Sick or not Sick

[Wacenturion]

Intruder....It is the adaptation that makes the subspecies....so yes I would completely agree with you.  Rios and Merriams would not however end up in the thick woods of the south or western Washington, but if they did, they too would probably adapt and take on survival traits like those of the easterns. 

If we think about it...Rio's are open county turkeys especially in native states like Texas and Kansas....more eyesight dependent than the other senses.  Merriams...open timber country..New Mexico, Arizona...and our N.E.....eyesight dependent and somewhat hearing dependent.  Easterns...the "forest turkey"....dependent on all survival senses, especially hearing more than the other two subspecies.  You know, something around every bush that wants to eat you and I can't see them. 

So I would sum it up this way....Rios are soft cause they generally only rely on eyesight.  Merriams are somewhat soft only relying on eyesight and their hearing every so often according to cover.  Easterns....tuff, can't afford to be lazy with any situation....therefore the winner in the tuff turkey to kill contest.  This study is heavily based on scientific findings.....lol.... 

[tlbradford]

I agree with what Bone said, but he may have been just feeding too.  Maybe a bunch of grubs at the log?  I have shot old birds that weighed less than some younger ones with shorter beards and spurs.  I think it is fairly common.  16 doesn't seem too out of the ordinary.  That is a huge beard.  Anything over 11" is pretty rare since they get worn down from feeding.

[Phantom Gobbler]

Now we know why some of you start on the Dryside with the Rios (Easiest to Hunt) in Lincoln County, Head North/Northeast for your Merriam's (Second Easiest to Hunt) and then spend the rest of the season searching for the Ghostly Easterns (Mythical Status like a Native Steelhead) on the Wetside?  Or did I get this order wrong?   

Don't know if I will ever get a Multi-Season Washington Slam??

P.G.

[yelp]

I guess it comes down to money and time for me..I don't have a lot of either.  Lincoln county birds can be tough..I have had them give me hard times every year..nothing is a gimme!

[Phantom Gobbler]

I guess it comes down to money and time for me..I don't have a lot of either.  Lincoln county birds can be tough..I have had them give me hard times every year..nothing is a gimme!

Yelp,    I think a lot of it boils down to T&M and also getting to know an area well.  One property that we have hunted for several years in Colville, we have yet to harvest a bird from.  We have had some close encounters......but nada so far.  This doesn't stop us from trying it every season.................... and one of these years it will produce!   

[Turkeyman]

I agree time and money. Knowing the birds and there habits in the area you are hunting in and adapting hunting styles is key. Terrain the birds live in and how they use it can make them all  tough at times. Some tom's know matter what species can be tough to harvest for allot of reason 

[JBar]

The hunters were along ways from the roost, If the bird new they were there he would of ran or flew. The Tom was behind the log for more then 2  hours.

I don't know, but when I'm in the woods and get up in the morning there's only one reason I would go sit behind a log for 2 hours and I usually come out a couple of pounds lighter

[Wacenturion]

Now we know why some of you start on the Dryside with the Rios (Easiest to Hunt) in Lincoln County, Head North/Northeast for your Merriam's (Second Easiest to Hunt) and then spend the rest of the season searching for the Ghostly Easterns (Mythical Status like a Native Steelhead) on the Wetside?  Or did I get this order wrong?   

Don't know if I will ever get a Multi-Season Washington Slam??

P.G.

Actually no...If I'm trying for a single season slam, I'll do whatever to get that Eastern out of the way first.  It's tough either way you approach it and whatever bird you start or finish with....but for me getting the eastern first makes it seem somewhat more obtainable......at least I make myself believe that..........lol.   

So with that being said, we'll see how it goes with the Rios and Merriams in that order.  Not even thinking about attempting the slam this year, but if for some reason the turkey gods bless me this spring I might be spending the last part of the season chasin after an Eastern.  That would not be ideal as they don't like to come out and play.................... in mid to late may.  
 

[Phantom Gobbler]

Slayer,  Bet you'll be looking behind every log this spring on your hunting properties!!      Good luck getting the NE Merriam's Spring Slam again this year!   

[boneaddict]

I have the perfect picture of this......but can't find it.  Its a tom peeking up over a log at me sneaking closer.