Nebraska Top Blogs » Merriam's Turkey Hunting - Nebraska Spring Turkey Hunting

Merriam's Turkey Hunting - Nebraska Spring Turkey Hunting (33)

Nebraska blogs (US-NE), 05/09/2012
09:29
Gavin Harvests First Gobbler At Close Range
» Merriam's Turkey Hunting - Nebraska Spring Turkey Hunting

Gavin harvested his first gobbler in his hunting career at close range. His gobbler came at full charge to the turkey fan he took his shot inside of 10yds. His shot was on target and resulted in harvesting a mature Nebraska Merriams gobbler.

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08:08
Gary Walker Returns To Nebraska In 2012
» Merriam's Turkey Hunting - Nebraska Spring Turkey Hunting

Hi every one. If you have read the blogs from Scott Croners site you have read about my hunt last year. It was great. As you recall. I hunted last year in some of the worst weather you could imagine. 30 mile winds. rain and occasional snow flurries.Scott still got me my birds .Well, this year was about as 180 degrees the other way as you could imagine. We had sun, little wind and very dry. This was the problem all winter and spring. Hot weather started the birds early and they were about 3 to 4 weeks advanced. We were working birds that thought it was the third week in May not April. ( the last day I hunted It was 92 deg.).

All the Toms were bread out and didn't want to fight any more. (I guess getting beat up all spring takes a toll on you).. Every thing was advanced about three to four weeks because of the weather, Scott still took me out in these conditions and fond two birds that wanted to commit suicide. Between the two, total time was about 8 min. Now there was some scouting time, but the point is that Scott Croner and the Nebraska hunting co is the premier Turkey hunting organization I have found.,

I hope this blog helps every one understand that this year the weather has made things far more advanced then before. Scott will do everything that he can to get you your birds, he runs, watches and ;listens to what the turkeys are doing, Scott will get the birds for
you, I have never been let down.

Scott Croner and the Nebraska hunting co, Is the only Outfitter I will ever hunt with in Nebraska.

The one thing I will say is that no matter how great Scott is, he still can not control the weather, i promise you, from a previous client, that Scott Will do all that is required to get the best birds possible

This is the best Turkey hunting experience I will ever have. See you next year Scott (fan man). I have already re booked.

Uncle Bucks lodge is great. Marilyn and Walt are fantastic proprietors. It is a working ranch so you will meet a verity of people and conditions. The food is second to none and you can't ever get enough of the family atmosphere. If you need anything all you need to do is ask.

In summery, This is the most professional and personable outfit I have ever associated with. Scott will do all he can to make sure you have a great time/

See you there..

Gary Walker

Please call Scott and book the best Turkey hunt you could ever imagine and I may see you there

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08:02
Sis & Mel Harvest Mature Merriams Gobblers
» Merriam's Turkey Hunting - Nebraska Spring Turkey Hunting

Sis and Mel harvest mature Nebraska Merriam's turkeys.

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07:58
Spring Turkey Hunting Photos 2012
» Merriam's Turkey Hunting - Nebraska Spring Turkey Hunting

Link to spring turkey hunting photos for 2012.

www.photobucket.com/springturkey2012

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Nebraska blogs (US-NE), 05/07/2012
17:34
David Marshall Harvests Merriams Turkey In Nebraska
» Merriam's Turkey Hunting - Nebraska Spring Turkey Hunting

Scott,

    Just wanted to thank you for probably what I could call the best and most exciting turkey hunt I've ever had! I knew it was going to be a success when you have a guide who works harder to fill your tag than most hunters do to fill their own.
    I have hunted with other outfitters before but none seem to measure up to the experience that I recently had with you and the great hospitality that I was shown.
    There wasn't once that we went out that there weren't birds seen and worked, GREAT strutting Toms everywhere. This is probably the closest thing to a one hundred percent hunt that a person could get. Everything is there that one would want for a great experience. You've got the high energy Guide, lots of birds, great food, camaraderie, and a successful hunt. If anyone ever asks me about my hunt, I will never hesitate to point them in your direction and give them all the info. they need to contact you so that they too can have the opportunities that I was given on my hunt.
    This was a unique experience for me, not your typical southern turkey hunt. Lots of fast paced hunting action. I saw more turkeys in a day and a half hunting than almost a whole spring season most other places.
    I am truly appreciative of the efforts that was put forth in order for me to harvest the birds I came home with. I am looking forward to returning next year and plan to bring my wife along to hunt as well. I almost hated to leave I was having so much fun, but you can only do so much once you're tagged out.
    See you next year Scott, and thanks again.

    Sincerely, David Marshall

        P.S. Scott, I took one of the Trophy birds I harvested at your place to the Taxidermist today.

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Nebraska blogs (US-NE), 04/23/2012
11:22
Larry Parrish Hits Home Run With Merriam's and Rio
» Merriam's Turkey Hunting - Nebraska Spring Turkey Hunting

Congrats to Larry on his two awesome Nebraska gobblers in 2012

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Nebraska blogs (US-NE), 04/09/2012
18:29
Jack Croner - Scores During Youth Season
» Merriam's Turkey Hunting - Nebraska Spring Turkey Hunting

Jack Croner score big during youth season. the gobbler on the right weighed 24 lbs. sported a 10 inch beard and 1 3/8 spurs, both birds were shot just off the Missouri River in Eastern Nebraska.

