Luckily, I'm a fast learner...and while I can't put in for a couple more years, my father was able to successfully draw the same tag this year. I would be his guide.
The trip started out great. Critters abound in Utah's wild turkey woods.
Mule Deer
Waxwings
This mighty fella was keepin' the peace.
We arrived and set up camp. Since we had about an hour before dark, off we headed to locate some birds for the mornings' hunt.
The sign was plentiful. Notice the scrapes in the leaf litter.
Hopefully the full moon would keep 'em talking till we got there.
I found this little spot last year...it was devoid of Turkeys then...but there was lots of sign. A few yips on the coyote call and we got a response.
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With birds located, we headed for camp. Even if it was only .59 miles away...the darkness and the terrain made the return treacherous. (plus I'm afraid of the dark!
) But we slept soundly knowing we'd put 'em to bed.The next morning was picturesque. The birds were in the tree's on both the right and left sides of this clearing.
And we waited.
And waited. The birds were gobbling to our left and right...but soon they started to head for the hills...not for us! Time to act quick.
We sneaked out of the set, ready to make another move. As we crept around towards were we last heard the gobbling I heard the arrant cluck of a hen. We struck off to intercept 'em, and a few "clucks and purrs" from me brought the whole lot of 'em right to our lap!
First a Hen peered around a tree, followed by two others (the bizatches stole my gobblers away!:evil: ) Then the characteristic bright red heads of two Jakes appeared. And finally, taking up the rear was a Tom. Blue headed, tail flared, with wings a draggin'!
It all happened so fast. The hens made us...but not quick enough...they left without a Tom.
And my dad was admiring his first Merriam's Wild Turkey.
The old 20 Ga. does the job again.
For all you eastern boys, take a look at the color on this head! Gotta love the Merriam's Turkey.
19 Lbs aint all that big for a turkey...but when you're 63 and you gotta haul it a mile...it can be a tall offer (I helped him out a bit
) 
Notice the broken wing tips. A telltale sign he's been doing some major strutting.
Should have brought the poles...bound to be some Brookies in there...
I've found water to be an important element in finding western turkeys.
What a neat bird. These Merriam's sure do have a "bubbley" look to their heads. When he came struttin' in his head was Sky Blue!!!
Bronze.
In the buff.
8.5" Beard
While the old fella didn't have very big spurs...his weathered feet showed his age...
The old man was sure happy. He didn't know you could hunt turkeys like this, and in one of the most beautiful places in the county. Thanks for coming along (hope ya'all didn't have dial-up
) and happy trails.
