Spring Turkey Hunting Tips - Merriam's Turkey Hunting

Tips From A Turkey Guide

1) Don’t get too close. Set up a couple hundred yards from a gobbling turkey so you don’t risk spooking him.

2) Don’t call much. Use soft yelps and clucks to let the bird know where you are and then quit calling. If the bird gobbles then answer him with some soft yelps, purrs and clucks and go silent again.

3) Be ready. Have your shotgun shouldered and pointed in the direction of the last gobble. Once the bird is in sight you need to have your head down on the gun, safety off and be pointed in the right direction. Any movement at this point on your part is suspect to getting you busted by the bird’s amazing eyesight.

4) Let the turkey find you. If the tom is heading in your direction don’t call. Let him come find you.

5) Be Patient. Don’t be in a hurry to get up if your bird doesn’t gobble. Wait him out. If he ends up gobbling away from you and doesn’t come back after 40 minutes to an hour, pickup and move.

6) Listen. When you move to a new spot in the morning, listen for 5 to 10 minutes before calling. Many times if a hot bird is in the area he’ll gobble and you can pinpoint his location without announcing your presence.
If you’d like to gain an education in turkey hunting, then I highly recommend you spend three days with Scott Croner at the Nebraska Hunting Company. For more information or to book your next hunt, visit www.merriamsturkey.com or call (855) 473- 2875

David Marshall Harvests Merriams Turkey In Nebraska

Scott,

    Just wanted to thank you for probably what I could call the best and most exciting turkey hunt I've ever had! I knew it was going to be a success when you have a guide who works harder to fill your tag than most hunters do to fill their own.
    I have hunted with other outfitters before but none seem to measure up to the experience that I recently had with you and the great hospitality that I was shown.
    There wasn't once that we went out that there weren't birds seen and worked, GREAT strutting  Merriam's Toms everywhere. This is probably the closest thing to a one hundred percent hunt that a person could get. Everything is there that one would want for a great experience. You've got the high energy Guide, lots of birds, great food, camaraderie, and a successful hunt. If anyone ever asks me about my hunt, I will never hesitate to point them in your direction and give them all the info. they need to contact you so that they too can have the opportunities that I was given on my hunt.
    This was a unique experience for me, not your typical southern turkey hunt. Lots of fast paced hunting action. I saw more turkeys in a day and a half hunting than almost a whole spring season most other places.
    I am truly appreciative of the efforts that was put forth in order for me to harvest the birds I came home with. I am looking forward to returning next year and plan to bring my wife along to hunt as well. I almost hated to leave I was having so much fun, but you can only do so much once you're tagged out.
    See you next year Scott, and thanks again.

    Sincerely, David Marshall
   
        P.S. Scott, I took one of the Trophy birds I harvested at your place to the Taxidermist today.

Merriam's Spring Turkey Hunt 2011 - Opening Date

Merriam's Spring Turkey Opens April 16, 2011 and will close at the end of May. Book Your 2011 Hunt and finish your Grand Slam.

Merriam's Spring Turkey Brochure

2010 Spring Turkey - Biggest Season Ever

© 2010 Scott Croner and
Nebraska Hunting Company™

Wow who would have thought it was possible that 2010 would be bigger than 2009. Here are the stats.



40 Clients - Harvested 104 Gobblers - 32 Days

Best to you,
Scott Croner
Nebraska Hunting Company

Albert A Rasch
Spoons: They're Not Just for Cereal!The Range Reviews: AGI Armorer's Course 1911 AutoBoar Hunting Calibers: Part I

Hunting Merriam's Turkeys: Hints and How-to's

Hunting Merriam's Turkey: Hints and How-to's
Reprinted with permission from:
Hunting Merriam's Turkeys: Hints and How-to's

For those pursuing any of the National Wild Turkey Federation Slams, finding a great spot to hunt the Merriam's turkey can be a challenge. As we have discussed before, the reintroduction of wild turkeys in Nebraska began in 1959. Twenty eight Merriam's turkeys trapped in South Dakota and Wyoming were released in the Pine Ridge area of Nebraska. Although Merriam's were not native to Nebraska, Pine Ridge was to their liking and in just four nesting seasons, the Merriam's population grew to 3,000 birds!

Further introductions of Rio Grande and Eastern turkeys increased the wild turkey population substantially. This has also had the effect of creating some interesting hybrids. The hybrids tend to be larger and brawnier than their purebred cousins, making them trophies in their own right.

For hunters in the pursuit of a trophy Merriam's turkey, the answer may be hunting the Pine Ridge area of Northwest Nebraska. Located between the Niobrara and White Rivers, the Pine Ridge is a high table top escarpment range where the turkeys are numerous, and the terrain is a challenge.

An escarpment is a natural geological uplift along a fault line or series of fault lines. It is characterized by steep elevations, cliffs, and canyons. It is also accented by the different erosion rates of the assorted geological strata which help in creating ridges and buttes. The Pine Ridge is well forested and in conjunction with the rugged terrain, creates a natural haven for the Merriam's turkey.

The Sandhills of Nebraska
Another premier area for Merriam's turkeys is the Sandhills region in north central Nebraska. The Sandhills region is a fascinating ecosystem that few people are aware of, and supports a thriving family of diverse plants and animals. Created by vast deposits of sand eroded from the Rockies and left there by glaciers, the Sandhills create an undulating topography, with innumerable micro wetlands and ponds between the vegetation covered dunes. It is actually the nation's largest wetland ecosystem and helps to replenish the vast Ogallala Aquifer. It is also the home to mule deer, bison, pronghorn deer, whitetail deer, and elk!

