In many parts of the country, July spells are hot, or July suffers hot spells, in any case, the heat can be oppressive. While all this is happening memories of snow and frozen turkeys sound extra appealing. After experiencing an intoxicating Colorado turkey hunt that came to an end much faster than anticipated any “regular” turkey hunter would try to figure out where to hunt next. Well, Wyoming is on the way home from Colorado to Wisconsin, right?
At times it seems like Nebraska is everywhere
On the drive north to Wyoming, hey forgot about having to traverse Nebraska too, the weather forecast for Sundance not only contained rain. But the rain was expected to turn into snow by morning in the shadow of Devil’s Tower. Change of plans on the fly seemed a prudent choice. Check the Wyoming map, err; What Wyoming map? A stop at the Sidney Cabelas fixed that problem with the purchase of aWyoming onXmap GPS map chip. Cell phones do not work where there is prime hunting in the hills of Wyoming.
Wunderground has personal weather stations all over the country for which they provide point weather forecasts. Due to incoming weather, my decision was to hunt much further south than usual where only rain was supposed to fall during the night. The map chip got me to a remote campsite in an area with lots of potential and high enough that I should be able to hear morning turkeys for quite a distance.
Totally content, sipping a hot cup of coffee in a snug camp I figured I’d better refresh the old memory about the ins and outs of Wyoming hunting regulations. “You have got to be kidding!?” my brain silently screamed, a habitat stamp is required, and the kindly elder lady at the gas station forgot to mention when I asked if this is all the license needed to hunt turkeys. Oh, well, bless her, my mother wouldn’t have told me any different.
Turkey hunting destinies do not work out in obvious ways. The jeep’s bouncing along in the dark on my camp’s trail signaling the 160+ mile habitat stamp round trip was nearly the end. I now felt like something great was going to happen in the morning. Thank goodness that Shopko had still been open on this fateful Sunday.
At my predawn awakening, it was evident by the sag in the tent, that snow had moved further south. The good news, the temperature was
Wyoming spring turkey hunt welcome mat
well below freezing which ensured the Colorado gobbler was frozen solid, likely for the duration of the expedition.
At this point in the story, I’d love to write about toms on every mountain top angrily gobbling the snow away and stomping in practically tripping over their beards. But, alas, that is not the way the day went. This turkey hunter did his share, make that more than his share of tromping or slipping up then down hill and dale to the tune of a gobble-less day.
My body tells time, there is no sense to wearing a watch or checking a phone see what the time is, a turkey hunter must learn to operate on turkey time. Whatever in the world that is exactly. Unmistakably, it was approaching evening meaning it would be a good idea to move from my after dinner relaxation and into putting a gobbler to bed mode. Camp is remote, thankfully, I shouldn’t have to travel far, just to point over there and make some turkey talk.
Stretching as I stood up from a good camp meal I put the wingbone call to my lips and let loose some plaintive lost yelps immediately answered by the first gobble of the day. The sound echoed making it difficult to tell where it emanated from, yelped again. By golly, those birds are close and getting closer fast!
Grabbed the shotgun and started heading for some kind of a setup. As any experienced turkey hunter can attest a “setup” can be overrated in particular when you see the strutters heading your way across an open alpine meadow. Hunter movement is not helpful in this case, so I artlessly hide standing behind the closest towering Ponderosa pine.
The gobbling has stopped for what seems an eternity. A peek to see what is going is imperative in my mind. The peek reveals two toms strutting on their toes as if a pair of ballerinas. At thirty yards it’s time to get to the shooting part. Mountain Merriams are not noted for how close they get to a hunter.
As I stepped around and even with the tree keeping my left shoulder in contact the far gobbler drops out of strut and begins eating! The near tom stays in half strut while extending his neck to get a better look at the expanding tree.
This is why it is important to camp where the game is rather than staying miles away.
Perhaps he thought the shotgun was just a growing branch. Somethings we will never know.
Nightfall brought clear sky with bright stars.
Nothing to do now except enjoy the evening.
FirstBubba says
Even a blind sow can find an acorn if she roots around long enough! LOL!
Couple of years back, a friend and I had checked an area, made some “blind” calls and got no response.
There was a HUGE black locust tree setting in a fence corner. We stopped to admire the nearly foot long needle sharp spikes jutting menacingly from it black, flaky bark.
My buddy collected 2 or 3 spikes in the neighborhood of eleven inches long and we started back to the truck.
