Merriam Turkey Hunts

[Jhp148]

I'm looking for some information on killing a Merriam. Would like to hunt in New Mexico or Colorado but most of the outfitters I have seen offer hunts on public ground. Just curious if it is worth going with an outfitter or striking out on your own on public ground? Any info on good outfitter would be much appreciated. Thanks

[VaTuRkStOmPeR]

Way too much public ground out west to ever justify paying an outfitter for a merriams or rio.

I had no trouble killing a single season grand slam and 3/4s of another single season grand slam mostly off of mostly public ground this year.

[sasquatch1]

Go public in NM


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[Cove]

I'm looking for some information on killing a Merriam. Would like to hunt in New Mexico or Colorado but most of the outfitters I have seen offer hunts on public ground. Just curious if it is worth going with an outfitter or striking out on your own on public ground? Any info on good outfitter would be much appreciated. Thanks

All of this hinges on your confidence/ abililty, the time you have available and I'll also toss in your physical condition (which will be a factor regardless). If you're confident in looking at topo maps and digging up information on likely areas and have a handful of days to hunt,  I'd definitely suggest going the public route. Actually, I'd suggest that regardless. . . if it doesn't pan out on the first year, there is always next season and you'll have a solid foundation on which to build. But I understand my logic may not match with everyone's.

[mtns2hunt]

Yep, hunting public is fun if you have the time to scout and research not to mention the logistics issues. Personally I don't as I run my own business. Using an outfitter I can hunt guided or semi guided or be completely turned loose. I like having the a good idea of where the birds are, a nice bunk not to mention, cooked meals. I hunted Merriam's in Raton New Mexico with Tristate outfitters run by a guy named Bridger. Awesome hunt and I just got the call that my mounts are ready and I will be picking them up next week. I have a review of this hunt posted on this site under Tristate. It was money well spent although while I travel and hunt by myself this hunt is cheaper for two hunters. Good luck which ever route you take.

[birddogdoc]

Where I hunted in Colorado this year I heard 13 gobbling toms...all on public land.  Yes there were other hunters but not a single person got off the logging roads except for me.  If you hunt during the week later in the season...you'll have the place to yourself.  Good luck!

[Jhp148]

Thank y'all