June 2007 page 3 Updates

11 June

Rios

Each year a small percentage of MAHA spring turkey hunters pursue the Rio Grande turkey. It’s our observation, over the past 10 years the Rio’s have slowly been pushed westward, especially in the southeast region. Many counties that were once inhabited by 100% Rio Grande’s are now predominately occupied with the Eastern Turkey and a few hybrids.

The bulk of our Rio Grande flocks are west of 81 Hwy, but the habitat is spotty because the majority of the acreage was leased for upland bird hunting. The hunting can be hit or miss since they cover miles of ground in a days time, but once located they are a thrill to hunt just like the Eastern turkey.

Below is a recent series of photo taken by Jon while working Western Kansas. Note: there wasn’t a tree within ¾ mi of this flock.