If you've been dreaming about colorado merriam turkey hunts, you probably already have visions of those iconic white-tipped tail feathers fanning out against the backdrop of tough rimrock and towering Ponderosa pines. There's just something different about chasing wild birds in the Rockies. It's not your own typical sit-in-a-blind-and-wait type of deal that you might find in the Midwest or maybe the South. Out here, it's a vertical game, and honestly, it's probably one of the most addictive ways in order to spend a springtime morning.
The Merriam's turkey is the crown jewel of the high country. While they will aren't technically bigger than their Eastern cousins, they carry them selves with a particular swagger that matches the mountain surroundings. They're known regarding being a bit more nomadic, often traveling miles in a single day to find the right roosting spot or the fresh patch of grass. If you're intending to head away this way, you've got to end up being ready for a physical exercise. Your legs will likely give out just before your calling tone of voice does.
Exactly where the white tips roam
Whenever you start looking at maps for colorado merriam turkey hunts, you'll notice a pattern. These types of birds love the changeover zones. You aren't usually going to discover them at the particular very top of a 14, 000-foot top, but you won't find them down within the flat sagebrush deserts either. They will thrive in this nice spot between six, 000 and 9, 000 feet where the oak clean meets the pines.
Public land is king in Colorado. We've got millions of massive areas of National Woodland and BLM property that hold solid populations of wild birds. The southern fifty percent of their state, especially around the San Juan Mountains as well as the Sangre de Cristos, is legendary because of its Merriam's numbers. But don't sleep for the Front Range or maybe the central mountains either. As long since there's water close by and some big timber for roosting, there's a good chance you'll discover a gobbler ready to play.
One thing to keep in thoughts is that "public land" doesn't mean "easy land. " These birds get pushed, especially near the bigger towns such as Colorado Springs or even Durango. If you're willing to rise a mile or two away from the nearest trailhead, your odds associated with finding an unhappy tom that hasn't heard a box call in 3 days go upward exponentially.
Dealing with the high-country weather
I can't stress this particular enough: spring within the Rockies is the total mood ring. You might start your own hunt in a t-shirt, sweating as you climb a ridge, and finish it four hrs later hunkered under a cedar tree while four inches of heavy, wet snowfall dumps on your head. That's simply the nature associated with colorado merriam turkey hunts.
Layering isn't just a suggestion; it's a survival tactic. I go with a merino wool base layer because it stays warm even if you get wet or wet. Throw a light puffy jacket in your pack and also a good rain shell, and you'll be fine. Don't forget your own boots, either. You want something with enough ankle support to handle side-hilling on loose rock, but light more than enough that you don't sense like you're wearing lead weights.
The birds don't seem to mind the snow too much, though. In fact, a few of my favorite hunts have occurred right after the spring squall. The woods go dead quiet, the air will get crisp, and these white fan guidelines really pop towards a fresh level of powder. As well as, it makes monitoring them an entire lot easier when they aren't talking.
Tactics for hill gobblers
Merriam's are famously buzzing. Compared to the particular pressured Eastern wild birds back east, a mountain Merriam may be downright suicidal when he's in the right mood. They love to surprise gobble at just about anything—a car door slamming, a crow flying over, or even a loud sneeze. This particular makes locating them a lot of fun, but obtaining close is the real trick.
Because the terrain is so broad open in certain spots, these turkeys possess incredible eyesight. They can see a person moving from the drainage away. A person have to use the "folds" within the earth to your benefit. I like in order to move fast till I get a parrot to strike, then I slow method down and utilize the ridges to stay out of sight while I actually leapfrog into placement.
One error people make will be over-calling from the particular same spot. When a bird hung up 80 back yards out, it's usually because he desires you (the "hen") ahead to him. When you can safely fall back behind the ridge and move thirty yards to the left or right, it often changes the angles enough to create him break and come looking for a person.
The license game in Colorado
The great thing about colorado merriam turkey hunts is the availability. For the springtime season, Colorado provides a mix of "Limited" plus "Over-the-Counter" (OTC) models.
If you're a planner, you can apply regarding the limited draw in early Feb. These tags are for units where the state wants to control the seeker density, and they will often hold a few truly giant birds. But if a person miss the pull or just decide on an impulse in April that you need to go hunting, the particular OTC tags are a lifesaver. You can walk into just about any sports store or buy one online, and you're good to go for a substantial portion of the particular state.
Just make sure a person look into the map. The OTC units are specific, and you don't want to find yourself on the wrong side of a forest service road with all the wrong tag in your wallet. Furthermore, keep in brain that Colorado requires a hunter education and learning card if a person were born after 1949, so have got that ready when you go in order to buy your license.
Gear that really matters
A person don't require a million-dollar setup for colorado merriam turkey hunts, but a few specific items create a massive difference. First away from, an excellent pair associated with binoculars is non-negotiable. You'll spend more time glassing distant hillsides regarding "black rocks" that will move than you will actually capturing. A 10x42 set is the precious metal standard around here.
As for the "boom" part of the hunt, the 20-gauge has become extremely popular lately, especially with all the newer TSS (Tungsten Super Shot) loads. It's a lot lighter to carry up a mountain than the heavy 12-gauge, and with the right choke, it'll drop a bird with 40 yards with no blinking.
Also, consider a lightweight vest or even even an upper body rig. You want to stay mobile. If you're having a giant, large vest filled with three different brands of water plus a five-course food, you're going in order to hate life simply by noon. Keep it lean, maintain it quick, and stay hydrated. The altitude will be no joke, and it'll zap your energy faster than you realize.
Why the time and effort is worth it
At the finish of the day, colorado merriam turkey hunts are on the subject of more than simply filling a tag. It's about being on the market when the particular world is waking up. There's nothing quite like standing up on a shape at 5: 30 AM, watching the sun hit the peaks, and listening to a gobble mirror through a canyon 3 times before you even view the bird.
It's the challenge, for certain. You'll probably get winded, you'll definitely get frustrated when a bird chickens up and ignores you, and also you might get a little sunburned or frostbitten—maybe in the exact same day. But when you finally see that white-tipped fan coming with the brush, and every thing clicks into place, you'll realize exactly why people keep returning to these mountains every single year.
So, grab your boot styles, sharpen your diaphragm calls, and get out there. The Merriams are waiting, and there's plenty associated with room in the high country with regard to one more hunter looking for the bit of journey. Just remember to take a breath and enjoy the particular view—it's half the reason we go in any case.