Spring Turkey Hunts

Galan I. - 2011 Trophy Merriam Turkey

Spring turkey hunting in Montana means BIG strutting long beard Merriam gobblers. The Merriam is known for being one of the most vocal of the 4 turkey sub species found within the lower 48 states. Hunting the Merriam differs from typical Eastern gobbler hunting in that lots of wide open terrain allows hunters to use both roosting as a means of locating toms and glassing for toms after they have left the roost. No matter which method proves to be the most successful, the sight of a strutting Merriam tom, with his white band of feathers forming his fan, coming to the call, is heart pounding excitement. My spring turkey hunters are housed in my fall base camp located approximately 70 miles east and north of Billings, Montana. The camp is a ranch house set-up with all the conveniences including: fully furnished house, single beds, shower and toilet facilities, satellite TV, and home-cooked meals. All hunters either drive or fly into Billings, Montana. The first evening, after arriving, hunters stay at a local motel. Flyers use a “no-charge” shuttle service to the motel. Hunters are met at the motel in late morning the day they are scheduled to go into camp. Hunters that drive can follow us into camp in their own vehicle. Turkey tags can be purchased either on-line or after you arrive in Billings. An upland bird license and conservation license are prerequisite licenses for purchasing a turkey tag. All of these licenses may be purchased over the counter or on-line.