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Nebraska blogs (US-NE), 03/21/2012

16:59

How to Score Your Wild Turkey - Merriam's, Rio's, Eastern's, and Osceola's

» Merriam's Turkey Hunting - Nebraska Spring Turkey Hunting

You can calculate the score of your turkey with our scoing calculator.

Before you begin to score your turkey, be sure to note that all measurements are taken in 1/16-inch increments and converted to decimal form. A current NWTF member or another licensed hunter from the state where the bird was harvested must verify all measurements. A conversion chart for measurements is located at the bottom of this page.

Step 1:	Weigh your bird in pounds and ounces and convert ounces to decimal form.

Step 2:	Measure each spur. Spurs must be measured along the outside center, from the point at which the spur protrudes from the scaled leg skin to the tip of the spur. Add both spur measurements and multiply the combined length of the spurs by 10. This is the number of points you receive for the turkey’s spurs.

Step 3:	Measure the beard length (a beard must be measured from the center point of the protrusion of the skin to the tip) and convert it to decimal form. Next, multiply the beard length figure by 2; this is the number of points you receive for the beard length. If you have an atypical bird (multiple beards), measure each beard, convert them to a decimal number, then add those figures together and multiply by two. This is the number of points you receive for your turkey’s beards.

Step 4:	Add together the weight, the points for spurs and points for beard(s): This is the score you receive for your turkey.

Conversion Chart

1/8 Measurements	1/16 Measurements	Weight
1/8 = .1250	1/16 = .0625	1 OZ. = .0625
2/8 = .2500	2/16 = .1250	2 OZ. = .1250
3/8 = .3750	3/16 = .1875	3 OZ. = .1875
4/8 = .5000	4/16 = .2500	4 OZ. = .2500
5/8 = .6250	5/16 = .3125	5 OZ. = .3125
6/8 = .7500	6/16 = .3750	6 OZ. = .3750
7/8 = .8750	7/16 = .4375	7 OZ. = .4375
	8/16 = .5000	8 OZ. = .5000
	9/16 = .5625	9 OZ. = .5625
	10/16 = .6250	10 OZ. = .6250
	11/16 = .6875	11 OZ. = .6875
	12/16 = .7500	12 OZ. = .7500
	13/16 = .8125	13 OZ. = .8125
	14/16 = .8750	14 OZ. = .8750
	15/16 = .9375	15 OZ. = .9375

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Nebraska blogs (US-NE), 07/29/2011
11:14
Johnny & Teri Hall Score Merriam's Turkeys In Nebraska
» Merriam's Turkey Hunting - Nebraska Spring Turkey Hunting

Scott
"Man what a trip, most likely the most fun ever on what turned out to be a one day hunt.
My wife was skeptical about going along but now after hunting with Scott, she understands the addiction, now she is hooked also and can't wait to come back.
I'd highly recommend hunting with Scott, he knows his business well and at the same time will keep you fully entertained, genuine great guy to be around and did I mention the hunting was great too"

Johnny & Teri Hall
Jonesboro,LA

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Nebraska blogs (US-NE), 05/15/2011
16:25
Gary Walker Enjoy's His Merriam's Turkey Hunt In 2011
» Merriam's Turkey Hunting - Nebraska Spring Turkey Hunting

I just got back from a Turkey hunt with Scott Croner and it was a fabulous experience. Not only did Scott deliver but in some of the most adverse conditions imaginable for turkey hunting. The weather was cold with a steady drizzle with periods of heavy rain. Winds were 15 to 20 MPH with gusts to about 30 MPH. These conditions would make recreational water fowlers think about staying on the couch to watch the Corn Huskers Play instead of going to the marsh. Most outfitters would not hunt in these conditions because you can’t call the birds and stalking takes too much effort. With the versatility of Scott’s style this doesn’t even slow him down. With rain and wind at times so strong I had a hard time hearing what he was saying we took off after the elusive gobblers.

Now I won’t say it was easy because the birds are a little more skittish in these conditions but with the vast acreage Scott has to work with, he had no difficulty giving me multiple opportunities using his run and gun tactics. I have been use to watching the slow, calm decoy method on TV, as most of you have, and this was something I was not expecting. This type of hunting is very fast and very intense. It really raises the excitement level. By afternoon we had harvested my first two turkeys ever. I was elated.

The next morning it was more of the same. High winds and a light drizzle. Off we went. We saw several groups of birds and put on a couple of stalks. Then we decided to check some birds we watched the day before. There they were. Many hens, Jakes and multiple large gobblers. Scott parked the vehicle and got his fan and the hunt was on. Using his impressive and unique technique we were able to creep (belly crawl) to within about 30 yards. Scott told me to take one of the back gobblers. Now by this time I could see one of them strutting just yards away and the excitement level was through the roof. I rose up and shot and got my gobbler. When Scott looked at it he just said “oh my god wait till you see this”. The bird is huge. Over 10 and ½ inch beard and over 1 and ¼ inch spurs that hook up. A real limb hanger. Scott said it was worthy of mounting and that is what I will do. We shook hands and I was still shaking.

The short of it is that Scott Croner and the Nebraska Hunting Co, in my opinion, is the premier outfitting co. in Nebraska. He is very intelligent and has knowledge of Turkey hunting that is second to none. His versatility ensures that even in the most adverse conditions you will not sit around the lodge twittling your thumbs because your outfitter doesn’t want to exert the effort it takes to hunt in bad weather. Scott will get you in the field and I guarantee he will give you many opportunities.

