Turkey hunting forum for turkey hunting tips

General Discussion => General Forum => Topic started by: VA Gobble Addict on January 17, 2016, 08:56:48 PM

Title: Merriams
Post by: VA Gobble Addict on January 17, 2016, 08:56:48 PM
Hey guys, looking for a little help with the black hills of South Dakota and Wyoming.  Im heading out to hunt the black hills in both states from April 29th to May 6th, if I get drawn for a Wyoming tag.  Any of you guys that were there last year or live there have any info on the turkey numbers? I read here the rough winter a few years ago really took its toll on the birds.  I was just wondering if they had bounced back?  This will be my first trip out there and I've been tearing the archives up trying to gain as much insight as I can.
Title: Re: Merriams
Post by: Powerwagon on January 17, 2016, 10:43:31 PM
You have a PM
Title: Re: Merriams
Post by: WisTurk on January 18, 2016, 11:20:15 AM
Quote from: VA Gobble Addict on January 17, 2016, 08:56:48 PM
Hey guys, looking for a little help with the black hills of South Dakota and Wyoming.  Im heading out to hunt the black hills in both states from April 29th to May 6th, if I get drawn for a Wyoming tag.  Any of you guys that were there last year or live there have any info on the turkey numbers? I read here the rough winter a few years ago really took its toll on the birds.  I was just wondering if they had bounced back?  This will be my first trip out there and I've been tearing the archives up trying to gain as much insight as I can.

I'm in the same boat as you, VA.  If my planned trip to Nebraska falls through (looking like it might at this point) I was thinking of heading to the black hills in May and trying for a bird out there.  I've never hunted out of state for turkeys before and would be starting from scratch.  So if anyone has any info on the population out there and a good place to start, I'm all ears and open to suggestions.  Thank you
Title: Re: Merriams
Post by: WW on January 18, 2016, 04:39:44 PM
Those are two beautiful states to turkey hunt! I hunted both last year and tagged out with 3 birds total. I didn't hear that many gobbles in the area I hunted, but scratched out my 3. I will go back soon.... I hope.
Title: Re: Merriams
Post by: crappieangler on January 18, 2016, 07:55:56 PM
I bought a tag OTC in Wyoming.  Tagged out in both states last spring, and from what I saw the numbers are good in Wyoming.  SD they were more scattered and had a big snow storm so never heard a gobble there.  Despite the snow, they WY birds wouldn't stop talking. 
Title: Re: Merriams
Post by: WW on January 19, 2016, 10:40:49 PM
Quote from: crappieangler on January 18, 2016, 07:55:56 PM
I bought a tag OTC in Wyoming.  Tagged out in both states last spring, and from what I saw the numbers are good in Wyoming.  SD they were more scattered and had a big snow storm so never heard a gobble there.  Despite the snow, they WY birds wouldn't stop talking.

I flew out the day after the snow storm. I tagged my 3rd gobbler the day before it hit, so luck was on my side, I guess.
Title: Re: Merriams
Post by: crappieangler on January 19, 2016, 10:46:33 PM
I was lucky and located birds in SD. I'm sure the would've fired up the day after the storm. Warm sunny days. I'll be back someday for a more traditional hunt out there
Title: Re: Merriams
Post by: VA Gobble Addict on January 25, 2016, 05:24:59 PM
Thanks for the replies guys. I'm hoping the numbers have bounced back a little and it'll be some good hunts. Either way it'll be a good time and the scenery will be amazing.
Title: Re: Merriams
Post by: LI Outdoorsman on January 25, 2016, 05:55:02 PM
My first Merriams hunt was in Montana...First time I saw that white fan I almost choked...It was a good while back and I can still see it in my mind.......