Where do you think the best hunting is?

[jblackburn]

Similar to the where are the best hunters from, in your opinion and experience, where are the best states to hunt each of the most common subspecies and where would you like to hunt and give a little info to back it up.  Obviously, Florida wins for Osceola. 

I realize not everyone has had the opportunity to hunt in multiple states, but share what you know, anyway.

Here is what I think/have experienced:

Easterns: Missouri- I was lucky to grow up and learn to hunt here.  The birds are as tough as anywhere, but the population is strong enough in much of the state that with a little work a hot bird can be found, there is also a decent amount of public hunting available. 

Honorable Mention: Kentucky: I have only hunted Ky once, but I found that there were a good amount of birds and some ok public hunting available

Bucket list: Tennessee

Rio Grande:  Kansas - Strong population of birds helps, but what I think makes KS great are the Walk In Hunting Areas (WIHA) program.  The KDWP does a great job keeping the maps updated and the boundaries marked.  Additionally, I have had pretty good luck door knocking.

Honorable Mention: Oklahoma - This is actually my favorite place to hunt Rios, as I was fortunate enough to live here for three year and develop some relationships that let me get access to some private land, but there are plenty of birds to find on public land.  If there was a WIHA program, I would have put it first.  Second honorable mention: Washington - Holy smokes there are a lot of birds in SE Washington!  But, not much hunting access (door knocking works well, some farmers HATE the large winter flocks . . .)

Bucket list: Texas or Nebraska

Merriams (I don't have a lot of experience here): Idaho- Pretty large population in northern Idaho, and there is a really good amount of public hunting available.  However, if you are around the Lewiston area, the birds are probably hybrids. License and tags are also high.

Honorable mention: Colorado - I got beat up pretty bad by mean, late season mountain birds a few years ago, but they are there and there are good, huntable numbers.  I have a personal beef that I have to take care of in CO!  Second honorable mention: Washington, again - strong population of Merriams in NE Washington and some pretty pure strains are still available.

Bucket list:  New Mexico or South Dakota

That's what I think, what are your thoughts?

[budtripp]

Having only hunted in Missouri (born, raised and likely where I'll die) I'm inagreement there. That's all I can contribute  But I do have many states on my radar for when I'm done with school and have the time. They include Kansas and Texas for rios, Nebraska, and obviously Florida if I ever want to complete a slam. Merriams I'm wanting to try South Dakota. Also, One of these days I want to do a multi-state roadtrip in the south. Seeing all these southern hunter's knocking them down in March while I still have to wait a month is pure torture. Thinking Alabama, Georgia, maybe Mississippi or Tennessee.

[wvlimbhanger]

I'm anxious to see a lot more replies to this thread, it will help a lot in planning the rest of my slam.

I can only speak for my home state, West Virginia and Florida.  We have places along the western part of our state that boast some great populations of easterns and but provide a high difficulty of connecting. 

I got my Osceola just north of Okeechobee.  I saw a pile of birds in that general area driving around the day before my hunt and also leaving with my bird in the cooler.

[daveco]

I disagree with Missouri for easterns.  Missouri is the last place anyone should come to to hunt turkeys; horrible.  I should know; I live in Missouri, trust me......yeah, that's the ticket, trust me.

[owlhoot]

I disagree with Missouri for easterns.  Missouri is the last place anyone should come to to hunt turkeys; horrible.  I should know; I live in Missouri, trust me......yeah, that's the ticket, trust me.

Hunting pressure galore and the season is mostly henned up!YA

[jblackburn]

I disagree with Missouri for easterns.  Missouri is the last place anyone should come to to hunt turkeys; horrible.  I should know; I live in Missouri, trust me......yeah, that's the ticket, trust me.

Ha! That's like Alabama! Guesswho says there's no turkeys in Alabama, guess I don't need to go!

[slamman]

In the woods.   

[jblackburn]

 

In the woods.   

   

[matchbook454]

I'm going to throw WI in their as among one of the best states for easterns.  There are a ton of birds all across that state.  Annual harvest numbers are up there too.  Can't say if its better than MO, but it's close.

Lots of birds in NE too.  Mostly hybrids though.   If you dont care what color your turkey is, than this is a great state to hunt.

My favorite state is OK though.  Love the area and love chasing rios!   Might not have the numbers that MO, WI, and NE have but to me there's more to turkey hunting than numbers and OK had it for me.  Can't wait to go back!