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Author Topic: Merriam's or Easterns?  (Read 1592 times)

Offline salish

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Merriam's or Easterns?
« on: May 21, 2023, 10:47:09 AM »
I shot this tom in Montana this past week. Is this an Eastern or Merriam's?



Offline Dan-o

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Re: Merriam's or Eastern?
« Reply #1 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.
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Offline salish

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Re: Merriam's or Eastern?
« Reply #2 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.

Offline cem3434

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Re: Merriam's or Eastern?
« Reply #3 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.
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Offline ctwiggs1

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Re: Merriam's or Easterns?
« Reply #4 on: May 21, 2023, 01:20:37 PM »
Merriams

Nice bird!

Offline salish

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Re: Merriam's or Eastern?
« Reply #5 on: May 21, 2023, 01:46:43 PM »
100% merriam turkeys. Easterns will be darker and have darker tips on the fans whereas merriams have the creamy whitish color.

Thank you.

Offline Russ McDonald

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Re: Merriam's or Eastern?
« Reply #6 on: May 21, 2023, 02:10:13 PM »
Merriam for sure.   

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