Merriams or Rios?

[Soonerlongbow]

I'm in Northern Colorado near Ft. Morgan and I'm watching a group of thunder chickens from a distance of 400yds or so. Was just curious what the most likely subspecies is around here? They are standing in the middle of a prairie of several thousand acres.

[Jackrhendricks]

Rios, although  The division of wildlife reintroduced most of the turkeys on Colorado's Eastern plains and there is speculation there are hybrids that were introduced. From what I've read and seen with the birds I've taken is the rio traits seem to be dominant. If you get the chance to hunt them along the platte, do so. The hunting is spectacular.

[Flingblade]

When I read the title I thought this was going to be a blondes vs. brunettes type thread.  Ha ha.  The Rios have tan tips to the tail feathers and the Merriams  are almost white.  Slip an arrow through one and we'll have a good close look.  Good luck with your hunt!

[Soonerlongbow]

When I read the title I thought this was going to be a blondes vs. brunettes type thread.  Ha ha.  The Rios have tan tips to the tail feathers and the Merriams  are almost white.  Slip an arrow through one and we'll have a good close look.  Good luck with your hunt!

Oh trust me, I'd love to! But I'm at work and we're on a large ranch with numerous no hunting signs. Large ranch known for eagles and horses.

[Charlie Lamb]

Sometimes "No Hunting" means ask first. You're in a good position to approach the owner.

[old_goat2]

Fish and Game says they are Rios but the occasional Merriam comes out of the woodpile from the mountains and Nebraska. My wife's giant Tom shot on the Republican River near Burlington that looked more Merriam and my decent Tom that looks totally Rio shot near Fort Morgan.

[Soonerlongbow]

Sometimes "No Hunting" means ask first. You're in a good position to approach the owner.

I would but busy making earthquakes.

[Soonerlongbow]

The pronghorn I've been watching are also back. You'd think as loud as our equipment is they wouldn't come near us.