Colorado Turkey

[Johnnylongbow]

Going to hunt turkey in Colorado. I want to try for a Merriam. I've lived in Pagosa springs, as well as Boulder. Didn't hunt then. Can anyone share some knowledge For DIY in the High Country. I will be in the Ft.Collins area. But plan on going where ever it takes.      thanks    JLB

[sheephunter]

As far as my luck goes they are mythological creatures that disappear when spring rolls around but can still be heard......unfortunately I don't have any knowledge of the Fort Collins area. Rampart Range has them. It runs between Colo. Springs and Denver. Sorry I can't help. Good luck!

[4dogs]

PM Sent.  

[old_goat2]

If you figure it out, let me know, I've been up 5 or 6 times looking for them, seen tracks or feathers almost every time, seen a few hens once, other than that it's been a total wash. I'm a pretty decent call I believe, usually get some action when hunting rios in plains areas, haven't got a merriams to come in yet and that's what's on my agenda this year. My buddy told me there's a fair amount up Poudre canyon, not sure where, haven't gone up there. I usually hunt the Rampart Range, but I did see some elk hunting last year in unit 50 and might try there this year, good luck

[Matty]

If your going to be in fort Collins there are some in lory state park but hunting days and hours are limited. And there are hikers etc. I've seen them just off hiking trails not too far from the lot. But all the same. Hard to get. Also there's a place called crown point. Some up there too near pingree park. Again. They make these huge loops and don't roost like birds in Kansas or the mid west....

[wooddamon1]

Wish I could help, I haven't figured 'em out yet! I also hunt Rampart Range and have only been close to hens...

[Johnnylongbow]

Thanks everyone. I'll check those places out. Are these spots close to heavy populated area's. Does anyone know of areas deeper into the Rockies?
I can remember where I have seen birds in the past (about 10yrs) ago. haha we'll form philly right now their the ones I can see. And come to think,  I remember seeing birds in my yard in Pagosa sp.but only saw them once in the years I spent there.
Are they hard because of the size of their range?
If you find them do they respond to calling?
I can recall seeing them on rides to Durango always in the same area.
I'll keep researching.  Thanks again  JLB

[Johnnylongbow]

@4dogs....         ?

[Adrian Farmer]

John:

I have lived in Fort Collins and hunted turkeys in the area for almost 35 years.  The local population of Merriam'a fluctautes highly in numbers from year to year, due at least partly to reproductive success, which can be reduced to zero in a given year by late spring snows.  My observations are that the population is on the rebound, and I have seen more birds the last two years than I have in many years.  

I have a mountain cabin inside Roosevelt National Forest and this area is good for turkeys.  I, however, will not be hunting the area this year because I will be in Texas for a month (poor planning I guess!).  

If you will send me a personal email I will respond with specific directions to this part of the National Forest.  

Good luck,

[old_goat2]

And then Johnny after you get it all mapped out you can take me turkey hunting with you, I'm good with a call and have high quality dekes  ;-)