Uncle Bucks Lodge is a very comfortable and friendly environment with great food and a beautiful setting overlooking the river. The owners will do what ever it takes to ensure you have an enjoyable stay.You can see geese and turkeys from the balcony. Scott will do his job impeccably. You will get exactly what you pay for and more. He goes above and beyond to ensure it is the experience of a life time and it is.

After Scott puts you on the birds, the rest is up to you.

I can’t wait till next year. See you then Fan Man

Sincerely,

Gary Walker
Tremonton, Utah

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Nebraska blogs (US-NE), 04/28/2011
17:24
Scott Croner - "The Nebraska Turkey Interceptor " -
» Merriam's Turkey Hunting - Nebraska Spring Turkey Hunting

Trophy Merriams Turkey in Nebraska

Greg Hill Scores Big with Nebraska Hunting Outfitters

Nebraska Hunting Outfitters Guide Scott Croner hunts turkey like a Nebraska lawman hot on the trail of a escaped convict !!!
I arrived at 12:30 p.m.on Friday, with cloudy sky's and winds blowing in excess of 20 mph which are not ideal hunting conditions. But Scott has his turkeys dialed in, and I was back at the lodge with 2 long beards by 5:00p.m.

The next morning Scott set me up on a location he had scouted early in the season. Needless to say, I took care of business at 10 yards with my third Merriam at 7:30 a.m. I called Scott to come pick me up and when he arrived, the back of his Suburban was stacked with gobblers harvested by three of his repeat hunters that he guided on a hunt that morning.

I've hunted with several so called guides in Kansas and Alabama, but Nebraska Hunting Co. is the real deal. I will be back next year to harvest more turkeys, and I'll bring several of my clients with me. ( 5) Stars *****

P.S. And be sure and tip the cook-best prime rib west of the Mississippi!
Greg Hill

870-312-1482
El Dorado, Arkansas

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12:03
Jay Jones And Kraig Dean Harvest 5 Gobblers In 24 Hours
» Merriam's Turkey Hunting - Nebraska Spring Turkey Hunting

Hunting Merriams Turkey in Nebraska!

Five Merriams Gobblers in Two Days!
Wild action is the only way to describe it!

Scott Croner puts his clients first, and on their birds. Kraig harvested all 3 of his gobblers in one day of hunting. Jay harvested 2 of his gobblers along with Kraig and 1 the night before.

When you're looking to make your Grand Slam, or you just want to take your first Merriams Turkey, Scott Croner of Nebraska Hunting Outfitters is the Guide to call.

Whether it is Snow Geese, Whitetail Deer, or Merriam's Turkey, Nebraska Hunting Outfitters and Scott Croner will put you in the game.

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11:57
Ron, John, and Joey All Tag 3 Gobblers In Two Days
» Merriam's Turkey Hunting - Nebraska Spring Turkey Hunting

Return Customers Score Merriams Turkeys with Scott Croner

Friends and clients, Ron and John have made their third trip to Nebraska to hunt with the Nebraska Hunting Company. They brought Joey for his first opportunity to hunt Merriams turkey. Though nothing is ever guaranteed in hunting, espacially Merriams Turkey hunting, NHC and guide Scott Croner put all the pieces together so Joey could harvest his first Merriams Turkey! We can, without reserve, say that he is headed in the right direction, having harvested a great Merriams gobbler.

Join Scott Croner and Nebraska Hunting Company as they hunt Snow Geese, Whitetail Deer, and Merriams turkey.

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11:50
Wengler & Weathers Team Up On Nebraska Merriam's, Rio's and Hybrids
» Merriam's Turkey Hunting - Nebraska Spring Turkey Hunting

Amanda and Lance team up to harvest 4 mature gobblers in less than 24 hours.

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Nebraska blogs (US-NE), 04/26/2011
09:09
Slam - A - Rama By John Ferris - Spring Turkey Hunt In Nebraska
» Merriam's Turkey Hunting - Nebraska Spring Turkey Hunting

Scott doesn’t just put you on the birds he quickly adapts to what you are looking to get out of your hunt and delivers. These are wild free-range non-pressured birds that will give you a unique hunting experience.

I have never passed up a 2-year-old gobbler in my life. On my hunt I passed up at least ½ dozen of them and scored two trophy birds. Scott put me on more birds in a three-day hunt than I see all season in my home state.

Scott knows where to find the birds and has a technique that will amaze you - something you will need to see to believe. My hunt with Scott had many encounters with the turkeys just yards away - that left my heart pumping and me breathless.

100,000 acres, 1 guide, and limited hunters – you do the math - a premium hunting experience. You should go on a Nebraska Merriam's turkey hunt with Scott Croner.

John Ferris
New York
April 2011 Turkey Hunt

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Nebraska blogs (US-NE), 04/22/2011
09:37
Mike, Warren and Brent All Score Turkeys In Nebraska
» Merriam's Turkey Hunting - Nebraska Spring Turkey Hunting

Well it was Mike and Warren's second trip to Nebraska turkey hunting and Brent first they left this morning with 8 gobblers between the three of them in just over a day and a half.

