Been to 48 states. The one thing you will realize is most states aren't that far away. I live in Maine, Washington is far away, the rest, not so bad. The bad thing is, you miss certain places, you think of them randomly through the day. You know you have to go back. Home becomes more diversified in your mind. Desert, mountains, swamps, canyons, not just a county or a state, home becomes a continent. How lucky we are to be able to see so much diversity all in one place.
Those long spurs tell the story on why he didn't take the road mr Owen's your a world class caller with world class woodsman skills hats off to you I have killed lots of longboards it never gets old
Beloved turkey season, Over the last few years, my passion for you has grown. I think of you without ceasing every day of my waking. It pains me to know you are so far away from me now. None the less I long for you and desire you so. Until we meet again I will diligently prepare, honing the skills I have to offer you, and also looking for a camper shell for my truck so that I may lie down to rest in your presence wherever thou leadest me. I will also watch many Pinhoti episodes in remembrance of our many fond memories. All my love, Jacob
I agree with your rant 1000% Finding the game whether it be turkeys, deer, or whatever, is what I call playing the game, and it's the fun part. Finding sign, learning their habits, just plan hunting them in the true sense of the word "To Hunt" Taking shortcuts to me is no fun at all. A buddy of mine showed me a picture of two deer standing next to his blind. He said "I'm going hunting after work" I said "where is that?" he said "my sisters yard" it was a 6 acre plot! I said "dude that ain't hunting!!!!" So hats off to you for keeping it real and ethical. Great Hunt!
Technology is great, I use it daily. But it has most definitely provided some crutches that are too convenient. And maybe I'm the pot calling the kettle black, bc I have most certainly "drove down that road before" so to speak. . . but the satisfaction is not the same. And I feel dirty afterwards.
This is absolutely the most incredible series of videos I’ve ever seen. You have a way of putting exactly how I feel into words in every video. Every time I think it’s as good as it can be you turn out another video and it’s even better! I only hope that day 60 was your halfway point and there’s another 60 coming!
Thank you for the kind words! It's comforting to know that someone can relate to the emotion hunting these birds brings to me. I've thought I was just weird for so long. LoL And as much as I'd enjoy (and volunteer for) a 120 day Spring- not sure my body and mind could take it.
From scouting that state ground from across the country, flying in to Spokane, turning your rental car into a basecamp, and then chasing that wily Merriam on two hours sleep: This is one excellent video! Thanks for taking us along on the hunt!
awesome video. I like the talk at the end. its crazy how people always want pins, I shot a turkey and the next day a guy im not even close with was asking for pins. do the work and you will find them yourself. Thats half the fun anyway makes it more rewarding.
I’m almost 99% positive me and two buddies of mine were in Washington hunting public the same week you were there. Ended up coming home with my first Merriam’s and enjoyed every second of it! Watching the first 15 minutes and seeing you haul along up and down and all around those mountains reminded me of the one thing I partially didn’t enjoy about Washington State. It takes a a hell of a lot of endurance to get to one of those rascals up there. Excellent video and hunt!
Ya gotta love the swollen eyes and blank stare of a hard core turkey hunter. True sign of the obsession. Great bird with hog Spurs. Hunting from one end of this great nation to the other. Nothing like it.
The hunt was awesome! The rant however was life changing!!! I've never hunted more then 2 states in season Going to hunt 4 maybe 5 states this springs because of The Pinhoti Project! I learn something new with every episode. Keep up the great work
Yea that Merriam gobble up close will get your heart racing. Sounded like that air was a little thin up there as well as the steepness of the mountain. Loved it all.
Man I feel so bad for people, like that fella in Wal Mart, who don't know what it's like to turkey hunt. Congrats on the quick success and the fine gobbler! Had a big lol at the "click below for pins" banner!
Love your content My friend. I live in Maine I see you have been coming up. Good hunting south and around the Portland Maine and south area as well I'm from the Kennebunk area lots of Birds around York county. Keep up the great work love it 100%
Found your channel this spring, thanks to a buddy. Love it and you're inspiring me to get back out on the road again before I'm "too long in the tooth". lol. People that don't hunt just can't relate to what the whole experience really means to some of us. Another great video, and what a nice view for the victory cigar.
