Chasing the Idaho Turkey Grand Slam
Merriam's, Rios, and Hybrids. Idaho is one of the few states where you can target multiple subspecies in a single spring. Here is your roadmap.
Turkey hunting in Idaho is underrated. We have general tags, long seasons, and birds that actually gobble. The variety of terrain makes it unique.
1. Merriam's (The Mountains)
Found in the pines of Unit 39, 43, and the Panhandle. They love steep ridges and ponderosa roost trees. They are vocal but wander huge distances.
2. Rio Grande (The River Bottoms)
Look to the Snake River and Clearwater heavy cover. These birds stick to the cottonwoods and agriculture fields. Permission is key here as much of their habitat is private, but they spill onto public/BLM land daily.
Roam Pro Tip: The "Hybrid" Zone
Hells Canyon. This is where Rios and Merriam's overlap. You can find pure strain birds of both, plus hybrids, all on public land. It is steep, rugged, and full of thunder chickens.
Gear for the Mountain Hunter
Idaho turkey hunting is not sitting in a lawn chair. It's hiking.
- Boots: Wear your elk boots, not rubber muck boots. You might climb 2,000 vertical feet to find a Merriam's roost.
- Vest: Lightweight is key. Ditch the heavy seat cushion for a simple foam pad you can strap to your pack.
- Calls: High-pitch crystal slate calls cut through the wind on open ridges better than slate or box calls.