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My World Slams...

Posted: July 18th, 2012, 8:52 am
by wiltznucs
Its been a fun journey which started in 2000 when as a recent college graduate I decided to try my hand at turkey hunting to kill time while hunting shed antlers. I had a few encounters that season, but never squeezed the trigger. At the time it was just something to do while I was out there anyway. Little did I know in 2001 when I had my first successful turkey hunt that I would be a turkey hunting addict a decade later. I've made a lot of friends and memories along the way. In 2010 I capped off the season with two Gould's gobblers in Chihuaha, Mexico and in doing so completed my first and second Royal Slam. In 2011, I finished out the World Slams by harvesting a few Ocellated turkeys in Campeche, Mexico.

The Eastern,.... these are my first two turkeys. I called them up in Hogansville, GA on opening day of the Spring 2001 season. As I look at the pic, I cant help but laugh thinking "Darn that Atkins diet sure did work!"
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The Rio Grande,.... this bird was actually the toughest turkey for me. I made a trip to TX and OK in search of the Rio. I got set up with some bad outfitters and ate tag soup twice. I decided to go with the public land route. I'd like to say a special thanks to Greg Abbott who hosted me not once but twice in Utah to hunt the Rio. Both of these Rio's were killed on public land in the Fishlake National Forest.
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The Osceola,... my favorite bird! I would have never guessed when I started turkey hunting that this would become my home town turkey. Theres something very majestic about seeing an Osceola glowing in the bright Florida sunshine..
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The Merriam,... 15 minutes of glory. I got both these toms only a few minutes apart while hunting in South Dakota. Thanks to Alan and Tim for lining me up with the spot.
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The Gould,... My most anticipated hunt ever and it didnt dissappoint!
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The Ocellated. The end of the road. Dont knock it until you try it. They can be called and they are a blast to hunt..
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The next big project is a few years away. I'm hoping my daughter wants to be a turkey hunter too. She has some calls and loves the videos. Maybe one day I can watch her record her Slams as well..

Re: My World Slams...

Posted: July 18th, 2012, 9:05 am
by Gobbler
WOW!! That is awesome! Congratulations Man!

Re: My World Slams...

Posted: July 18th, 2012, 9:23 am
by dirt road ninja
That's great. You have excellent taste in hats.

Re: My World Slams...

Posted: July 18th, 2012, 9:31 am
by ICDEDTURKES
Thats a heckuva journey man.. Congrats Thanks for sharing

Re: My World Slams...

Posted: July 18th, 2012, 9:33 am
by redarrow
Awesome accomplishment. That Oscellated reminds me of Liberace.

Re: My World Slams...

Posted: July 18th, 2012, 10:20 am
by YEKRUT
Congrats, and thanks for the pics.

did you use an outfitter in Mexico or have some connections?

Re: My World Slams...

Posted: July 18th, 2012, 10:23 am
by TRKYHTR
Nice.

TRKYHTR

Re: My World Slams...

Posted: July 18th, 2012, 10:32 am
by wiltznucs
YEKRUT wrote:Congrats, and thanks for the pics.

did you use an outfitter in Mexico or have some connections?
I booked the Gould hunt with Brad Fulk and Rio Sonora Outfitters.

The Ocellated hunt was booked through Dave Luke and the Snook Inn Lodge.

Both are top notch operations and I'd go back to either without any reservations...

Re: My World Slams...

Posted: January 17th, 2013, 1:38 pm
by GSLAM95
Congratulations on your slams, did you ever get your Ocellated mount back yet? I know the last time we talked you were putting together a display to remember the hunt. Post some pics if you have it back..BTW I like that Hornstra trumpet in the pic with your Rio.. :thumbup:

Re: My World Slams...

Posted: January 17th, 2013, 2:41 pm
by Turkey Talker
Awesome! Congrats!