Turkey Hunt swap?

[RaggedHunter]

I grew up hunting merriam's in Colorado with my grandpa. We've always talked about chasing after some of the different subspecies of turkeys but never got around to it. We would really like to hunt Eastern or Rio longbeards. But the private land game back east is a bit different than we are used to.

I'd like to plan a trip for the spring of 2027 and take him. I've looked into several guided/semi guided options.. those are still not out of the question, but the idea of going guided isn't as appealing.. plus we would like to save a buck if we can.

Figured I would reach out on here and see if there was anyone who lives in the Midwest or back east with land/turkeys that would be willing to do a bit of a swap.. We come out and hunt some turkeys. In return I would happily help get you on some merriam's here in Co. If turkeys aren't your thing I'd happily help you out with some local elk or deer intel.

 

[Big Sky Guy]

Pretty sure Region 1 Montana is mostly Eastern subspecies? That's what my uncle in law that lives up there told us, probably Merriam's mixed in, but lots of public land up there too.

I grew up hunting them in Ohio but can't help you with access much, family farm got sold due to greedy father and my FIL has a ~60 acre farm but already has guys turkey hunting it. My father also had a cabin in SE Ohio in Noble county and it used to be a lot of B&N Coal and DuPont Energy land which allowed public hunting. Was a great experience as a teenager driving around, hopping out calling and running and gunning longbeards. Around 2006-2010 pretty much all of that land got leased. Mostly for deer hunting. I've since heard some of the prices and it's pretty crazy what those leases go for and also what that land is selling for.

 

[ianpadron]

Pretty sure Region 1 Montana is mostly Eastern subspecies? That's what my uncle in law that lives up there told us, probably Merriam's mixed in, but lots of public land up there too.

I grew up hunting them in Ohio but can't help you with access much, family farm got sold due to greedy father and my FIL has a ~60 acre farm but already has guys turkey hunting it. My father also had a cabin in SE Ohio in Noble county and it used to be a lot of B&N Coal and DuPont Energy land which allowed public hunting. Was a great experience as a teenager driving around, hopping out calling and running and gunning longbeards. Around 2006-2010 pretty much all of that land got leased. Mostly for deer hunting. I've since heard some of the prices and it's pretty crazy what those leases go for and also what that land is selling for.

There are indeed a ton of Easterns running around Region 1, and hybrids. Even in the foothills on public, I've killed more Easterns than Merriams around here... can't imagine a better place to hunt em.

OP if MT would suffice, I'd be more than happy to point you fellas in the right direction, and of course tag along and call for you guys if schedule allows. My buddies around here make fun of how much I love turkey hunting, literally can't get enough of it!

And you guys could both have 2 gobbler tags...just sayin'

 

[RaggedHunter]

I had no idea that there were eastern turkeys in Montana.. That blows my mind! I hadn't even considered Montana as an option. I will talk to my gramps and see if that's something that interests him!

 

[ianpadron]

Shoot me a PM with your number and I'll text you some pics you can show him of the terrain and birds

 

[Okie-hunter]

Plenty of public in both OK & KS with Rios, easterns, & hybrids running around them depending on area. Seeing more birds this year than I have in a long time. KS you do have to draw a tag. If you decide to go the public land route in either state I could give some solid starting points.