Another absolutely awesome offering. I binge watch these videos like crazy. I have followed you and your turkey seasons for many years first on GON forums and then the RUclips videos from way back all the way up to now. I've spent my turkey hunting life hunting near where I've lived mainly in Florida and now in NC. I've hunted a few other states but mainly in the south east. I'm now in the planning stages for my first trip west of the Mississippi in spring of '19. The plan is hitting Nebraska first and hopefully being able to fit another state in with it. I doubt I'll ever achieve a us slam but because of watching you and guys like you I'm making it a point to step outside my comfort zone every year and experience something new each spring. Thanks again for sharing your passion and experiences with us.
Brad, Thank You for following! Hearing that folks are stepping outside their comfort zones makes the hundreds of hours I pour into this worth it! I for one know what you have been missing, and whether you bring home feathers or not, I know you'll have a good time and it'll be the beginning of many new places for you!
I didn't need your video to inspire me to go chase turkeys. I do really appreciate that you enjoy the experience in much the same way as I do though. If you've done anything for me, you may have insprired me to become a little better with my calls😁
Awesome video and hunt, Dave! Cinco de Mayo seems to be the sweet spot for finding Washington Merriam’s alone and ready to play the game. I feel like I’ve learned so much about calling and tactics from the first 59 days of this season, and I loved seeing you put those in action on my home turf. Keep up the good work.
Great Merriam's and great hunt. I've done the Washington hunt once, but it's not much more than a 6 hour drive for me. You should have hopped on over to MT (maybe you did eventually). You weren't too far from good numbers. Finding them on public instead of private is the toughest part. The pins comments were spot on. I've shared too much info with some folks and have often not even been given a thank you. I've struggled to keep up with the series with elk season going, but had to jump in to watch your Merriam's hunts. I'll have to fill in the gaps at some point. I'll turn the switch back to turkeys once elk and rooster pheasants are out of the way. It's a hard life in MT, but someone has to do it.
Thanks! And you're right, traveling for turkeys is not an overly expensive endeavor- another bit of light I hope to shed that puts traveling within reach for others that may think otherwise.
I’ve chased them in New Mexico the last three springs. Those Merriams never seem to play by the rules and the terrain they live is no joke at all. My first year was unsuccessful. It left me feeling a little dejected, but also lit a fire in my ass to return, and I’ve taken two toms each of the last two springs. I’m from Texas with not much in the way of public land to hunt. Plenty of private land opportunities to hunt Rios, and I still enjoy the heck out of that, but the New Mexico hunts are much more rewarding. I really need to take a week to chase an eastern next spring. Maybe Missouri or Arkansas.
I have been wanting to go out of state (SC) to hunt Turkey for sometime and I keep saying next year. Even got a draw tag in NC last season and just could not break out of the old habits. This video gives me some inspiration maybe I will finally do ti this year. Thanks for all the videos!
That's awesome! All I've ever wanted from this thing is to inspire someone to do just that. . . appreciate the experience- it's a success whether you kill a gobbler or not. I guarantee you either way- you'll want to do it again if you love hunting them.
Awesome hunt. Thanks for sharing, I look forward more to my trips out of state when it closes at home than season here. Only regret is I wished I'd started earlier doing a annual turkey trip.
I said many years ago, I'm not going to be a "one day" person. . . One day I'll do this, One day I'll do that- the problem is- if you look at a calendar, there are no "one days," it's Monday through Sunday then you get to do it again. I refused to keep searching for "one days."
Another great video and blog I have always wanted to go on an out of state hunt but I am gone 9 months out of a year working and my time home is so limited I couldn’t take that time away from my wife and kid maybe one day I will get that chance till then I will live my dream watching your videos
Incredible Merriams! I hope you had Calley Morris do a nice flying mount on him. You did your homework and it paid off! Really enjoyed your advice to all turkey hunters on why we are out there. It's nice to be successful, but it's about the whole experience and not just the kill. The fella who responded last (river pimp) is a real sicko. Hope you don't mind me replying to him. Love you, man.
Epic...this is The Big Show right here! Would love to hunt with you some day...you're welcome to come to New Mexico and hunt Merriams with me anytime. Season ends May 10
I've never seen a Merriam with spurs that long! That would make an excellent specimen for a mount. I'm sure you already have a bunch mounted, but curious if you did anything with this one.