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Nebraska blogs (US-NE), 04/20/2011
06:38
Brodie Gardiner With Merriam's Turkey
» Merriam's Turkey Hunting - Nebraska Spring Turkey Hunting

We just returned from hunting turkeys with Scott Croner and the Nebraska Hunting Company and had an excellent hunt. We shot our limit in a day and a half and could of shot all our birds opening day but took our time. Scott bent over backwards to put us on the birds his also very knowledgeable hunter who knows how to call, when to move on birds, when to stay and call for them. The first bird I took he called in 10 toms and 3 jakes all within 30 yards I have never experienced that many birds gobbling coming through the timber. This was our second year hunting with Scott and we'll be back next year we have been to both Kansas and Oklahoma and there is no one that compares to Scott. He let us go on our own in the morning told us where the birds were roosting and always had lot of gobblers close to where he told us to hunt. Uncle bucks lodge is like staying with family made you feel at home. The food is very good and lots of room to spread everthing out in your room. I have never seen so many toms in 2 days as here at least 100 plus.n When harvesting my birds I always had a choice which one to take. The only bad thing I can say about this place is I have to go back home where if I hear 3 or more birds at first light I think wow haven't even seen anything on television that come close to what Scott showed us he is and excellent outfitter.

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Nebraska blogs (US-NE), 04/19/2011
08:41
Merriam's Spring Turkey Hunting - Bandon Wikman and Scott Croner
» Merriam's Turkey Hunting - Nebraska Spring Turkey Hunting

Brandon and Scott team up for this Nebraska Merriam's turkey.

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Nebraska blogs (US-NE), 04/18/2011
10:30
Opening Weekend 2011 - 12 Gobblers
» Merriam's Turkey Hunting - Nebraska Spring Turkey Hunting

Merriam's Turkey Hunting

Well opening weekend was as productive as ever 12 gobblers in less than 24 hours even with a little snow on the ground.

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Nebraska blogs (US-NE), 04/08/2011
13:16
Spring Turkey Hunting: Tips for Beginners
» Merriam's Turkey Hunting - Nebraska Spring Turkey Hunting

Very few outdoor experiences can compare with spring turkey hunting. The sport can, to say the least, be challenging, exciting and in some cases almost addictive. When a gobbler sounds off up close, or he’s strutting just out of range, even the most experienced hunter’s heart tends to pound uncontrollably. This is because a wild turkey’s senses are extremely keen. Its eyesight and hearing are among the best in the woods. I’ve often heard it said, “If a turkey could smell, you’d never kill one.” Due to a turkey’s nature to flee at the first hint of danger, one errant move can cause a gobbler to seemingly vanish like a puff of smoke.

This is the challenge that makes turkey hunting so intriguing and is helping to attract droves of new hunters to the sport. This article covers some of the basics to help get you started hunting wild turkeys.

Scouting

Before you can hunt wild turkeys, you’ve got to find them. The easiest way is to start with the big picture, locating general areas of turkey habitat, then gradually narrow it down to a certain area, then a certain piece of property, then specific hunting sites. Wildlife biologists, conservation officers, sporting goods dealers and hunting club members are good places to start. Ask about federal and state lands, wildlife management areas, reservoir properties and military reservations. Don’t overlook private lands. Some landowners will grant permission to hunters who ask courteously, or perhaps you can wrangle an invitation out of a friend.

Field scouting begins after you have identified several possible hunting spots. Get a good map of the area you plan to hunt. Drive the back roads during the first couple of hours after dawn, stopping along ridges, high points, power lines, open creek and river bottoms to listen for gobbling.

Use a turkey call or a locator call, such as an owl hooter or crow call, to try to get a response. When you hear a gobbler, mark the location on a map. If you get a bird to answer you, don’t continue to call to him. This often causes gobblers to become call shy and they will not respond to you once the season opens. Additionally, birds that continue to gobble also tend to attract the attention of other hunters who might be scouting the area.

Finally, scout your best locations on foot. Check for signs of scratching where birds have been feeding. Droppings and feathers can also provide you with information about turkeys in the area. Gobbler droppings tend to be club shaped, while hen droppings have a corkscrew appearance. A gobbler’s body feathers are black tipped, while hen feathers are buff colored. Check along creek banks and around mud holes for tracks. In the evenings listen for birds flying up to roost. If you are able to roost birds, come back the next morning and listen for gobbling.

Make as many trips to the area as possible before the season starts. Learn the terrain features: creeks, log roads, fencerows, pastures, etc. This will help later when you are maneuvering during an actual hunt. Hopefully, by opening day you will know the location of several gobblers.

Camouflage

Because wild turkeys have such keen vision, camouflage is almost a must to avoid being seen. This normally includes a camo suit, cap, facemask and gloves. Don’t forget to wear dark colored socks so that they don’t show when you sit down. Many turkey hunters also wear a camo vest with plenty of pockets to carry calls, shells and maybe a snack. These vests often have a drop-down padded seat to add a little comfort while you’re working a bird.

In recent years camouflage makers have come up with a wide array of patterns and colors. Try and match the color of the foliage where you will be hunting. Early season patterns with mostly browns and grays usually blend in best, while patterns with more green mixed in blend in better as new leaves bud out. Always remember: controlling movement is most important regardless of how well you are camouflaged.

Shotguns and Ammunition

The best shotgun and ammunition for turkey hunting is the combination that delivers a dense, hard-hitting pattern at 40-45 yards. Most hunters use larger gauges (12 or 10 gauge) with tight chokes (full or extra full). Shells are usually 3 or 3 ½ inch magnums loaded with #4, #5 or #6 size shot. The smaller the shot size (the larger the number), the greater the number of pellets in a shell. However, the smaller pellets weigh less, carry less energy and provide less penetration at longer distances than pellets of a larger shot size.

Before hunting, pattern your shotgun to see which choke, brand of ammunition and shell load produces the most uniform pattern and density. Pattern performance will vary with different gun, choke, load and ammunition manufacturer combinations.