More as thumbing my nose at the local, unresponsive birds, I hit a few notes on the wingbone….immediately getting a raucous gobble from the other side of the 8 foot tall terrace across the fence!
YIKES!!!
We hoofed it the 15 or so yards to cover and hid as best we could.
Another note or two on the wingbone.
He was so close through the undergrowth, you could literally see the leaves vibrate! (Thinking back charlie, I think it was a 5 syllable gobble! LOL!)
He was headed right for Paul who was set up behind a honey suckle 15 feet to my right.
After what had proven to be a long, fruitless day, the turkeys gobble was spine tingling and fulfilling!
I couldn’t stand it, two more notes on the wingbone!
The responding gobble was almost like standing in the prop wash of a C130! WOW!!!
Then, I realized the bird had turned and put the honey suckle between him and Paul.
A huge white head appeared at no more than 20 feet from behind and impenetrable brian thicket.
A slight sight adjustment and the shot scatters his entourage.
Just a jake, but he sounded as big as an ostrich!
Paul and I still laugh when we recall the event!
Sometimes, charlie, despite all your best (?) efforts, it just all comes together!
Great story!
Nice bird!
I don’t care anything about a “Grand Slam”, but I do think I’d like to take a Merriam’s!
Charlie says
Got me with that “blind sow” for a moment…:)
Go for the Merriam’s they live in great country.
N.C.L.W. says
Great post, FirstBubba! I have enjoyed your story mucho Sir.
By the bye, I surely do recommend a Merriam’s Hunt most highly. Do it up!
WRC says
You and snow seem to mix very well together Charlie.
JM says
Nice story. Sounds like an adventure I’d like to try in the future. Never knew you drove a Jeep. I have been driving them since 16, and don’t plan on stopping any time soon. When traveling do you just keep a cooler in the back, or are you just quick to eat whatever you kill?
Charlie says
Would that be the year 2016 or since your age 16?
During that time of my life, we used to buy surplus Army Jeeps for $50-$100; they came in pieces on pallets. My buddies and I would then reassemble, cannibalizing parts where necessary to get a few Jeeps that were operational. What a hoot driving those around.
Then marriage, having a family forced me into Suburbans. There was a day when these were back country hunting vehicles complete with lockers front and back with skid plates underneath. Unfortunately, now, Suburbans are glorified vans; Which is why, within the next few weeks a Rubicon may very likely be parked in my driveway ready for adventure.
My current Jeep is a Patriot, gets 30 mpg’s but not roomy or tough enough for the serious back country.
A cooler is always with, I can’t eat 20 pounds of turkey in a couple of sittings. I was relieved that the Rio was frozen by morning and the Merriam’s was frozen by the next morning for the trip home.
JM says
Since I was 16. Believe it or not, some of those Jeeps are still in crates. Not going to get one for $50-100 though, lol. A 1992 wrangler was my first car. Once I turned 16 I basically spent my entire life savings up until that point on the car. I now regret it, but I sold it to a family member when I was 18 because I needed a car that would be able to tow a bass boat(I bought a Grand Cherokee). That family member still drives the wrangler. Pretty sure the entire car will disintegrate before that inline 6 engine gives up. I still drive the Cherokee, but I learned very quickly that large bass boats are very expensive to keep up, and sold it shortly after the first major repair. I too plan on trading in the cherokee and buying another wrangler in the next year or so.
Charlie says
Which Wrangler are you thinking about?
Must say I am surprised those palleted Jeeps are still available. Bet they’re hard to start now.
JM says
Probably a TJ Rubicon. I don’t want anything too new…I’d be afraid to drive the new ones they are too nice haha
Charlie says
I know what you mean, new ones are spendy too. However, the doors are removable, the fenders are plastic held on with 6 accessible bolts so if they get scratched up or dented you just remove and replace. 🙂 That being said, the mental picture of me jumping out with a chainsaw to clear the trail as I go… Looks like a bit of work.
JM says
All wrangler doors are removable. The key thing is trying to find a jeep that comes with multiple roofs and doors included in their asking price. Even a used hard top roof can easily cost more than $1,000.
Charlie says
Isn’t that the reason to carry a chainsaw to clear the trail.;) The other solution is to fold down windshield, take the doors and top off; as each branch slaps across the face it’s like saying “dumb guy, dumb guy…”
Got a Rubicon last week and love it. Now I need to find an off-road trailer.
N.C.L.W. says
“Cell phones do not work where there is prime hunting in the hills of Wyoming.”