Merriam's tend to congregate through the few drainages that cut through the Sandhills. Most of that land is privately owned so it really is necessary to have an outfitter that can get you access. Turkeys look for tall trees to roost in and the river bottoms provide them. During the days they spend their time foraging throughout the rich dunes and grasslands of the Sandhills.

Clothing revolves around the Nebraska elements, and camouflage. Weather in Nebraska, especially in the spring can be, to put it politely, variable! You can get early spring storms that dump snow on one day, to near summer time temperatures the next. It is important that you dress accordingly. Check the long range weather reports before you leave, and bring appropriate gear in anticipation. Good boots for hiking are a prerequisite in the Pine Ridge area, while waterproof boots are imperative in the potholes of the Sandhills region.

Good camouflage and movement control are prerequisites for success. Turkeys have eyes practically at the top of their skulls, so they don't have to show much of their noggins to get a good look around. Touch base with your outfitter to get a handle on the proper camo pattern to wear. Good camo is an asset, but being still and quiet are more important. Turkeys have keen eyesight and will pick up unusual movements in the proverbial blink of an eye.

Calling is another challenge. The trick is to pick up the local dialect! As it turns out, turkeys have regional differences in their vocalization patterns. Your best bet is to start softly when emulating a hen, and work your way up. Remember, a tom will usually stick with the hen he has, rather than chase the one he can't see. Again, a good outfitter and guide can help you with the particulars. Scott Croner of Nebraska Hunting Company explained the differences in the different types of calls and the different ways to apply them in different hunting conditions and terrains.

Scott also explained to me the different decoy strategies that he employs in the various concessions that he manages and guides on. Hens, junior jakes, and tom decoys are all used in different fashions to entice gobblers into shooting range.

The more I learn about the different turkeys and the paraphernalia that you can get, (Of course I need another box call honey.), the more fascinated I have become by the siren call of the gobbler.

On another note, one of our blogging friends, Rick at Whitetail Woods loves his whitetails, but he is also an avid turkey hunter. He recently posted a quick article on a NWTF Grand Slam that was awarded to Jessica Haack. You can read about it at Whitetail Woods, Grand Slam of Turkey Hunting.

Matt Heath Jr. & Sr. both say, "It's FANtastic!"

© 2010 Scott Croner and
Nebraska Hunting Company

Another Customer Reference!

Here is what Matt Heath of Conyers, Ga has to say about hunting with Nebraska Hunting Company and turkey hunting guide Scott Croner: Hunting Merriam's Turkey, Nebraska turkey hunting, hunting turkey in Nebraska
"Hunting with Scott Croner and Nebraska Hunting Company is an incredible experience – great accommodations, great food, a great guide and LOTS AND LOTS of hard gobbling Merriam’s toms!!!

My 14 year old son and I had an amazing hunt – Matthew shot 2 awesome gobblers in 2 days of hunting!!!

I highly recommend Spring Turkey Hunting with Nebraska Hunting Company – it is FANtastic!!! Gotta see Scott’s FAN TRICK!!!"

That is one satisfied customer, and another young hunter who will always remember his double!


Matt Heath Sr.
Conyers, GA
(770)653-9712

Steve Miller - Merriams Turkeys 2010

© 2010 Scott Croner and
Nebraska Hunting Company

Another Customer Reference!

Here is what Steve Miller has to say about hunting with Nebraska Hunting Company and well known Nebraska turkey hunting guide Scott Croner: Hunting Merriam's Turkey, Nebraska turkey hunting, hunting turkey in Nebraska

"So…you want to kill a white-tipped Merriam’s gobbler…eh? Well…there are several routes to accomplish that feat; however, my most highly recommended course of action is too hook up with Scott Croner of Nebraska Hunting Company!

What can you expect?

A guide who is highly adept at locating, calling, and getting you into gun range of the wily Merriam gobbler. Scott is the hardest working guide I have ever seen. His turkey knowledge is limitless…his access to land…unmatched…and his drive and willingness to please you….the client…priceless.

What can you expect?

Outstanding accommodations at Bucks Lodge…classic ranch accommodations…outstanding food…the most hospitable hostess you will ever meet…two full days of hunting in some of God’s most beautiful country….the Nebraska Sandhills…with a guide who knows the country and the birds…you will see 30 -40 strutters…and most of them will be down your gun barrel within 20 yards…and yes….you will achieve success.

What can you expect?

This hunt is extremely cheap for what you get and you will return with beautiful birds…memories of a lifetime…and a wealth of knowledge on how to approach these Merriam’s gobblers…you cannot go wrong with Scott Croner of Nebraska Hunting Company…his numbers and repeat customers speak for themselves…only 104 birds this year.

SIMPLY THE BEST!!!!

Steve Miller

We value our clients privacy! References are available upon request!

Ron B. Scores with his 10 Gauge

© 2010 Scott Croner and
Nebraska Hunting Company

Another Customer Reference!

Here is what Ron B. has to say about turkey hunting guide Scott Croner and hunting with Nebraska Hunting Company: Hunting Merriam's Turkey, Nebraska turkey hunting, hunting turkey in Nebraska
"Scott, I want to thank you once again for your very first "handicap" hunt. Hopefully I can get this straightened out for a return trip. Also the final tally.

9"- 7 1/2"- 7 1/2"- 5 1/2"- 4" on the beards.

I attached a couple of pics.

Thanks again!
Ron "

Ron B. took his trophy Merriams with his trusty 10 gauge!

As you know, we value our client's privacy!
References are readily available upon request.