Unlike many parts of Nebraska that contain Rio / Merriam’s hydrids, these birds in northwest Nebraska are pure strain Merriam’s.

Hunting is conducted on private ranches that have seen little turkey hunting pressure. This area has rolling hills, open prairie, ag land, cottonwoods and pines which make for perfect Merriam’s habitat.

Can be done semi-guided or guided. Semi-guided hunters are shown property boundaries and places where birds roost, strut and travel. Hunters then hunt on their own. Guided hunts are 2 hunters per guide unless a single hunter books and then it is 1×1. Hunters may do their own calling or rely on the guide to do the calling. Both archery and shotgun hunts are held. The best hunting is typically April 20 through May. No jakes may be harvested - adult birds only.

Hunts include meals, lodging and private land hunting.

Licenses are available over-the-counter or online. Cost is $91 per tag plus a $20 habitat stamp. Hunter Education Certification is required for everyone age 12 through 29. Turkey hunters under the age of 12 do not need Hunter Education. However, they must be accompanied by a licensed hunter 19 years of age or older.

Season dates are: Archery – March 25 – May 31, 2012
Shotgun - April 14- May 31, 2012

3 Day Hunt (4 nights) - $950 - one bird, semi-guided hunt
3 Day Hunt (4 nights) - $1150 - one bird, 2×1 guided hunt
3 Day Hunt (4 nights) - $1200 - two bird, semi-guided hunt
3 Day Hunt (4 nights) - $1400 - two bird, 2×1 guided hunt

Here is a place where a hunter can harvest 4 gobblers on one hunt!

This outfitter has over 100,000 acres leased and an excellent population of turkeys. Deer hunting has been their primary focus so the turkeys have seen very little hunting pressure. The ranches are located in the prairie region east of Rapid City.

This hunt is fully guided. Hunters have the option to do their own calling or have the guides do it. Clients have enjoyed 100% opportunity in past years. Multiple tags can be obtained and up to four turkeys may be harvested on the five day hunt.

Included are meals, motel lodging and guide. Can accommodate up to 6 hunters per camp.

Licenses are available on-line or via mail but not over-the-counter. Copy and paste this link for deadlines and license details: http://gfp.sd.gov/hunting/big-game/turkey/spring-turkey.aspx. Licenses include two turkey tags. The season runs the second weekend in April through the third weekend in May.

Hunters under the age of 16 must have a Hunter Ed card or a previous license from another state to apply.

3 Day Hunt - $1375 (plus 5.5% sales tax) two bird hunt

5 Day Hunt - $2350 (plus 5.5% sales tax) four bird hunt

Sold out for 2012.

Fully guided hunt for Merriam’s gobblers near Devil’s Tower in Wyoming. The guides can call for you or you can do your own calling. This outfitter has over 200,000 acres and lots of turkeys! We booked over 30 hunters the past two years with 100% success rate. This is also a great place for archers looking to harvest a Merriam’s.

The camp consists of modern cabins along with two private bedrooms in the main lodge for couples. Hunters gather and eat meals at the main lodge.

License cost is $72 plus $12.50 conservation permit. There will be no second tag in this area (Area 1) in 2012 due to a research study being conducted by WY Game & Fish.

A hunter’s safety card is required for rifle hunters if born after January 1, 1966 - not needed for archery hunters.

Prairie dog hunting is also available for $150 per day.

Included: meals, lodging, guide, in-field transportation, care of turkey.

3 Day Hunt - $1095 one bird hunt

This is a private ranch hunt near Sheridan. Very little hunting pressure makes these birds a lot of fun to hunt. Semi-guided. Outfitter will show properties and explain the patterns of the turkey flocks. Outfitter will pick up at Sheridan airport and drop off hunters at ranches or hunters can use their own transportation.

Includes lodging, meals and in-the-field transportation.

License cost is $72 plus $12.50 conservation permit. This area (Turkey Unit 3) has a two bird limit. The general license is unlimited and the second is by draw. The application period for the second license is January 1-31 and the draw success has been 100%. If licenses are leftover after the drawing, they can be purchased while supplies last. A hunter’s safety card is required for rifle hunters if born after January 1, 1966 - not needed for archery hunters.

The season runs April 1 – May 20 but this outfitter typically quits running “turkey only” hunts on April 30 so he can concentrate on spring bear hunts and bear / turkey combo hunts in May.

3 Day Hunt - $900 for one bird hunt and $1200 for two bird hunt

Crossbows are legal to use. License cost is $362 for bear and $72 for turkey plus a $12.50 conservation stamp. A hunter’s safety card is required for rifle hunters if born after January 1, 1966 - not needed for archery hunters.

5 Day Hunt - $2500.  Hunts start May 1 and run until May 20 (turkey season ends May 20)

Success runs close to 100% on this private ranch hunt in the Black Hills of Wyoming.
Make this hunt a vacation adventure. After your turkey hunt, enjoy the sights of the Black Hills such as Devils Tower, Deadwood, Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park.

Unguided. The outfitter shows you the properties and makes recommendations on where to hunt. You are then on your own to hunt. You will need your own transportation during the hunt.

This one fills up fast – a real bargain hunt. Can also hunt varmints for no additional charge!

License cost is $72 plus $12.50 conservation permit. There will be no second tag in this area (Area 1) in 2012 due to a research study being conducted by WY Game & Fish. A hunter’s safety card is required for rifle hunters if born after January 1, 1966 - not needed for archery hunters.

Lodging and meals provided.

3 Day Spring hunt - $750 one bird (Season runs April 10 to May 20)
3 Day Fall Hunt - $750 one bird (Oct- Nov)