Very glad to read this! There are many, many areas where this is the case where I live yet I was unaware that there was anywhere in the contiguous USA wherein the wifi had yet to penetrate.
“Turkey hunting destinies do not work out in obvious ways.”
Let’s all petition the dictionary companies to make this qoute the definition of understatement! 🙂
In Turkey Hunting, I am all about these Mountain Merriam’s in the Ponderosas! This is a tale near and dear to my own heart indeed. Thanks be again Charlie, for yet another well told tale! Congratulations on another beauty bird.
Much Obliged, Sir.
Charlie says
There are many areas in the lower 48 with massive cell holes. At least a third of WI has no cell coverage or very sporadic coverage. The thing that amazes me is the number of hunting buds who will not hunt in those areas with me and should I suggest we camp they quickly find something else that must be done. I hunt alone quite a bit due to this attitude.
Late next summer I’m planning a trip up the Cassier Highway, and because my plan is camp along the way, so far, no one wants to join in on the fun.
N.C.L.W. says
Many everywhere are so horribly addicted to their devices that they refuse to step away from them at (seemingly) any cost… Wow.
Thanks for passing some more knowledge along as per conditions in your area.
Please email me when the time for your trip draws near! Especially so if there is anything I can do to help. The stikine (Cassiar hwy) is phenomenal from all accounts, yet the start of it is kitty corner (@Kitimat) across the Province from me, about 950 miles or so. It is a ways up there, no Turkeys!
Charlie says
Thanks, I will do that.
I have been up there a few times, long time ago, more like passing through than spending quality time. Each time I said to myself “you’ve got to come back to slow down and enjoy more.”
Now, that bird hunting is high on my list of pleasures–there are ptarmigan, sooty, dark, blue, and ruffed grouse galore. With daily limits of 10 each / possession 30 each! An alien does not need a guide.
My dog is going to think he is heaven.
One small thing you could do for my fellow Americans and me; please get the guide requirement law changed so I can hunt big game unguided.
N.C.L.W. says
The Blue Grouse was split by ornithologists into the Dusky (east of Coast Mountain Range, generally) and Sooty Grouse. They are identical in taste and habits as far as such things go, yet are no longer known collectively as Blue Grouse according to science/the regs.
There’ll also be Spruce Grouse, which are pretty much identical to Franklin’s Grouse with the difference being physical location (Franklin’s are found in the Rockies) and Spruce have a white tail band with Franklin’s having white spots on their tail feathers instead.
Typically the Ruffies are found at the lowest elevation of all the birds and with Spruce Grouse mixed about here and there, until the elevation gains some where the Birds formerly known as Blues are likely to be… Keep going up and it’s Ptarmigan time!
There is also tundra dwelling Willow Ptarmigan to be had but these are typically further North than BC (Yukon/NWT). Should be some on the North East side of BC, a Region known as the Peace. As you well know, the Cassiar is North West.
Season Dates and Bag/Possession limits vary from region to region Cassiar’s Skeena (Region 6) where as I am typing now from The Kootenays (Region 4).
I certainly would change a variety of Laws and regulations, both nationally and provincially, if it was at all possible for me to do so!
Very glad to learn of your future trip! It’s a great place to spend time afield in some truly wild country. Your’re right, Dog will love it! 😀
Charlie says
I saw there is an archery only season for Ruffed Grouse!?! Who does that? Whomever that is let them know I am deeply impressed!
Charlie says
Forgot to thank you for clarifying the grouse. My plan as always will be to study the regs very carefully and I will be up to speed on all the grouse available prior to hunting. I did notice in the Skeena the rest of the grouse seasons open mid-September so the dates will likely be adjusted to stay later. 🙂
N.C.L.W. says
It’s not what you think, Charlie.
No one is shooting Ruffies on the wing with Archery equipment (well, somebody might be yet that is not the rationale). The point of the season you mention is so folks can shoot the Ruffies on the ground out of ground blinds or whatever while they await some kind of Big Game, should one chance by.
There is very little to no Wingshooting culture in BC (It certainly does not live up to the “British” in British Columbia in this respect). Most people ground shoot birds with rimfire rifles or even their Big Game guns. Even with Ruffed Grouse, there’s plenty of opportunity to ground shoot from a distance or take yearling birds that haven’t been chased much yet. No one is filling Bag/Possession limits like this but it is how most get the odd bird here or there. Usually while road hunting.
