Turkey Talk: All About Gould's Turkey

With its stunning plumage, large size, and unique adaptability, the Gould's turkey stands as a testament to nature's resilience, thriving in rugged environments.

As avid turkey hunters, today, we examine the unique traits of the Gould's, their natural habitat, and behaviors and provide practical hunting tips. Whether you're aiming for a Royal or World Slam or simply looking to stock your freezer, this guide has you covered. 

An Introduction to Gould's Turkey 

Gould's turkey (Meleagris gallopavo mexicana) is one of the five subspecies of wild turkeys native to North America. Its long legs and light-colored tips on the tail feathers give it a distinctive appearance, making it a prized game bird for hunters.

Some additional insights into understanding this bird include: 

• Habitat: This subspecies inhabits mountainous regions of Arizona and New Mexico and extends into northern Mexico. It can be found between 2,400 and 6,500 feet of elevation in the U.S. and even higher in Mexico. These birds favor rough and steep rocky canyons where daily and yearly climatic variations can be intense and harsh.
   
• Appearance: Gould's are the largest of the five turkey subspecies with longer legs, feet, and tail feathers. Their plumage features blue-green coloration with distinctive white tips on their tail feathers. 
   
• Behavior: These birds are highly elusive and use rugged and remote terrain to their advantage. Tree roosting is essential to their survival, and they can be found in mixed forests and open areas. 
   
• Diet: Gould's eat insects, plant matter, oak acorns, grass seeds, leaves, and more. 

Socially, these wild birds are organized by a pecking order, and males and females will have separate hierarchies. Regarding movement, they will have ranges in which they will both move throughout to defend their space or engage in dominance-based fighting if there is overlap within the ranges.

Males will gobble and strut to engage females for mating during courtship. 

The Gould's Turkey Hunting Experience 

Gould's turkey hunting is a unique experience that only some turkey hunters can achieve. Some of the factors that make this hunt unique include the following.

Terrain and Access

The wild and often inaccessible habitat of the Gould's turkey means hunters must be in peak physical condition, well prepared, and resilient enough to face strenuous hikes, challenging inclinations, and highly variable weather conditions. Hunting these turkeys can be an excellent adventure and test of your skills!

The Natural Experience 

These challenges and environmental factors make the reward of taking a Gould's turkey even sweeter. The landscapes this hunt takes you to are stunning, and the opportunity to observe these majestic birds in their native habitat makes for a once-in-a-lifetime hunting experience. 

The Trophy

Whether for bragging rights or personal satisfaction, the Gould's turkey is a coveted trophy due to its size, distinctive features, and stunning fan. It stands up against any other turkey species for its striking display.

Few turkey hunters can claim a Gould's in their hunting history.

How to Hunt the Elusive Gould's Turkey 

Due to the harsh terrain, skittish nature, and smaller population numbers, Gould's turkeys provide a unique challenge to hunters looking to test their skills and patience in some difficult environments.

Here are some critical insights to help you better your chances of bagging a Gould this season. 

Seasons and Regulations

Before heading into the field, it's essential to check the local hunting regulations and seasons covering Gould's turkey. Arizona hunters and New Mexico hunters must get special permits for hunting Gould's turkeys, including classification requirements. 

Scouting and Preparation 

Gould's turkeys inhabit scenic country, and success lies in scouting and understanding this environment and how these birds interact within it. First, use HuntWise maps and map layers during the preseason to help you find potential roosting and feeding areas.

Then, when onsite, look for bird signs such as tracks, droppings, feathers, and natural columns or paths the birds might take. Remember that locating access to waterways is always a great starting place, and putting in those extra miles where others may have given up can improve your chances of coming across a giant bird. 

Practice Your Calls

Males are strong gobblers and strutters during the mating season, so a mix of clucks, purrs, and yelps attracts the more active gobblers. You can recognize a Gould's gobble as it is more profound and has a lower frequency than the other turkey species in the area. 

What to Take

Use a reliable shotgun or bow that performs well in dusty, arid conditions. Additionally, given a turkey's impressive eyesight, camouflage is essential, and consider using decoys and ground blinds to gain an advantage. 

Again, GPS mapping with additional features will be an invaluable resource for navigating the sometimes treacherous terrain and rugged valleys. With the HuntWise topographical features, you can view 3D elevation, helping you prepare both hunting locations and plan your pack for your chosen hunting spot. 

Bag a Gould's Turkey With HuntWise This Season

Gould's hunting is not for the faint of heart. It's for the dedicated, resilient, and inspired few who want to claim the rarest turkey in the U.S. catalog.

Hunting these birds is a unique experience that only a select few can achieve, making it all the more special and rewarding. 

We hope you're up for the challenge! If so, mapping, weather insights, and various mapping outlays provided by HuntWise will be your best tools before your hunt and while afield. This tool can help you navigate the challenging terrain, plan your hunting locations, and stay updated with real-time weather information.

The app's many features can significantly enhance your hunting experience and increase your chances of a successful hunt.