I'd absolutely love to get the US slam, but I'm afraid time is not on my side. Time off is limited now. Guess I'll start with an Alabama public land bird. Haven't done that yet. One state at a time, I guess.
May start tryin to knock a state or two off a year. Like to do all the work myself. We have that in common. I lack 44 states. That would put me done or close at 64 yrs old. Be ready to retire by then.
My opinion, don't get wrapped up in the US slam; it's popular but not essential. I see guys making that the goal and rushing. Rushing is NOT what anyone should be doing when hunting. Some of my biggest regrets along that journey was the states I only visited for a day or 2. Those are the states I intend to go back to first. You should stay long enough for a drink, not a taste.
Sounds wisdom. Rushing is the worst. Most of the biggest screw ups I've had came from being in a hurry or getting greedy. Mostly when traveling. Thanks.
Been to 48 states. The one thing you will realize is most states aren't that far away. I live in Maine, Washington is far away, the rest, not so bad. The bad thing is, you miss certain places, you think of them randomly through the day. You know you have to go back. Home becomes more diversified in your mind. Desert, mountains, swamps, canyons, not just a county or a state, home becomes a continent. How lucky we are to be able to see so much diversity all in one place.
Those long spurs tell the story on why he didn't take the road mr Owen's your a world class caller with world class woodsman skills hats off to you I have killed lots of longboards it never gets old
Beloved turkey season,
Over the last few years, my passion for you has grown. I think of you without ceasing every day of my waking. It pains me to know you are so far away from me now. None the less I long for you and desire you so. Until we meet again I will diligently prepare, honing the skills I have to offer you, and also looking for a camper shell for my truck so that I may lie down to rest in your presence wherever thou leadest me. I will also watch many Pinhoti episodes in remembrance of our many fond memories.
All my love,
Jacob
Dave, Brother your in my backyard,, I live in Washington State capital 🦃, county,,)) thanks for video,,
I agree with your rant 1000% Finding the game whether it be turkeys, deer, or whatever, is what I call playing the game, and it's the fun part. Finding sign, learning their habits, just plan hunting them in the true sense of the word "To Hunt" Taking shortcuts to me is no fun at all. A buddy of mine showed me a picture of two deer standing next to his blind. He said "I'm going hunting after work" I said "where is that?" he said "my sisters yard" it was a 6 acre plot! I said "dude that ain't hunting!!!!" So hats off to you for keeping it real and ethical. Great Hunt!
Technology is great, I use it daily. But it has most definitely provided some crutches that are too convenient. And maybe I'm the pot calling the kettle black, bc I have most certainly "drove down that road before" so to speak. . . but the satisfaction is not the same. And I feel dirty afterwards.
As do I, but I always remember and remind myself what I did, or would do without it. It keeps me honest and the end results are cigar worthy lol
This is absolutely the most incredible series of videos I’ve ever seen. You have a way of putting exactly how I feel into words in every video. Every time I think it’s as good as it can be you turn out another video and it’s even better! I only hope that day 60 was your halfway point and there’s another 60 coming!
Thank you for the kind words! It's comforting to know that someone can relate to the emotion hunting these birds brings to me. I've thought I was just weird for so long. LoL And as much as I'd enjoy (and volunteer for) a 120 day Spring- not sure my body and mind could take it.
From scouting that state ground from across the country, flying in to Spokane, turning your rental car into a basecamp, and then chasing that wily Merriam on two hours sleep: This is one excellent video! Thanks for taking us along on the hunt!
awesome video. I like the talk at the end. its crazy how people always want pins, I shot a turkey and the next day a guy im not even close with was asking for pins. do the work and you will find them yourself. Thats half the fun anyway makes it more rewarding.
Rewatching these videos never get old!
I’m almost 99% positive me and two buddies of mine were in Washington hunting public the same week you were there. Ended up coming home with my first Merriam’s and enjoyed every second of it! Watching the first 15 minutes and seeing you haul along up and down and all around those mountains reminded me of the one thing I partially didn’t enjoy about Washington State. It takes a a hell of a lot of endurance to get to one of those rascals up there. Excellent video and hunt!