Charlie says
Well, that is disappointing. Here I thought there was a subculture of ace archers in the B.C.
Although in the interest of fairness I must admit, I have shot my share of ptarmigans with a .22 pistol while caribou hunting in Alaska. However, they were on the wing and flushed close. You could hear them on the ground but could not see them in the tundra ground tangle. Those birds taste a lot better than Mountain House meals.
N.C.L.W. says
P.S. You’re very welcome! I thought the Grouse info would be a nice addition to the page… Even though it’s nothing to do with a Wyoming Merriam’s! lol 🙂
Charlie says
Actually, it does; next time you have a ruffed in hand spread its tail feathers, and you’ll notice it looks like a miniature turkey.
Heck, they’re even shooting them from blinds in the B.C. that’s the same way many shoot their turkeys too.
N.C.L.W. says
Lol!!!!!!!
Lol!!! That’s a good one and quite creative! 😀
In B.C. there are organizations of Bowhunters who are a very vocal special interest group. Using a rationale of archery being a close range implement making for more Hunting with very low harvest, they’ve successfully advocated for plenty of archery only seasons. This is especially so in the Kootenay Region yet is the case to one extent or another throughout the province. Crossbows are included in these seasons and most who Bowhunt in BC do so solely to take advantage of these additional seasons. Archery is also legal during any and all other seasons. There are no Blackpowder /Muzzeloader or Shotgun only seasons currently.
For any American bringing forearms into Canada, be careful and do your research!
It’s still much easier and less expensive to do so than for Canadians to bring theirs into the USA, yet still requires careful research. One pointer is to never attempt to enter Canada with any type of Handgun. Canada is anti and bad things can happen while trying to do so!
N.C.L.W. says
*firearms! No need to remove your forearms before trying to cost the border folks! 😉
Perhaps this is prescience and that’s what the additional lol was for?
N.C.L.W. says
Cross or Cost?
Okay, maybe I can now excuse my spellchec, autocorrect or lack of typing ability with a bit of creativity of my own – Cost of paperwork for your forearms? Hahahaa Popeye, is that you? Talk about a gunshow.
Alright, good night all!
🙂
FirstBubba says
A trip up the Cassiar Hwy?
A quick “google” tells me motel accommodations are pretty slim up that way. LOL!
Is there a destination (fishing?) for a reason or just a “road trip”?
Charlie says
Ptarmigan season opens mid-August. Shooting them over a pointer, in particular, my current Vizsla is a bucket list item.
FirstBubba says
Sounds awesome charlie!
I’d go with you…camp out and all! LOL!
N.C.L.W. says
Hope to see you in BC if it’s of interest Bubba!
FirstBubba says
Oh charlie!
Only if my crippled butt would allow it!
In my condition, I would simply slow you down.
The heart and mind are willing. It’s the body that falters! LOL!
Charlie says
Perhaps we can think of something else, “easier?” 🙂
huntfishtrap says
Sounds like a fun hunt, Charlie. I’m going to be in that neck of the woods in a few weeks, though not hunting, alas. I’ve always wanted to try a western turkey hunt, seems like a blast.
BTW, while researching a possible pronghorn hunt a few weeks ago, I talked to the folks at onXmaps, and they said that a cell phone with the onX app will work anywhere in the country, whether there is cell service or not. You just download the app before the hunt, and use the phone in offline mode like a GPS. Something to keep in mind for anyone out there who doesn’t have an onX compatible GPS.
JM says
That’s good to know. But if i was taking a serious off grid hunting trip I would want a GPS built for that situation. I love my phone, and it would probably be great for slightly out of the way areas or as a backup, but I would feel more comfortable with a true GPS.
huntfishtrap says
The guy I talked to from onX actually said he recommends the app over the GPS chip, although he didn’t say why. I talked to a WY game warden too, and he said he had no problem recommending the app.
Charlie says
There is no substitute for a good GPS in truly remote areas; they are much more accurate. My iPhone did not work in WY, and without connection, it is worthless for navigating. The maps appeared on the screen but not my location on them. Plus the batteries in my GPS can be changed the phone must be recharged.
Perhaps a high-end phone would do the trick, but I have no experience with those. Besides, who wants to receive a call, text or whatever alert while enjoying some high-quality nature solitude?
JM says
I’ll take what the worker said with a grain of salt, but I’ll trust a game warden. I looked at some reviews and everything looks positive. Most of the negative reviews are overly dramatic or for something small.
Charlie says
That depends on the warden’s experience.