The turkeys we hunt are primarily in remote areas and live many miles from human civilization. Unlike Nebraska or other transplant States, these are truly "wild turkeys." They live in their natural forested, mountain habitat with no food plots, no farm fields, no feeders or other human influence. Since Merriam's are mountain dwelling turkeys, our hunts take place in the Ponderosa Pine forests at elevations around 6500 to 8500 feet. The mountainous hunt area has breathtaking scenery and great temperatures of around 75 degrees in the day and 40 degrees at night. Arizona Shotgun Spring Season Merriam's turkey tags are on a lottery draw. We typically hunt for northern Arizona Merriam's turkey within public land, such as the Coconino National Forest. These are fully-guided turkey hunts. Hunters are led into the field daily by an experienced Merriam's turkey guide in order to provide the highest chances for success. Our guides are very familiar with the area, terrain, where the birds hang-out, and more importantly, the techniques needed to effectively hunt native mountain Merriam's turkeys. We conduct 1-on-1 and 2-on-1 turkey hunts, but to increase odds of harvesting, each hunter should consider having their own guide. If choosing 2-on-1, it is a requirement that you bring the other hunter to share the guide with. If you cannot find a hunting partner, you will have your own personal guide and get the 1-on-1 rate. We keep camp sizes to a minimum to ensure the utmost quality of the hunting experience. Northern Arizona is home to the Merriam’s wild turkey, whereas southern Arizona is where the Gould's turkey resides. Historically, the Merriam's turkey was only found in 3 states: Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado. Merriam's have been transplanted from these three states to many parts of the country, but a unique place to hunt them is in their indigenous area. Arizona turkeys are wild and native birds. This is where the Merriam's originated, so they are pure. There is no hybridization in our areas like some other areas of the country that offer Merriam's turkey hunting. Characteristics: The bright colors of the Arizona Merriam's turkey will amaze hunters that are only familiar with the other turkey subspecies. Merriam's have a cream-white accent on the outer edge of the tail feathers and rump, unlike the Eastern, Osceola, and Rio Grande turkeys (Gould's typically have pure white). It's light colored tail tips are an intermediate between the tan Rio's and the white Gould's. The primary wing feathers are mostly white with small black accent bars (the opposite is true with the wing barring on the other 3 sub-species).