Mexico Gould’s Turkey success.

[Craig]

Decided I want to try for the world slam of turkeys. I booked this hunt last year and had an amazing time.  Flew to Hermosillo Mexico and met the driver. Made a quick stop for some fish tacos and the Liquor store and then started our 4-5 hour drive up into the  Sierra Madre Mountains to a little Farmining / mining town called Yecora in Sonora. Stayed in a farmhouse with a chef, the guides and a house cleaner. Amazing food. The chef has been with them for 12 years. When he’s not at turkey or deer camp he’s in Hawaii cooking and Breckenridge in the winter. We hunted a lot of different ranches and were into turkeys every day. I got my turkey on the first morning. I hunted the rest of the time looking for a rumor of a couple birds with 12” beards. Passes up a lot of birds about the same size as mine. Had a great trip. Already booked a Florida turkey hunt.

Just a warning. If you’re going to hunt Mexico I would use caution. I would go with a well known outfit that has been in the area for a long time and knows people. We got pulled over by the national security forces. The guides said they work for the Cartels. We also did have a run in with the cartel out in the woods when we were a little to close to an outpost. ( private ranch we had permission to be on) but everything was ok because the head guide has hunted that area for 30 years and had a mutual understanding with the bosses in the area. We still left and went to a different ranch for the day. So be careful and use will established guides.

[Craig]

Couple more pictures

[bearpaw]

Awesome Craig, congratulations, and thanks for the sage advice offered to anyone contemplating a world slam! 

[hunterednate]

Wow, congrats on a beautiful bird and what sounds like an exciting experience. Looking forward to hearing about your Osceola adventure in the future. Best of luck!

[Parasite]

The Goulds are nice. Have you gotten an Oscellated turkey yet? Thats my number one bucket list turkey.

[Craig]

Not yet. But I have a couple outfitters in mind for that one. I’m doing South Dakota for a pure Merriam next year and then maybe a Rio hunt somewhere. Then Florida in 2027 then ,  will probably try the Oscellated in 2028. And an Eastern. Not going to be a fast slam for me. Some of these hunts are getting expensive.

[Parasite]

At least the Rio, Eastern, and Merriams you can DIY on the cheap. I loved hunting Rio's in KS. Easterns are not as much fun cause then dont call as well. Still need to get my Merriams as well. SD or NE sounds fun.

[elkboy]

Thanks for sharing!  Awesome adventure, even if some of the "adventure" is of the more worrisome kind.  Glad you're safe.

The Sierra Madre is so beautiful.  I'd love to get down there some day.  That oak-pine woodland just looks beautiful. 

[Britt-dog]

Very cool. I need to make the trip. Did you take a gun or use theirs?

[Tree Killer]

Awesome looking tom, congratulations! 

[Craig]

I just used their shotguns and ammo. Just a lot easier, no hassle and I think it would have been close to $500 for paperwork and permits to bring your own. they had a semi auto Benelli that I used.

[kellama2001]

Sounds like an amazing experience! Congrats on your success and thanks for sharing the pictures and story 

[birddogdad]

Craig, PM sent.

[pianoman9701]

What a great-looking bird. Well done.