of the states you're hunting. Not to mention, dealing with the crazy weather of 2015. It's hit or miss 95% of the time, but I can only say the Good Lord blessed me this go around in 2015
This morning I sat my last day of the 2015 turkey season on a ridge in NY that was absolutely breath taking. In the spring time silence on that ridge I couldn't help but look ahead on how exactly I would handle next spring if I'm blessed with a Hawaiian longbeard. That ridge opened a whole new door of emotions thinking about the end of a quest that began back in 2007. My life for the past 8 years has changed so much. I've endeavored many obstacles that couldn't have been possible without God and the love I share for the wild turkey.
In 2009, I went through a divorce that didn't allow me to travel to any states due to the cumbersome circumstances. Then in 2010, I lost my father to pancreatic cancer. 2011, was the most difficult year of my life in the springtime woods since it was my dad I spoke to daily during my travels to the many new states across the US. My first bird of the year was in MS and I'll never forget that moment. I remember going for my phone to call my dad in the heat of all the excitement and almost immediately I lost it in emotions. As the season went on I learned to find other ways to express myself in all of the excitement, but nothing will ever replace that connection I had with him.
Since then I've traveled a lot and covered many states. I planned many trips years in advance and networked with numerous US Slam hunters. The best part of it all is we all have a common bond and to me the brotherhood is where many of these great memories are created. I do not know what I will do when it's all said and done, but I know God will show me how to manage my time outside this quest I so dearly loved each and every spring.
Here's a little recap from 2015, which took me to CO, WY, NE, AZ, WA, MT, NJ, CT, and ME. Next year I'll start and finish my season in Hawaii around the first of March. God willing, I'll be on the big island for Hawaii's season opener with hopes of finalizing this quest. Not to mention, I'll get to share the woods with some great friends that understand the passion of this journey. Now the wait begins and the loooooooooooooong off season ahead.
Hope everyone had a blessed season and hope you all have a great summer.
David
Florida number 1
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Florida number 2
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Colorado
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Wyoming
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Nebraska
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Arizona (http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/06/02/4d042390c8a029dc659059331f979d1a.jpg)
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Washington 1
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Washington 2
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Montana
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New Jersey
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Maine
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Connecticut
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wow you did do some traveling ,and it is good that you can think of your dad at times like this ,,I still call my dad after every hunt if I did not you can bet he would be calling me ,,lol ,good luck next spring Dutch
The 48 state map finally filled in red. Off to the mid pacific for number 49. God willing, it all will come together in HI
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I did not know they had Turkey in Hawaii. I guess Hawaii is back on the map for me when I come up for orders in January. That was a determining factor for me.
Outstanding! :happy0064:
That is so cool man! I would love to go after the US slam like that but don't see it ever happening. Good for you man!
Great job David you make it look easy. ;D ;D After Hawaii what next, maybe a book? Pomaika`i in Hawaii next year.
God Bless.
Bill
Congrats! I have a long way to go but I hope to accomplish the same thing one day.
Good for you man! That's quite an accomplishment!
On the Dad thing...I still have my Dads' number in my phone in spite of the fact that he passed 4 years ago. Can't tell you how many times I've reached for that phone when something unusual/exciting happened. That's usually the first thing I think of when I kill a turkey or deer...Dad will be excited about this!
Wow, very impressive! Good luck on the island next year.
I would love to do this someday. I'm doing an ocellated hunt this spring for my world slam. Then maybe try to get the Rio in mexico for the Mexican slam. But after that a state slam would be awesome. Is most of your hunts guided, public land, or private with friends. I couldn't imagine being able to do it that fast. Hawaii would be awesome. Is it a guided hunt?
I wish you the best, but am curious...how did turkeys get to Hawaii and what species are there?
Quote from: sixbird on June 02, 2015, 09:11:29 PM
Good for you man! That's quite an accomplishment!
On the Dad thing...I still have my Dads' number in my phone in spite of the fact that he passed 4 years ago. Can't tell you how many times I've reached for that phone when something unusual/exciting happened. That's usually the first thing I think of when I kill a turkey or deer...Dad will be excited about this!
It's surely tough after the first few spring time harvests. I've sat and prayed next to a many trees after his passing. The Good Lord has given me the strength and path to understanding when dealing with these tough moments. All I can say is next spring in Hawaii I'm going to be a mess if the Lord blesses me with a HI longbeard.
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Quote from: donjuan on June 02, 2015, 11:19:53 PM
I wish you the best, but am curious...how did turkeys get to Hawaii and what species are there?
The state brought them in around 1961. Had close to 400 Rios taken from TX released over the span of 3 years. There's nearly 20,000 turkeys on the island now.
