Merriam's Hunt for Next Spring. NM or SD?

[ChattNFHunter]

Hey guys. I am about to graduate from college and I wanted to take off with couple of friends and hunt some Merriam's gobblers in early May. Right now I am thinking about either South Dakota or New Mexico. We want a straight public land hunt so I was looking at the Black Hills National Forest in South Dakota, and for New Mexico I was looking at the Gila, Lincoln, Carson, or Santa Fe National Forests. Which would be your preference? Any tips or experience from these mentioned areas would be appreciated!
If any of you fellas have any better suggestions I am open to them and will take any and all advice. Not looking to do a guided hunt, but really want a public land hunt with a lot of room to roam.

Thanks!

 

[hunting1]

My advice would be the Lincoln near Cloudcroft area if you come to NM due to populations. Congrats on graduating, good luck!

 

[Bearlodge10]

The Black Hills of SD and/or WY would be a good option IMO. I am from the area and enjoy chasing the wild Butterballs in the spring. Most of the hotels are still fairly reasonable that time of year and there are many other sights and places to visit which are close to the hunting areas. Maybe it is strictly a hunting trip, but there is a good selection of breweries, food stops, other recreation and great scenery in the Hills, oh yeah and a good number of birds. You might also want to look at the Old West Turkey shoot in Hulett, you wouldn't have to partake in the hunts but the dinner/auction is a way to meet and greet.
I have no experience in NM, but you have peaked my interest to maybe take a road trip.
Congrats and good hunting!

 

[go4thegusto]

SD is crawling with birds. You can buy tags over the counter in the Black Hills and then usually buy leftover "Gun" tags after the resident drawing for West River units just out of the Hills. These are typically two bird tags. I have heard of guys heading out with 4-7 tags in SD. You can also add an over the counter archery tag.

 

[ChattNFHunter]

Wow I didn't realize that South Dakota had that many tags available to each hunter! How many total can you have for just the Black Hills? Are there any other public land opportunities in the eastern part of the state that would allow me to get prairie tags? BearLodge I will look into Wyoming as well!

What is the Old West Turkey Shoot?