To pattern a shotgun for turkey hunting, use a target that depicts a turkey’s vital head and neck area (make several copies). The head and neck is what you should be shooting for when your turkey comes in range. Set the target up at 40 yards and shoot from a rest. Compare the number and density of pellets striking the vital area with the different choke and ammunition combinations to see which one shoots best in your gun. You should have at least 8 to 10 pellets in the vital area at 40 yards. Once you get satisfactory results at 40 yards, fire additional rounds at 25 and 45 yards. These rounds will show you what patterns you can expect at different distances and help you determine your shooting limits.

Calls and Calling

Good calling and knowing when to call are often critical keys to success in turkey hunting. Hunters typically imitate hens to call a gobbler into gun range. Hens make a variety of calls: yelps, clucks, cuts, purrs and whines. The best way to learn to call is to practice with an experienced turkey hunter or to purchase an instructional video or audio cassette and then practice the calls taught by the instructor. It isn’t necessary to become an expert in each of these calls to have success in turkey hunting. Gaining a good command of yelps and clucks will be of most benefit to new turkey hunters.

As with camo, guns and shells, a number of different types of calls are used in turkey hunting. The most popular styles include box calls, slate-type friction calls, wingbone and trumpet calls, diaphragm calls, push-pin and tube calls. Beginning hunters should normally consider box calls, slate-type friction calls and push-pin calls for their ease of use.

On a given day any of these calls will work. Each style call has its own distinctive sound. A gobbler will sometimes answer one call but not the others. So, carry several calls and take turns trying them. If one call doesn’t get a response, another one might.

When calling turkeys, less is better in most cases. Don’t over call. The more you call, the more likely you’ll hit a sour note or that your movement will be seen by an alert gobbler or hen that has quietly moved in to check you out.

The Hunt

Once you locate a gobbler, the next step is to move in close and call him into gun range. Your goal is to slip as close as possible without spooking him. Then you “set up” and attempt to call him close enough for a shot.

Remember: when approaching a turkey, if he spots you, he’s gone! Be careful not to be seen. Terrain and foliage normally dictate how close you can get before setting up. Veteran hunters rarely approach inside 100 yards. They may set up as far away as 300 yards if the ground is flat and there is little foliage to conceal their movements.

Use the terrain to your advantage as you approach a gobbler. Stay behind hills, thickets or other features that will screen your movements. Walk as quietly as possible in the leaves, and don’t break any sticks.

When setting up, pick a location that offers the gobbler an easy route to your location. There should be no creeks, gullies, fences, thick undergrowth or other barriers between you and the bird. Also choose a spot that is on the same contour or slightly above the turkey’s location. Don’t try to call a gobbler down a steep slope. Pick an area that provides you with a good view of your surroundings.

Sit against a tree, stump or other object that is wider than your back and taller than your head. It will hide your outline and protect your back from a hunter who might move in behind you. Face the turkey’s direction with your left shoulder (for right-handed shooters), this provides you with a greater mobility of your gun when aiming. Above all, keep your movement to a minimum as you call. If the gobbler is working toward you, then goes silent, don’t move. Sometimes gobblers will sneak in quietly.

If you set up and a gobbler answers your call but won’t come, you’re going to have to change your game plan. You may need to circle around and call from another location. You might change to another call. If you’ve worked him a long time and he’s still hung up, you might leave the gobbler and come back in a couple of hours and try again. Many hunts require several moves and/or strategy changes.

Once you get a bird working to you, get your gun up on your knee pointed in his general direction with the stock against your shoulder. When a gobbler finally walks within range (inside 40 yards), wait until he steps behind a tree or other obstacle to move your gun. When he reappears, aim carefully at his head/neck junction, and then squeeze the trigger. When a gobbler struts, the neck (spinal column) is compressed and the head is often partially hidden by feathers, making for an even smaller target. If the gobbler is strutting, wait until he extends his neck to shoot. A clean, one-shot kill should be the goal of every hunter.

It’s a great moment when a long beard answers a hunter’s call. This is when all the scouting and preparation pay off. It may not always result in bagging the bird, but that’s part of the challenge and the memories. If you listen to a veteran turkey hunter, you’ll note that the hunts most often remembered are those where the gobbler, and not the hunter, won.

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Nebraska blogs (US-NE), 04/06/2011
10:51
Barbecued Wild Turkey
» Merriam's Turkey Hunting - Nebraska Spring Turkey Hunting

Ingredients

One stick (1/2 cup) margarine
1/2 cup chopped green onions or chives
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 Tbsp. thyme and savory, mixed
1 cup broth
3 Tbsp. parsley

Directions.

Cut turkey into pieces across the grain. Cook onions until tender in butter, add other ingredients. Bring to a full boil. Cover each piece of turkey with this mixture. Baste often on grill. Cook 45 to 55 minutes or until done.

Guided Merriam's Turkey Hunts - Nebraska Hunting Company

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Nebraska blogs (US-NE), 04/04/2011
09:16
Wild Turkey - Making a Turkey Cape
» Merriam's Turkey Hunting - Nebraska Spring Turkey Hunting

Making a Turkey Cape

Although there are several ways to display your trophy tom, one of the easiest and least-expensive ways is by caping your turkey.

Caping is inexpensive, easy to do, and extremely satisfying. Simply skinning your turkey from head to tail, cleaning and boraxing the skin and pinning it to a flat piece of cardboard is all that's involved.

Follow the simple instructions below for a good looking and simple way to capture the memory of a special hunt:

•To begin, hang your tom by the head.