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Quote from: woodshopteacher on June 02, 2015, 10:06:31 PM
I would love to do this someday. I'm doing an ocellated hunt this spring for my world slam. Then maybe try to get the Rio in mexico for the Mexican slam. But after that a state slam would be awesome. Is most of your hunts guided, public land, or private with friends. I couldn't imagine being able to do it that fast. Hawaii would be awesome. Is it a guided hunt?
98% of all my hunts are on public land. There are a few hunts where I hunted some private land, but these areas are predominately in the north east. If it isn't posted then you can hunt it but I always spoke to the landowner before hunting the unposted land. In Hawaii I'll be hunting one of the game management units. You could go the guided route and hunt the Parker ranch but I know there are plenty of turkeys on the island to pay someone to show me the way. Nothing against it, just love planning these trips out and getting after them from scratch.
Good luck on your ocellated hunt and your Goulds hunt! Will be a trip of a lifetime my friend.
Have a blessed week!
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Quote from: slamman on June 02, 2015, 08:28:07 PM
Great job David you make it look easy. ;D ;D After Hawaii what next, maybe a book? Pomaika`i in Hawaii next year.
God Bless.
Bill
Bill!!
Hola my friend!
Not sure as of yet. I'm fumbling around ideas, but thinking about starting all over but this go around filming it all. Would be awesome to document all of these hunts on video. All I need is another turkey hunting slayer that will join my endeavors and I'll be set. Trying to push ol' Dave Owens to bite the bullet as I know he's just as diehard as I and can take off the time like myself. We shall see but would be a great thing to record over the coming years.
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When you come through Virginia you have a camera man in me. Surely someone that has killed that many birds in that many locations can teach me a thing or two. I will work for free.
Quote from: 357MAGNOLE on June 02, 2015, 11:42:40 PM
When you come through Virginia you have a camera man in me. Surely someone that has killed that many birds in that many locations can teach me a thing or two. I will work for free.
Brother...you are hired :) When I make my round back through the beautiful VA I'll give you a shout. I hunted the Jefferson National forest near rural retreat. stunning beauty.
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Congrats and good luck in accomplishing your quest.
A huge congratulations on your accomplishments thus far and good luck next spring in finishing it! I can relate to calling your dad and I'm sure he's smiling down on you every time you start and finish an adventure.
Quote from: gobble157 on June 02, 2015, 11:55:44 PM
Quote from: 357MAGNOLE on June 02, 2015, 11:42:40 PM
When you come through Virginia you have a camera man in me. Surely someone that has killed that many birds in that many locations can teach me a thing or two. I will work for free.
Brother...you are hired :) When I make my round back through the beautiful VA I'll give you a shout. I hunted the Jefferson National forest near rural retreat. stunning beauty.
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I don't know where the hell that is, I am stationed up north. But you give me the coordinates and dates and ill be there.
I can relate to the Father part as well, I lost mine on February 3rd, 7:30 PM while I was instructing a class of students. I have not made it an entire week without trying to call him. I just keep picking up the phone and open up the contacts, scroll to "Dad" and then it hits me all over.
Fortunately I still have a great Step-father who is ultra supportive and I get along with great. He cant replace Dad, but he does his best to fill in the shoes.
Quote from: cramerhunts on June 03, 2015, 02:04:57 AM
A huge congratulations on your accomplishments thus far and good luck next spring in finishing it! I can relate to calling your dad and I'm sure he's smiling down on you every time you start and finish an adventure.
If your dad is still living I wouldn't take those moments for granted. I wish I could have those back more than anything. I'm certain he is there giving good ol fist pump as I remember from the past. The good ol days :)
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This is awesome. Thank you for sharing. Any tips, tricks, or words encouragement for someone looking to try this?
Quote from: Rick Howard on June 03, 2015, 11:35:43 AM
This is awesome. Thank you for sharing. Any tips, tricks, or words encouragement for someone looking to try this?
Tip#1 Bring lots of travel money
Man that's awesome. Hope you kept a journal
Quote from: 357MAGNOLE on June 03, 2015, 02:30:33 PM
Quote from: Rick Howard on June 03, 2015, 11:35:43 AM
This is awesome. Thank you for sharing. Any tips, tricks, or words encouragement for someone looking to try this?
Tip#1 Bring lots of travel money
Not really. I spent maybe $2500 this past year between hotels, rental car, and hunting licenses. I split this equally with a hunting partner. The airline costs for 2015 was roughly $950. Total down the pipe was $3450.
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Quote from: sixbird on June 02, 2015, 09:11:29 PM
Good for you man! That's quite an accomplishment!
