The Grand Slam of turkeys means that you’ve harvested the four main species found in the U.S.: the Eastern, Osceola, Merriam, and Rio Grande. The prevalence of the wild turkey across the country means generally there is at least one species local to where you live. But how do you get out of your area to hunt other species? LandTrust! Every year, sportsmen use LandTrust to book great experiences on properties that have the species they’re after. Some even book a “tour” of properties to attempt a single-season Grand Slam. So if you’re after that one particular bird, or if you want to try a single-season slam, LandTrust makes it easy!
Choose a species below to see available hunts.
The most predominant sub species in North America with a population estimated at more than 5 million birds, the Eastern turkey inhabits nearly the entire eastern half of the United States. Its range extends from the eastern edge of Nebraska to the East coast and from Maine to the panhandle of Florida, and as a result is the most popular species with hunters.
The Merriam turkey is the main species in the western mountain states of Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota, and parts of New Mexico, Arizona, Idaho, and Washington with an estimated population of 325,000-350,000 birds. The Merriam is very similar in size to the Eastern but is easily distinguished by its nearly white lower back and tailfeather margins, as well as stronger blue, purple, and bronze reflections in its overall sheen.
The Rio Grande is named after its prime location - that of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Northeastern Mexico, as well as a successful transplantation effort in California. The Rio numbers between 1 to 1.3 million birds making it the second most prevalent subspecies. Its size is similar to that of the Eastern though typically a bit taller. The Rio Grande is visually distinct from its cousin species in that its tail feathers and rump coverts have tan or yellowish-buff tips.