I enjoy the pain and I love the places they call home. Glad you found success out there! It's a beautiful piece of the country.
Ya gotta love the swollen eyes and blank stare of a hard core turkey hunter. True sign of the obsession. Great bird with hog Spurs. Hunting from one end of this great nation to the other. Nothing like it.
I look terrible don't I?!?! hahah!
Best real life hunting I've ever seen, love it and very envious. And God is good.
The hunt was awesome!
The rant however was life changing!!!
I've never hunted more then 2 states in season
Going to hunt 4 maybe 5 states this springs because of The Pinhoti Project!
I learn something new with every episode.
Keep up the great work
Not to shabby for the 1st day. Congrats.
You make it look so easy. Definitely was a workout though.
Yea that Merriam gobble up close will get your heart racing. Sounded like that air was a little thin up there as well as the steepness of the mountain. Loved it all.
Man I feel so bad for people, like that fella in Wal Mart, who don't know what it's like to turkey hunt. Congrats on the quick success and the fine gobbler! Had a big lol at the "click below for pins" banner!
Hahaha! I've been getting some attention with those tags at the end! Thanks for continuing to keep up!
Love your content My friend. I live in Maine I see you have been coming up. Good hunting south and around the Portland Maine and south area as well I'm from the Kennebunk area lots of Birds around York county. Keep up the great work love it 100%
Found your channel this spring, thanks to a buddy. Love it and you're inspiring me to get back out on the road again before I'm "too long in the tooth". lol. People that don't hunt just can't relate to what the whole experience really means to some of us. Another great video, and what a nice view for the victory cigar.
Another absolutely awesome offering. I binge watch these videos like crazy. I have followed you and your turkey seasons for many years first on GON forums and then the RUclips videos from way back all the way up to now. I've spent my turkey hunting life hunting near where I've lived mainly in Florida and now in NC. I've hunted a few other states but mainly in the south east. I'm now in the planning stages for my first trip west of the Mississippi in spring of '19. The plan is hitting Nebraska first and hopefully being able to fit another state in with it. I doubt I'll ever achieve a us slam but because of watching you and guys like you I'm making it a point to step outside my comfort zone every year and experience something new each spring. Thanks again for sharing your passion and experiences with us.
Brad, Thank You for following! Hearing that folks are stepping outside their comfort zones makes the hundreds of hours I pour into this worth it! I for one know what you have been missing, and whether you bring home feathers or not, I know you'll have a good time and it'll be the beginning of many new places for you!
I know you see my comment haha!!! These videos are awesome I wait everyday for a new one
I can’t wait for the 2020 season to get rolling!
I didn't need your video to inspire me to go chase turkeys. I do really appreciate that you enjoy the experience in much the same way as I do though. If you've done anything for me, you may have insprired me to become a little better with my calls😁
All I want Dave is a lesson on that mouth call that is some sweet music u are telling them as always
Awesome video and hunt, Dave! Cinco de Mayo seems to be the sweet spot for finding Washington Merriam’s alone and ready to play the game. I feel like I’ve learned so much about calling and tactics from the first 59 days of this season, and I loved seeing you put those in action on my home turf. Keep up the good work.
Thanks!!
That speech makes me wanna leave South Georgia and go to Nebraska that’s my goal to go up there and hunt great video man
Great Merriam's and great hunt. I've done the Washington hunt once, but it's not much more than a 6 hour drive for me. You should have hopped on over to MT (maybe you did eventually). You weren't too far from good numbers. Finding them on public instead of private is the toughest part. The pins comments were spot on. I've shared too much info with some folks and have often not even been given a thank you.
I've struggled to keep up with the series with elk season going, but had to jump in to watch your Merriam's hunts. I'll have to fill in the gaps at some point. I'll turn the switch back to turkeys once elk and rooster pheasants are out of the way. It's a hard life in MT, but someone has to do it.
shane pegram you'll get to see a couple MT gobblers. 😉
Another excellent hunt, rant and all! Keep’em coming. It’s awesome to see all the opportunities that are out there that don’t cost $600 a day
Thanks! And you're right, traveling for turkeys is not an overly expensive endeavor- another bit of light I hope to shed that puts traveling within reach for others that may think otherwise.
I need more states on my list.....Dave your lighting a Fire!!!!!!