On the Dad thing...I still have my Dads' number in my phone in spite of the fact that he passed 4 years ago. Can't tell you how many times I've reached for that phone when something unusual/exciting happened. That's usually the first thing I think of when I kill a turkey or deer...Dad will be excited about this!
Me too! Still have my dad's number in my phone. I think about him a lot especially when I harvest a turkey. He would get excited to hear about it when I called him. Man I miss my dad!
Quote from: cutt down on June 04, 2015, 12:28:54 AM
Quote from: sixbird on June 02, 2015, 09:11:29 PM
Good for you man! That's quite an accomplishment!
On the Dad thing...I still have my Dads' number in my phone in spite of the fact that he passed 4 years ago. Can't tell you how many times I've reached for that phone when something unusual/exciting happened. That's usually the first thing I think of when I kill a turkey or deer...Dad will be excited about this!
Me too! Still have my dad's number in my phone. I think about him a lot especially when I harvest a turkey. He would get excited to hear about it when I called him. Man I miss my dad!
Me too brother.
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David,
Congrats on a wonderful season. It's very impressive to say the least of what you have accomplished and are about to accomplish. When I talked to you back in 2010 you inspired me to go after the super slam. I have 7 states down so far with many more to go, and I look forward to the many adventure ahead. I look forward to hearing how your Hawaii trip goes next spring. Take care and thanks for the update.
Shane
You should have no problem in Hawaii. We had Rios invading the golf course at our resort every morning on the Big Island. I called 'em up under our balcony with my voice and rewarded them with cereal. ;)
I've hunted and killed one on the Big Island. Plenty of turkeys as they have no predators. Hunting on the side of a volcano leaning against a rainbow eucalyptus. Yeah, pretty awesome.
Quote from: ElkTurkMan on June 04, 2015, 07:20:30 AM
David,
Congrats on a wonderful season. It's very impressive to say the least of what you have accomplished and are about to accomplish. When I talked to you back in 2010 you inspired me to go after the super slam. I have 7 states down so far with many more to go, and I look forward to the many adventure ahead. I look forward to hearing how your Hawaii trip goes next spring. Take care and thanks for the update.
Shane
Shane-
Great to hear from you brother. And awesome to hear you as well are chasing the super slam. It's a journey that is ever filling year after year. Some of the prettiest country one could ever witness will happen for you during this journey. If I can help any way do reach out. Good luck bud and have a blessed summer.
David
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Quote from: stinkpickle on June 04, 2015, 10:48:29 AM
You should have no problem in Hawaii. We had Rios invading the golf course at our resort every morning on the Big Island. I called 'em up under our balcony with my voice and rewarded them with cereal. ;)
Lol! So very nice of you to reward them with some cereal. Hahaha. Might I ask what cereal it was?? Fruit loops?? Haha. Can't wait to see the country and get after them HI birds.
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Quote from: cuttinAR on June 04, 2015, 12:20:13 PM
I've hunted and killed one on the Big Island. Plenty of turkeys as they have no predators. Hunting on the side of a volcano leaning against a rainbow eucalyptus. Yeah, pretty awesome.
Did you hunt the Parker ranch or the game management unit near there?
I can't wait to experience paradise in so many ways while there. I'm after it all and the scenery and terrain has it all there.
Congrats on getting your HI bird my friend.
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Quote from: gobble157 on June 04, 2015, 03:25:51 PM
Quote from: stinkpickle on June 04, 2015, 10:48:29 AM
You should have no problem in Hawaii. We had Rios invading the golf course at our resort every morning on the Big Island. I called 'em up under our balcony with my voice and rewarded them with cereal. ;)
Lol! So very nice of you to reward them with some cereal. Hahaha. Might I ask what cereal it was?? Fruit loops?? Haha. Can't wait to see the country and get after them HI birds.
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Lucky Charms. They got the cereal...I got the little colored marshmallow bits.
nice season
Congrats on an incredible season. And I bet you'll have no problem taking care of business in Hawaii next spring. :icon_thumright:
What's next after Hawaii? Do you have the royal, world, Mexican, Canadian slams? Maybe chase turkeys in New Zealand?
Quote from: woodshopteacher on June 05, 2015, 06:09:51 AM
What's next after Hawaii? Do you have the royal, world, Mexican, Canadian slams? Maybe chase turkeys in New Zealand?
As of right now all I have is the grand slam. Eventually, I plan on hunting the Goulds then going after a New Zealand longbeard during our fall. Will be different but would be a total blast.
After Hawaii, myself and another fellow US slammer plan on going for round two of this quest. Only difference is we'll team up together and film this adventure. From beginning to end...all the mishaps to the late night drives we want to capture it all. Really looking forward to this adventure and the documentary once it's completed.
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