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Washington Turkey Hunting
Merriam’s Turkey hunting is
extremely good in NE Washington. The turkey
population has “gone wild”, and this area now
has one of highest turkey densities in the U.S.
An amazing 75% of all birds taken in the state
of Washington are taken in the four northeast
counties right where Bearpaw Outfitters have
operated for 30 years.
Turkey hunters from nearly
every state have come to turkey hunt with
Bearpaw Outfitters. Over 500 turkeys have been
taken during the last 7 seasons. Bearpaw
Outfitters have proven themselves as
Washington’s most successful turkey guides by
guiding more successful turkey hunts than any
other Washington turkey guides.
Bearpaw Outfitters know the
best mountain hotspots for hunting Merriam’s
Turkey in this region and they also lease
thousands of acres of the best private ranches
for their turkey hunts. Guided and unguided
hunts are offered, turkey licenses are sold over
the counter, and hunters of any age can buy
licenses in Washington.
Best Time
We usually have a large group of hunters on the
opener of the spring turkey season and kill the
most birds on that hunt. After the opener we
keep the groups much smaller but we actually
take birds through the entire spring season.
Guided hunter success is usually about 130%.
Fall turkey hunting is also
very good during the early fall season and the
late fall season. Success is usually 100%
or better.
Trophy Quality
Most mature Merriam’s Turkeys average about 16
to 19 pounds, most beards are 7 to 10 inches, and
most spurs are ½” to 1”. The largest Merriam's
we have taken have
weighed up to 24 pounds, had over 11 inch
beards, and have had up to 1 7/8 inch spurs.
Although the
Merriam’s subspecies are not as large as
the Eastern subspecies, the Merriam’s beauty will
compliment any trophy room.
Bearded hens are quite
common and Bearpaw Outfitters will allow bearded hens
to be taken if desired. Bearded hens taken
in the past have had beards from 3 to 7 inches.
Hunting Methods
Turkey calling and using
hunting blinds at feeding areas and strutting
zones account for most birds taken. The guides
spend so much time in these hunting areas; they
know the areas that birds are frequenting every
day. That’s the real secret to high success
rates.
Shot Opportunity
Shot opportunity on guided
turkey hunts is usually over 200% and kill
success is usually over 100% because hunters can
take two birds in the spring. Unguided hunters
range anywhere from 30% to 200%. Shooting
distances can vary from 5 yards to 50 yards.
Pattern your shotgun in advance to determine
your maximum shooting distance.
Licenses
Hunters of any age can
purchase most licenses over the counter. Youth
hunters are half price (even non-residents) and
first time hunters do not need Hunter Ed to
purchase licenses. Other hunters need Hunter Ed
if born after Jan 1, 1972.
Hunting Areas
Private Ranches: These properties range
in size from 50 acres to 2500 acres and offer
excellent turkey hunting. These properties are
perfect for hunters with the patience to sit and
watch feeding and strutting areas.
Mountain Hunts: Hunts are conducted in
numerous proven mountain locations where there
are good numbers of birds. These hunts sometimes
require a little more hiking and are better for
the hunter who likes to move around.
Turkey Seasons
Youth Season: Opens April 7-8. This hunt
is an excellent hunt for youth before the
regular season opens. There’s plenty of shooting
opportunities and success is about 150%.
Spring General: Opens April 15 to
May 31.
Hunters may take 2 bearded
turkeys. Coyotes and varmints can also be hunted
and there is good fishing nearby.
Fall Turkey: Hunters may take 1 turkey of
either-sex. Licenses are sold over the counter.
Deer, Bear, Coyote, and Grouse can also be
hunted with proper licenses.
Accommodations
Lodge & Cabin: The facilities
are only 10 to 60 minutes from most
hunting areas and include meals in the dining room, pool table
in the den, indoor bathrooms, bunk beds in the cabins,
and a lighted game
cleaning area with water for cleanup. Groups of
up to 16 can be accommodated.
Motel “Town Hunts”:
Motels are only 10 to 60 minutes from most of
the
hunting areas. Bearpaw Outfitters provide all
hunters with their room. Guided hunters are
picked up and returned to their room each day.
Unguided hunters are given hunting advice and a
marked map to hunt areas. Meals are not included
so budget about $30 per day.
What’s Not Included
Meat processing, taxidermy,
licenses, gratuities, and any other items not
listed as being included. Bring your personal
gear, and sleeping bag.
Taxidermy and Meat
Processing
Both services are
available locally for a fee, or you may choose
to transport your trophy and carcass home. Meat
processing is usually done in a day or two.
Contact Us Today
Call or
Email with any
questions or to book a hunt. If sending a deposit by postal
mail, use the
Hunt Application
to verify your details. "We look
forward to meeting you and hunting with you soon."
Best Regards,
Dale, Tara, and The Staff
Good Day Of
Turkey Hunting At Bearpaw Outfitters
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