•With a sharp knife, cut the skin where the feathers on the neck meet the skin of the head.

•Continuing down the center of the back and toward the tail, remove the skin in an approximate two-inch wide strip. You will notice that the feathers attach to the skin in rows and the narrow strip of skin actually holds a much wider angular blanket of feathers.

•Remove the skin to and including the tail skin.

•With knife and spoon, remove the fat and flesh.

•Cover wet skin in Borax.

•Lay Borax covered skin on large piece of flat corrugated cardboard.

•With straight pins, pin the head end to cardboard.

•Fan tail, spread to the desired width and pin each feather in place.

•With a pocket knife, lay each feather in place.

•Let dry three to four weeks.

•Remove pins, shake loose Borax and hang.

•You may wish to mount the cape on a piece of wood cut to fit the cape.

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09:09
Cleaning Your Wild Turkey
» Merriam's Turkey Hunting - Nebraska Spring Turkey Hunting

If you're a turkey hunter, you're used to making decisions. And, after choosing the right turkey loads, camouflage, decoys and calls before entering the spring woods, it's a relief when the final decision of the hunt is how to care for and cook your bird. Cleaning your turkey is the first step, and regardless of whether you plan to skin, pluck or breast out and cut up your bird, doing it properly is both quick and easy. Just follow these simple steps.

1. If you don't plan to cook your bird whole, start by laying the turkey on it's back. Remove just enough breast feathers so as to expose the skin.

2. To remove the breast filets, pull or cut the skin back from the breast. Make cuts along each side of the breastbone as well as on the inside of both wings or the clavicle. To save the wings, peel the skin back and remove the wings from the cavity by cutting through the joint.

3. Find the breastbone and make an incision down each side of the breastbone to loosen the breast filet from the bone. Work from the rear of the breast forward, fileting off the breast by pulling the filet and using the knife as needed. Repeat this for the other side of the breast.

4. To remove the thigh and leg, cut through the thigh muscle where it attaches to the back. Then grab the thigh or leg and pull up until you can feel the joint pop loose. Keep cutting through the thigh until it comes free from the turkey's body.

Considered the traditional style of cleaning a wild turkey, plucking is a perfect way to prepare your bird to be roasted, smoked or whole deep-fried. Before you remove the entrails or field dress the turkey pluck the turkey's feathers to help keep the moisture in the turkey while cooking it whole. Remove the feathers after dipping the bird in hot water. Some people use boiling water but it has been said that 140-degree water is optimal for plucking a bird. Plucking does take time and produces more of a mess than does skinning; however, the taste of deep-fried or roasted turkey skin is worth the effort.

Plucking vs. Skinning

Many of today's turkey hunters prefer skinning to plucking. Skinning a turkey allows you to cook the bird by frying or grilling the pieces of meat. You can skin and fillet the turkey breasts, and slice as much meat from the legs and wings as necessary. Make a cut just along one side of the breastbone. Then, it's just a matter of working the skin off the breast halves, down the back and over each of the legs. In some states it's illegal to only fillet the breast out, leaving the rest of the carcass behind. Always check your state's hunt regulations, and make sure your turkey is properly tagged for transportation.

Field Dressing

In hot weather hunting conditions, field dressing your bird is a good idea before you clean it for the table. If you decide to field dress your bird, start by placing the turkey on its back. Find the bottom of the breast plate and insert your knife, making a cut to the anal vent. Remove the entrails from this opening and then reach into the cavity to sever the windpipe, heart and lungs. Cool the cavity by placing ice inside the chest.

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Nebraska blogs (US-NE), 03/31/2011
13:19
How to Score Your Wild Turkey - Easterns, Rios, Merriams and Osceolas
» Merriam's Turkey Hunting - Nebraska Spring Turkey Hunting

How to Score Your Wild Turkey You can calculate the score of your turkey with our scoring calculator. Before you begin to score your turkey, be sure to note that all measurements are taken in 1/16-inch increments and converted to decimal form. A current NWTF member or another licensed hunter from the state where the bird was harvested must verify all measurements. A conversion chart for measurements is located at the bottom of this page.

Step 1: Weigh your bird in pounds and ounces and convert ounces to decimal form.

Step 2: Measure each spur. Spurs must be measured along the outside center, from the point at which the spur protrudes from the scaled leg skin to the tip of the spur. Add both spur measurements and multiply the combined length of the spurs by 10. This is the number of points you receive for the turkey’s spurs.

Step 3: Measure the beard length (a beard must be measured from the center point of the protrusion of the skin to the tip) and convert it to decimal form.Next, multiply the beard length figure by 2; this is the number of points you receive for the beard length. If you have an atypical bird (multiple beards), measure each beard, convert them to a decimal number, then add those figures together and multiply by two. This is the number of points you receive for your turkey’s beards.

Step 4: Measure the beard length (a beard must be measured from the center point of the protrusion of the skin to the tip) and convert it to decimal form.Next, multiply the beard length figure by 2; this is the number of points you receive for the beard length. If you have an atypical bird (multiple beards), measure each beard, convert them to a decimal number, then add those figures together and multiply by two. This is the number of points you receive for your turkey’s beards.

