![]() ![]() You can apply for both spring and fall hunts, and compile two points a year. “Colorado has a point system for turkeys, but there are plenty of OTC tags as well. Trade your hiking boots and binoculars for waders and decoys and you’ll be on birds throughout the day. The Rios tend to hang out in the popular-choked river bottoms, and the landscape is considerably easier to navigate. For anyone wanting to sit and call a bit more, you’re in luck, Colorado’s eastern plains have an abundant Rio Grande turkey population that’s a bit more predictable than the mountain-loving Merriam’s. In the spring, follow the snow line, and as temps warm the birds tend to leave the bottoms and head for the ridges. “Those of you who love chasing elk around will appreciate the similarities to the spring Merriam’s hunt here in Colorado. Our western mountains offer amazing habitat for Merriam’s, as you can call birds in the hills, but the landscape tends to be more productive for the run-and-gun style spot-and-stalk hunters. “What’s great about Colorado is we have two distinct landscapes. As waterfowl ends in later winter, there’s only a few weeks before the spring turkey hunt is on. From big game, to waterfowl, to turkeys, Colorado has it all. “Colorado is a fantastic state to chase animals around, which is why so many people want to come here to hunt in our stunning mountains. Be ready to put some miles on your boots, either in the hills or along the river bottoms. Colorado has steep, mountainous terrain as well as open expanses. Through over-the-counter (OTC) tags or through a special draw, bagging a Rio Grande (or a Merriam’s) can be done. For more details on these hunts, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/SHARE.”Ĭolorado Where You Can Build Points or Buy OTCĬolorado gives turkey hunters opportunities. Another opportunity that California offers is a CDFW’s SHARE program, allowing public hunting on some select private lands. ![]() Also, they have a youth-only season along with an archery only season. The season starts the last Saturday in March and runs for approximately five weeks, giving you ample time to get your birds. “California’s license system is unique as they don’t require a tag for turkeys, but a small game license covers your daily limit of one male turkey, and up to three per year in the spring season. Covering ground via boat can be a great tactic that gets you away from the crowds. Access can be tricky in the lower country, as much of the area is private land, but there are some great opportunities for the public both via walk-in or boat-in access. The Merriam’s can be found high in the mountains or Rio Grandes low in the northern and central valleys and foothills. “In all my travels, California has the greatest population of turkeys I’ve ever seen. Local Intel: Born and Raised’s Kody Kellom ![]() Add to this the fact that the average hunter success rate is 40% and higher for turkey hunts, there’s a three-bird limit in the spring, and you have a great state for chasing toms. The Rio Grande subspecies is by far the most established here, but you can also find Merriam’s, easterns, and even hybrids. California Where the Rio Grandes Have Made a HomeĬalifornia is a big state, and turkey populations cover about one-fifth of it. ![]()
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