Pursuing Rio Grande Turkey in Beautiful New Mexico
Taking on the Rio Grande turkey in the great southwestern state of New Mexico comes with its own set of ups and downs, as any worthwhile hunting endeavor does, but there are several advantages to hunting for Rio Grande turkey in New Mexico, in particular. Abundant Gobblers and world-class callers combine to make this New Mexico-style, Rio Grande turkey hunt a dream come true. Aside from hunting Rio Grande turkey solely in New Mexico, the subspecies are hunted by many outfitters in several states, leaving no shortage of gobbling to enjoy. Whether a novice turkey hunter or a seasoned veteran looking to complete a slam, you'll find plenty to learn, plenty to enjoy, and even more to remember.
See why New Mexico – and its surrounding regions – have such liberal bag limits for Rio Grande turkeys, with many of these prime Rio Grande turkey-hunting spots not far at all from airports and major arteries. Although they may not rival Rio Grande turkey populations, Merriam's turkeys are also fun to hunt, and numbers continue to increase on many New Mexico ranches. There are more than enough turkeys to provide ample gobbling of different species, and to ensure Rio Grande turkey-hunting success, in particular!
Many New Mexico-based outfitters and guides offer excellent turkey hunting for either Merriam or Rio Grande wild turkeys. The natural habitat of New Mexico provides the diversity of river country, farmland and natural grass and brush for the Rio Grande turkey, not to mention that many turkeys have found deer feeders on New Mexico land!
Not many New Mexico turkey-hunting locations are overhunted, nor will you not have to worry about competing with too many hunters while you track down that trophy Rio Grande turkey! Experienced hunters are welcome to hunt on their own in New Mexico, but if you prefer a guide, many New Mexico guides can accommodate you. If you complete your Rio Grande turkey hunting and still have a hunting itch that needs scratched, New Mexico hunting land also features some wild hogs or coyotes, and there is nothing like hitting a prairie dog town with a few boxes of bullets either.
The official New Mexico Merriam and Rio Grande turkey hunting dates, whether for shotgun or bow hunting, are mid-April to mid-May. The average price for a New Mexico Rio Grande turkey hunt, with bow or shotgun is approximately $250 per day, not including hunting licenses. The price for an in-state license is $29.00, and out-of-state licenses are $104.00 each, with both residents and non-residents getting a second turkey for just $10.00.