Conversion Chart

1/8 Measurements 1/8 = .1250 2/8 = .2500 3/8 = .3750 4/8 = .5000 5/8 = .6250 6/8 = .7500 7/8 = .8750

1/16 Measurements 1/16 = .0625 2/16 = .1250 3/16 = .1875 4/16 = .2500 5/16 = .3125 6/16 = .3750 7/16 = .4375 8/16 = .5000 9/16 = .5625 10/16 = .6250 11/16 = .6875 12/16 = .7500 13/16 = .8125 14/16 = .8750 15/16 = .9375

Weight 1 OZ. = .0625 2 OZ. = .1250 3 OZ. = .1875 4 OZ. = .2500 5 OZ. = .3125 6 OZ. = .3750 7 OZ. = .4375 8 OZ. = .5000 9 OZ. = .5625 10 OZ. = .6250 11 OZ. = .6875 12 OZ. = .7500 13 OZ. = .8125 14 OZ. = .8750 15 OZ. = .9375

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10:50
Merriam's Turkey Hunting - Simply The Best!
» Merriam's Turkey Hunting - Nebraska Spring Turkey Hunting

"Some of the Best turkey hunting I have had in my life. I saw over 30 turkeys a day and we harvested our 4 tom turkeys in 20 hours. Turkey hunting unlike anywhere in the United States."

Wallace Fennell Camillus Knifes - Rock hill, North Carolina

"The mixture of rolling hills, wide open terrain and dense cover of central Nebraska, provides a truly unique Turkey hunting experience. If your in search of the Turkey hunting experience of a lifetime, your search has ended. I highly recommend Scott Croner and his associates at the Nebraska Hunting Company.

Rob Swords - Plant Manager Worthington Steel - Columbus, Ohio

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10:05
Spring Turkey Season Only Two Weeks Away - April 16,2011
» Merriam's Turkey Hunting - Nebraska Spring Turkey Hunting

Merriam's Spring Turkey Hunt 3 days / 3 nights per hunter: $ 1295.00 Archery / Shotgun Package includes: * 2 Tom Turkeys (third turkey $300.00) * Lodging and meals * Transportation once your arrive at NHC, Inc. Lodge in Brewster, NE

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Nebraska blogs (US-NE), 03/29/2011
12:06
Merriam's Spring Shotgun Season Starts April 16, 2011 - Checklist
» Merriam's Turkey Hunting - Nebraska Spring Turkey Hunting

Equipment:
Shotgun
Turkey loads
Turkey choke tube
Patterning targets
Camo blind — where legal
Seat, cushioned stool
Shotgun sling
Turkey decoys
Camera Lo Boy
Lite Chair
Monopod gun rest
ThermaCELL
Compass Maps
Knife
Ratchet cutters
Insect repellent
Flashlight
Trail ribbon
Binoculars
Camo tape
Cooler
Water bottle
First aid kit

Clothes:
Camo gloves
Camo facenet
Camo paint
Camo make-up
Camo shirt
Camo pants
Camo jacket
Camo turkey vest or pack
Camo cap
Camo socks
Camo undershirts
Rain suit
Calls:
Box call
Diaphragm calls
Slate or glass pot & peg call
Glass call
Gobble call
Tube call
Push-pin call
Turpin/wingbone call
Crow/locator call
Owl hooter call locator calls

Call Accessories:
Box call chalk
Sandpaper
Call lanyard
Box call holster

Archery gear:
Bow (camouflaged)
Broadheads
3-D Camo clothes
3-D targets

To Do:
Get license/turkey tags
Pattern shotgun

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Nebraska blogs (US-NE), 03/23/2011
17:22
Merriam's Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo merriami)
» Merriam's Turkey Hunting - Nebraska Spring Turkey Hunting

Complete your "Grand Slam" with a Merriam's Turkey Hunt, Contact Scott Croner at 402-304-1192

Physical Description
Although approximately the same size as the Eastern, the Merriam has different coloration. It is black with blue, purple and bronze reflections. White feathers on the lower back and tail feather margins distinguish the Merriam from other subspecies of turkey. The margins have a dull white appearance. Merriam’s appear to have a white rump due to pinkish buff, or whitish tail coverts and tips. The tail feathers are very conspicuous when the gobbler struts against a dark background. Toms have black-tipped breast feathers, while the hens exhibit buff tips. Hens have a more extensive white area on the wings giving a whiter appearance when the wings are folded.

Average Weight Range
Mature Merriam wild turkeys weigh from eight to over 20 pounds.

Reproduction
Breeding occurs during the spring and summer months (May through August). The increase of daylight hours in spring triggers hormonal changes. Gobbling is used to attract receptive females for mating in late February to early March. Males exhibit both gobbling and strutting to attract females. Gobbling attracts the hen to the male, who then courts the female by strutting. If the gobbler is successful, the female will crouch to signal the male to begin copulation. The first peak time for gobbling occurs at the beginning of breeding season when gobblers are searching for hens. The second peak begins a few weeks later, when most hens begin incubation. Gobblers mate with several hens, and it is generally the adult males who do most of the mating. Hens lay anywhere from 8 to 12 eggs per clutch, averaging about 28 days for incubation.

Food Usage/Selection
Wild turkeys are omnivores, eating a variety of plant and animal matter wherever and whenever available. Poults, or young turkey, eat large quantities of insects and other animal matter to get needed protein for development. As turkeys age, plant matter becomes the primary food source with about 90 percent of the mature turkey’s diet including the green foliage of grasses, vines, forbs, acorns, buds, seeds and various fruits.

Range
The Merriam is found in the ponderosa pine forests of Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and the rest of the Rocky Mountain range, and has been transplanted to Nebraska, Washington, California, Oregon, and the Canadian provinces of Alberta and Manitoba.

