Gobble till ya wobble!
Hunter’s are gearing up and getting excited for turkey season!
Some state’s season has already started, but for others, they are patiently waiting and practicing their turkey calls!
This is called the U.S. Grand Slam of turkeys! Here’s the breakdown: There are 4 different species of turkeys here in the United States and it is the goal for avid turkey hunter’s to complete the grand slam.
- Eastern Turkey
The Eastern Turkey is considered the most widespread of the turkey subspecies in the United States. They occupy roughly the majority of the eastern part of the country, ranging from New England to Southern Canada upwards until Florida’s northern parts. They can also be found as far west as Texas, Missouri, Iowa and Minnesota.
The Eastern Turkey has unique features including an above-average beard, spurs and have noticeable white characteristics on their wings.
- Osceola Turkey
The Osceola species of turkeys are unique to Florida exclusively. They bear a wide variety of names- the Florida Turkey, the Seminole bird and the ghost of the Everglades. They are only found in the north-central and southern parts of Florida.
This bird is by far the hardest in the grand slam to chase after because of the small inhabits and the amount of pressure put on these birds. They have bright, iridescent feathers and long legs to help them in the Florida swamps as they walk across knee height waters.
- Merriam Turkey
You can find the Merriam Turkey species in the western part of the U.S., also considered mountain country. Originally they were found in places like Colorado, New Mexico and northern Arizona. Since then, they have been transplanted to the pine forests in Utah, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, California, Montana, Wyoming, Nebraska and South Dakota.
If you are going after this species of turkey, be prepared to hike. They have characteristics that help them in this treacherous part of the country. On the one hand, their fans can be almost pure white which makes them extremely desirable, but on the other, they are also known for their shorter beards and short spurs, which makes them less preferrable.
- Rio Grande Turkey
The Rio Grande turkey, most commonly known as the “Rio”, is the one you will find most in my home state of Texas. They are also referred to as the “desert bird” which you can find in dry areas like Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas.
Personally, I would say they are the most average bird of the grand slam with average beard length and spurs. They love to communicate with a call, so this makes it a bit easier to get one in your sight. The Rio is commonly confused with the Eastern for their similar, common characteristics.
Turkey hunting is one of the most exciting hunts to go on, in my opinion. Especially if the bird is vocal and you can hear them coming in. Hearing that gobble 15 feet away from you definitely gets your blood rushing!
Also, if you’re looking at these pictures and think some of them look alike and can’t tell the difference… don’t worry, I’m right there with you! It’s tough to tell. It really is.
If you were to go chasing a bird this season which bird is in your region?!
