Gonna try to go for leg 2 of my slam next year. Me and a buddy are talking about going after our Merriams next. We may have to do public land, due to budget reasons. What are some of the states with better public areas for merriams? Also, anyone willing to message a few secret spots. We don't mind putting miles on the boots. We may be open to a swap: a merriams hunt for a black bear hunt. We are working on getting a prime bear spot, and we are in eastern NC. Our bears get big, really big. 500-600 lb. bears are not uncommon.