Habitat
Merriam’s wild turkeys inhabit ponderosa pine forests, western mountainous regions of the United States and the woodland prairies. Merriam’s tend to live in regions that receive annual rainfall of 15 to 23 inches.

Common Hunting Methods
The shotgun, bow and arrow, and black powder are all used to hunt turkey. To attract turkey, hunters use a wide range of calls to lure them or to induce gobblers to a fight. Calling has become so popular that contests are held each year so experts and novices alike can fine-tune their skills.

Hunting Challenges/Values
With their excellent eyesight and well-developed sense of hearing, the turkey can sometimes outsmart decoys used by hunters as they become more and more sensitized to their presence. Wild turkeys are very good to eat and can be smoked, fried or baked. Many hunters proudly display their colorful capes, beards or full-bodied mounts.

Interesting Tidbits
Turkeys will answer thunder from an approaching storm with calls of their own.
Turkey hunting is one of the most popular forms of hunting.
Hens produce droppings in shapes like a mound, and the gobbler’s droppings are in a straight line or resemble the letter “J.”

Named for C. Hart Merriam, who was the first chief of the U. S. Biological Survey.

More... »
09:00
Nebraska Merriam's Mania With Scott Croner and The Nebraska Hunting Company By Brandon, Wikman
» Merriam's Turkey Hunting - Nebraska Spring Turkey Hunting

Realtree: Community: Nebraska Merriam's Mania: "Nebraska Merriam's Mania

By Brandon Wikman, Bass Pro NGX Team

The rumors tucked away in the Sand Hills of central Nebraska hold more truth than told. Deep in this picturesque valley of cedars, sand and lofty hills, is a sought after secret of the mystical Merriam’s turkey.

Plenty of the country hunted was open, but the birds have a propensity to find and use available cover to their advantage.
The time-crazy world hasn't changed the background of the old ranch town I stayed at. As I passed through the hundred yard main street strip of not-a-whole-lot, I soon became familiarized of what the little town was known for from the camouflage jackets and cowboy hats worn by the locals. I marveled at cattle ranchers stringing barbed-wire fence by hand for miles, while others admired their massive prairie burns. I felt as if I were taken back to the cowboy days and imagined the covered wagons trekking across the desolate land. Sod houses from the 1800's still stood amongst the canyons and withheld their enduring beauty throughout years of erosion.
THE GRAND QUEST
Although, the scenery and generalization of the Sand Hills inspired my historic inner-feelings, I was there to conquer the last species of turkey for my Grand Slam quest and face the secrets head-to-head with Nebraska Hunting Company, a nationally acclaimed outfitter from the heart of Nebraska."

Read More

More... »
Nebraska blogs (US-NE), 02/12/2011
14:57
Tom Thrasher Enjoys Chasing Gobbler's With Nebraska Hunting Company
» Merriam's Turkey Hunting - Nebraska Spring Turkey Hunting

Tom Thrasher
14466 Sherwood Ave
Omaha, NE
402-493-6424
402-740-5811
May 2, 2007

Scott Croner
President
Nebraska Hunting Outfitters Company
Lincoln, NE

Hi Scott,
We just arrived home from our turkey hunt and had an easy drive. It only took us 4 hours
with a short stop for a sandwich and we wanted to let you know that Monty and I had a great time. The hunt was all together different than I expected which was a good thing. My only other hunt involved setting up a blind in the woods and calling birds for 3 days without success. I was expecting the same process with only different results this time. As it turned out, the entire hunt was different. I’m not one to sit still for several hours so your hunt was a perfect fit. It offered lots of variety and action with excellent results. It was like elk hunting for turkey! There was lots of activity and exercise which really made the hunt fun.

We were both impressed with your bird calling ability and George also did a very nice job. You made us both feel very comfortable and I appreciated your constant concern about how we were doing physically during the hunt. You know that we retired folks aren’t always in the best of shape. I believe we would both like to repeat this hunt and I’d like very much to talk to you about a deer hunt this fall. Thanks again for a great time and I look forward to receiving the pictures.

Best regards,

Tom Thrasher

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Nebraska blogs (US-NE), 02/10/2011
17:13
Preseason Scouting for Spring Turkey 2011
» Merriam's Turkey Hunting - Nebraska Spring Turkey Hunting

Well after trip to the woods on the first warm day here in Nebraska it didn't take long to figure out that even the turkey were ready to feel the warm sun on the coal black feathers. I ventured into two alfalfa fields this afternoon to look for any sign that the turkeys had decided that winter might be coming to an end and sure enough something provoke on of the toms to shock gobble down in the timber. Maybe we shouldn’t' rely on a ground hog to predict weather winter will be over sooner than later.

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Nebraska blogs (US-NE), 02/01/2011
08:12
Determine a Turkey's Age by its Spurs | The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles
» Merriam's Turkey Hunting - Nebraska Spring Turkey Hunting

Turkey Hunters! My friend Albert Rasch of Florida has put together a great article on ageing turkeys by their spurs.

Read more at:
Determine a Turkey's Age by its Spurs The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles

All the best!
Scott Croner, Merriam's Turkey Hunting

More... »
Nebraska blogs (US-NE), 01/13/2011
11:59
Ron's Trophy Merriam's Turkey - How Many Beards?
» Merriam's Turkey Hunting - Nebraska Spring Turkey Hunting

Scott, I want to thank you once again for your very first "handicap" hunt. Hopefully I can get this straightened out for a return trip. Also the final tally on the number of beards is.
9"-7 1/2"-7 1/2"-5 1/2"-4" on the beards.
Ron

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