how do you tell the difference between them?

[squeege]

so what makes each type of turkey in wa different, im brand new to it and i know the location matters but how do you tell the difference between them?

[fishunt247]

Color phase. But this is NOT foolproof because just like any other animal (bears, etc) there is no set standard. Generally, easterns are more drab, browner tips of the feathers. Rios will be more cream white on the tips of their feathers. Merriams will be the whitest. That is not steadfast though.

[turkeydancer]

Spot on Fishunt247, only way to tell for absolutely sure is genetic testing ...

[squeege]

thanks for the info so do they test them when you attempt for the triple with wdfw?

[Wacenturion]

Subspecies of Wild Turkey
There are subtle difference in the coloration of the different sub-species of Wild Turkeys. The six subspecies are:


Eastern Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris)
This was the turkey species first encountered in the wild by the Puritans. Range covers the entire eastern half of the United States; extending also into South Eastern Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritime Provinces in Canada. They number from 5.1 to 5.3 million birds. They were first named forest turkey in 1817, and can grow up to 4 feet tall. The upper tail coverts are tipped with chestnut brown. The Eastern Wild Turkey is heavily hunted in the Eastern USA and is the most hunted Wild Turkey subspecies.


Osceola or Florida (M. g. osceola)
Found only on the Florida peninsula. They number from 80,000 to 100,000 birds. This bird is named for the famous Seminole Chief Osceola, and was first described in 1980. It is smaller and darker than the Eastern turkey. The wing feathers are very dark with smaller amounts of the white barring seen on other sub-species. Their overall body feathers are iridescent green-purple color.

 M. g. intermedia has relatively long legs
Rio Grande (M. g. intermedia)
Ranges through Texas to Oklahoma, Kansas, New Mexico, Colorado, Oregon, and central and western California, as well as parts of a few northeastern states. Rio Grande turkeys were also introduced to Hawaii in the late 1950s. Population estimates for this subspecies range from 1,022,700 to 1,025,700. This sub-species is native to the central plain states. They were first described in 1879, and have relatively long legs. Their body feathers often have a green-coppery sheen to them. The tips of the tail and lower back feathers are a buff-very light tan color. Its habitats are brush areas next to streams, rivers or mesquite pine and scrub oak forests. This is only turkey species to be found at elevations up to 6,000 feet in elevation. Rio Grande turkeys are gregarious.


Merriam's (M. g. merriami)
Ranges through the Rocky Mountains and the neighboring prairies of Wyoming, Montana and South Dakota as well as much of the high mesa country of New Mexico. They number from 334,460 to 344,460 birds. Live in ponderosa pine and mountain regions. Named in 1900 in honor of Clinton Hart Merriam, the first chief of the U.S. Biological Survey. The tail and lower back feathers have white tips. They have purple and bronze reflections.


Gould's (M. g. mexicana)
Native from central to northern Mexico and the southern-most parts of Arizona and New Mexico. Heavily protected and regulated. First described in 1856. They exist in small numbers but are abundant in Northwestern portions of Mexico. A small population has been established in southern Arizona. Gould's are the largest of the five sub-species. They have longer legs, larger feet, and longer tail feathers. The main color of the body feathers are copper and greenish-gold.

[NWTFhunter]

No testing, It just boils down to what unit you shoot em in.

[Wacenturion]

thanks for the info so do they test them when you attempt for the triple with wdfw?

No....subspecies based on county of kill.

[squeege]

thanks guys gonna try my luck for the firsttime hopefully we'll get one 

[Moose Eyes]

thanks guys gonna try my luck for the firsttime hopefully we'll get one 

Even if you don't you will have fun! 

[squeege]

thanks guys gonna try my luck for the firsttime hopefully we'll get one 

Even if you don't you will have fun! 

it will be better than work anyday

[fishunt247]

Best place to learn, in my opinion, and probably the rest of your  guys' opinions, is NE. When your are exposed, or have the chance to be exposed, to as many birds as possible, it will shorten the learning curve. Good luck squeege.

[Gobble]

There is no better rush than sitting out in the woods and hearing your first gobble. It's hard to explain the feeling when you do. Trust me my friend you soon will be hooked on it like the rest of us 

[Pathfinder101]

THe only differnece I really noticed was when I plucked the birds.  The one I shot in Colville had a completely different wing configuration than the one I shot in Walla Walla...  THe one from up north had a "thumb".  Otherwise, I couldn't tell the difference. 

[squeege]

ya im gonna try my hand up in colville