I’ve chased them in New Mexico the last three springs. Those Merriams never seem to play by the rules and the terrain they live is no joke at all. My first year was unsuccessful. It left me feeling a little dejected, but also lit a fire in my ass to return, and I’ve taken two toms each of the last two springs. I’m from Texas with not much in the way of public land to hunt. Plenty of private land opportunities to hunt Rios, and I still enjoy the heck out of that, but the New Mexico hunts are much more rewarding. I really need to take a week to chase an eastern next spring. Maybe Missouri or Arkansas.
I have been wanting to go out of state (SC) to hunt Turkey for sometime and I keep saying next year. Even got a draw tag in NC last season and just could not break out of the old habits. This video gives me some inspiration maybe I will finally do ti this year. Thanks for all the videos!
That's awesome! All I've ever wanted from this thing is to inspire someone to do just that. . . appreciate the experience- it's a success whether you kill a gobbler or not. I guarantee you either way- you'll want to do it again if you love hunting them.
Great hunt Dave. Awesome !!!
Merriams are on my list for next spring.
Congratulations Dave that's a beautiful turkey. A lot of effort went into that one I can tell
Great stuff Dave.. really appreciate the hard work and great content.. can’t wait for Court’s turn
Thanks for this Dave. It’s bow season but I’m a turkey hunter. This sure helps me through. Ya just gotta love Merriams!
Awesome hunt. Thanks for sharing, I look forward more to my trips out of state when it closes at home than season here. Only regret is I wished I'd started earlier doing a annual turkey trip.
I said many years ago, I'm not going to be a "one day" person. . . One day I'll do this, One day I'll do that- the problem is- if you look at a calendar, there are no "one days," it's Monday through Sunday then you get to do it again. I refused to keep searching for "one days."
Another great video and blog I have always wanted to go on an out of state hunt but I am gone 9 months out of a year working and my time home is so limited I couldn’t take that time away from my wife and kid maybe one day I will get that chance till then I will live my dream watching your videos
Awesomeness thx
Incredible Merriams! I hope you had Calley Morris do a nice flying mount on him. You did your homework and it paid off! Really enjoyed your advice to all turkey hunters on why we are out there. It's nice to be successful, but it's about the whole experience and not just the kill. The fella who responded last (river pimp) is a real sicko. Hope you don't mind me replying to him. Love you, man.
It’s inspired me to just get out and hunt some public land in my home state of N.C. . I’ve got private but I just want to see some new land.
Epic...this is The Big Show right here! Would love to hunt with you some day...you're welcome to come to New Mexico and hunt Merriams with me anytime. Season ends May 10
Great Stuff here Dave!
I've never seen a Merriam with spurs that long! That would make an excellent specimen for a mount. I'm sure you already have a bunch mounted, but curious if you did anything with this one.
God is good! Would love to experience His creation while chasing game in more states. Going West in May, super pumped
I'd absolutely love to get the US slam, but I'm afraid time is not on my side. Time off is limited now. Guess I'll start with an Alabama public land bird. Haven't done that yet. One state at a time, I guess.
May start tryin to knock a state or two off a year. Like to do all the work myself. We have that in common. I lack 44 states. That would put me done or close at 64 yrs old. Be ready to retire by then.
My opinion, don't get wrapped up in the US slam; it's popular but not essential. I see guys making that the goal and rushing. Rushing is NOT what anyone should be doing when hunting. Some of my biggest regrets along that journey was the states I only visited for a day or 2. Those are the states I intend to go back to first. You should stay long enough for a drink, not a taste.
Sounds wisdom. Rushing is the worst. Most of the biggest screw ups I've had came from being in a hurry or getting greedy. Mostly when traveling. Thanks.
Meant sound wisdom.
Hit me up Lann, I live close to Bama now and can easily put you on a bird. Smoked a few there last spring.
dude you got it going on
What is that under armor mask you are wearing? Want one…
UA no longer prints in MossyOak anymore.
Washington State. Aparently Miriams central and north. Rio’s in South
honor those who honor the hunt
Great gun cam shot but need Chub to film
How do you keep topping the last videos, can't wait for more . Be gone a few days to plant south Alabama but will catch up to you later, be safe
Ha! Good Luck with that!!