Hunting Washington Forum

Other Hunting => Upland Birds => Topic started by: salish on May 21, 2023, 10:47:09 AM

Title: Merriam's or Easterns?
Post by: salish on May 21, 2023, 10:47:09 AM: I shot this tom in Montana this past week. Is this an Eastern or Merriam's?
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Temporary/i-jdkLWKZ/1/aea8e331/L/IMG_0078-L.jpg)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Temporary/i-zHDZ5nV/0/354242f9/XL/IMG_0086-XL.jpg)
Title: Re: Merriam's or Eastern?
Post by: Dan-o on May 21, 2023, 11:43:54 AM: I shoot Merriam's every year. They have fans just like these. Especially the light tips.

I've never shot an Eastern, but check out the couple Eastern pics in the turkey harvest thread. Very dark fan tips.

As a non expert, I'm gonna say they are Merriam's.
Title: Re: Merriam's or Eastern?
Post by: salish on May 21, 2023, 11:51:59 AM: Thanks Dan-O. That's what I'm thinking, also. They just look a little bit different from the Merriam's I normally shoot (less cream). I shot this bird in Montana this past week in an area known for Easterns. I was wondering if they might hybridize with Merriam's. Appreciate it.
Title: Re: Merriam's or Eastern?
Post by: cem3434 on May 21, 2023, 01:18:24 PM: 100% merriam turkeys. Easterns will be darker and have darker tips on the fans whereas merriams have the creamy whitish color.
Title: Re: Merriam's or Easterns?
Post by: ctwiggs1 on May 21, 2023, 01:20:37 PM: Merriams

Nice bird!
Title: Re: Merriam's or Eastern?
Post by: salish on May 21, 2023, 01:46:43 PM: Quote from: cem3434 on May 21, 2023, 01:18:24 PM
100% merriam turkeys. Easterns will be darker and have darker tips on the fans whereas merriams have the creamy whitish color.

Thank you.
Title: Re: Merriam's or Eastern?
Post by: Russ McDonald on May 21, 2023, 02:10:13 PM: Merriam for sure.

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