Hunting Washington Forum

Other Hunting => Turkey Hunting => Topic started by: buckcanyonlodge on March 28, 2018, 08:27:29 PM

Title: Cool Color Gobbler
Post by: buckcanyonlodge on March 28, 2018, 08:27:29 PM: Thought this gobbler has a neat color. Not the usual white rump of a Merriams. I have seen toms like this before... but not to common. I took pics of him with a "normal "gobbler for comparison. This one would be a good mount!
Title: Re: Cool Color Gobbler
Post by: Dan-o on March 28, 2018, 09:13:19 PM: Cool looking bird.

Do you think that's natural color variation, or did a Rio sneak into the family tree, or....?
Title: Re: Cool Color Gobbler
Post by: elkhunter1977 on March 28, 2018, 09:21:57 PM: Very cool indeed! He’d look great on my wall! lol thanks for sharing
Title: Re: Cool Color Gobbler
Post by: BPturkeys on March 29, 2018, 06:27:53 AM: I've shot probably 20-25 gobblers within a couple mile radius of your lodge and have seen wide variations in the coloration of the birds. Some so dark you'd think they were Easterns and others so white they are surly pure Merriams. This guy is sure a pretty birds and is most likely a hybrid as many birds in your area area.
Title: Re: Cool Color Gobbler
Post by: Jpmiller on March 29, 2018, 06:38:19 AM: This is one of those times I wish I could see all my colors :ACRY:
Title: Re: Cool Color Gobbler
Post by: baldopepper on March 29, 2018, 07:18:45 AM: Really nice pictures! Birds look like they're getting ready for the spring fling!! Seems the flocks wintered well this year, lot of birds but I think they'll still be in their big winter flocks for the youth opener. Havent seen much sign of them breaking up yet, but the toms are starting to strut their stuff.
Title: Re: Cool Color Gobbler
Post by: Yelper Guy on March 29, 2018, 08:28:08 AM: There is definitely a mix of colors with the gobblers in that area.
I've gotten nearly pure white ones & the creamier colored ones.
I think we've got Merrios!
I heard during the early releases (back in the 60's & 70's)
they confused some of the Rio's with Merriams.
Title: Re: Cool Color Gobbler
Post by: Ridgeratt on March 29, 2018, 08:35:31 AM: Quote from: Yelper Guy on March 29, 2018, 08:28:08 AM
There is definitely a mix of colors with the gobblers in that area.
I've gotten nearly pure white ones & the creamier colored ones.
I think we've got Merrios!
I heard during the early releases (back in the 60's & 70's)
they confused some of the Rio's with Merriams.

They set species by geographic boundries. In the infancy of the importation of a non-native species it was this looks like a good place to turn some loose. Oh does this sound like some other misguided reintroduction. :chuckle:
Title: Re: Cool Color Gobbler
Post by: BPturkeys on March 29, 2018, 08:51:50 AM: Quote
They set species by geographic boundries. In the infancy of the importation of a non-native species it was this looks like a good place to turn some loose. Oh does this sound like some other misguided reintroduction. :chuckle:

A bird could launch across the river (Spokane) and after a minute or so glide could turn into a whole new subspecies. If you where trying to fill a slam you only needed to drive a short distance across the river to get two different subspecies.
Title: Re: Cool Color Gobbler
Post by: Ridgeratt on March 29, 2018, 09:07:52 AM: Quote from: BPturkeys on March 29, 2018, 08:51:50 AM

Quote
They set species by geographic boundries. In the infancy of the importation of a non-native species it was this looks like a good place to turn some loose. Oh does this sound like some other misguided reintroduction. :chuckle:

A bird could launch across the river (Spokane) and after a minute or so glide could turn into a whole new subspecies. If you where trying to fill a slam you only needed to drive a short distance across the river to get two different subspecies.

Exact thing happened one year by Little falls watch a bird in the roost on the north side. I was on the south bank when he committed and launched to come across half way he was still a Merriam's. When he hit the middle of the river he became a Rio.
Due to the fact he misjudged the distance when he landed in the river he was a Duck!!! Got back on shore and looked around like I hope no one saw that. Wandered up to the decoys and then went home. :IBCOOL:
Title: Re: Cool Color Gobbler
Post by: emac on March 29, 2018, 09:31:52 AM: I got one a couple years ago. All i could figure os a merian and rio cross. Notice no tiger strips on the wings and white nails(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180329/c2d4f17551335b43f78bd19fa031a216.jpg)

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