Hunting feats known as “slams” occur when a hunter kills a preset group of animals, typically grouped by species or subspecies. Of the six slams for wild turkeys recognized by the National Wild Turkey Federation, the Grand Slam is the most well-known. A Grand Slam requires capturing the Eastern, Merriam’s, Rio Grande, and Osceola subspecies of American wild turkeys, which are the four most common subspecies.
To date, just more than 1,500 hunters have registered Grand Slams with the NWTF, accounting for less than . 1 percent of the total turkey hunting audience. If you’re a turkey hunter aspiring to be one of the chosen few who are obsessed with turkeys, here are some tips to help you succeed.
Analyze Turkey Distribution Maps: Knowing where each subspecies of turkey is found is one of the most crucial pieces of the puzzle. It will help you plan a quest for a slam whether your goal is to finish the task in one season or several. It goes without saying that seeing an osceola will require traveling to Florida, but the other three subspecies can be found in numerous states. Most eastern turkey subspecies are found in all states east of the Mississippi or bordering it. Healthy populations of Merriam’s subspecies can be found in the Rocky Mountain region, and in addition to the West Coast, Rio Grande turkeys can be found in large numbers from Nebraska to Texas.
Learn State Regulations and Season DatesIn planning your slam, securing a turkey tag will be important. While a lot of states let you buy licenses or tags over-the-counter, others demand that you register ahead of time to get a turkey quota permit. While general licenses are available in Florida for hunting turkeys, specialized permits can improve your chances of spotting an Osceola on public land. Applications for those permits usually are due in the fall of the preceding year.
Western states like Colorado and Wyoming offer limited-draw permits and over-the-counter tags. South Dakota issues general licenses and quota permits in a similar manner; however, since all turkey licenses are issued by mail, an application needs to be completed beforehand.
Also, take into account the season dates for each state. Certain states in the South may open in early to mid-March, commencing their operations ahead of the rest of the country. However, northern states will have seasons that run further in to the month of May. Maine’s turkey season extends all the way to early June.
When choosing a hunting location, it’s also important to find out if hunting is permitted on Sundays and if it’s only permitted during specific hours of the day. As with any type of hunting, don’t be scared to consult state game agencies with questions. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Double Down on One Trip: Many states allow for the harvest of two exceptional birds in a single trip by offering multiple turkey tags and supporting multiple subspecies of wild turkey. Many Great Plains states are home to multiple subspecies: Merriam’s, Easterns, and Rios can be found in South Dakota, while Easterns and Rios can be found in Oklahoma and Kansas. The majority of Nebraska’s turkey population is Rio-Merriam’s hybrids, but hunters are allowed to register their birds as Merriam’s or Rio wild turkeys based on how they appear to the state wildlife agency and the NWTF. On the west coast, multispecies states include California, Oregon, and Washington; in Washington, you can find Eastern, Rio Grande, and Merriam’s turkeys.
Learn about the Slam Registration Process: Although it’s not necessary to register a slam, doing so grants a hunter a lovely certificate and pin. While the process of registering turkeys is fairly straightforward, there are a few things to think about before filling out the official form.
You will need to fill out the official form four times because it is good for only one turkey and there is a $15 registration fee. There is no deadline for registering every bird you have after a harvest, so you can wait until you’ve completed your slam. However, since you will also need to provide witness signatures and additional documentation, it is best to complete the form as soon as you harvest a bird with exceptional weight, beard, or spur length. Also note, both hunter and witness must be registered NWTF members.
While planning your Grand Slam may involve some preparation and more than one season to finish, bearing these points in mind will increase your chances of success and surely produce priceless memories.
The thrill of the hunt, the camaraderie of fellow outdoorsmen, and the satisfaction of a successful harvest – these are just a few of the reasons why turkey hunting is such a beloved pastime. But for some, the ultimate goal is to achieve a Grand Slam a feat that requires dedication skill, and a whole lot of luck.
If you’re dreaming of joining the ranks of elite turkey hunters who have bagged all four subspecies of wild turkey in the United States – the Eastern, Osceola, Rio Grande, and Merriam’s – then this guide is for you. We’ll walk you through the process of registering your Grand Slam with the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), the leading organization dedicated to the conservation and management of wild turkeys
Understanding the Grand Slam
Prior to delving into the registration process, let us clarify what precisely is a Grand Slam. It comprises, as previously stated, gathering one representative from each of the four U S. wild turkey subspecies:
- Eastern: Found in the eastern half of the country, from Maine to Florida and west to Minnesota and Texas.
- Osceola: A smaller, darker subspecies found in Florida.
- Rio Grande: Inhabits the southern and western regions of the U.S., from Texas to California.
- Merriam’s: Found in the mountainous regions of the West, from Montana to Arizona.
It’s important to note that the NWTF’s Wild Turkey Records Program only recognizes birds that have been legally harvested and registered. This means that you’ll need to follow all applicable hunting regulations in the states where you’re hunting
Registering Your Grand Slam
Once all four subspecies have been successfully harvested, it’s time to register your achievement with the NWTF. You can do this in two ways:
1. Online Registration:
- Visit the NWTF’s Wild Turkey Records website and create an account.
- Click on the “Register Your Wild Turkey Harvest” button.
- Fill out the online registration form, providing details about each bird you harvested, including the date, location, weight, beard length, and spur length.
- Upload photos of your birds for verification purposes.
- Pay the registration fee of $25 per bird.
2. Mail-in Registration:
- Download and print the Wild Turkey Records Form from the NWTF website.
- Fill out the form with the required information about each bird you harvested.
- Include photos of your birds.
- Mail the completed form and photos, along with a check or money order for $25 per bird, to the NWTF’s headquarters address.
Verification and Recognition
Once the NWTF receives your registration, they will verify the information and photos to ensure that you meet the requirements for a Grand Slam. If everything is in order, you’ll receive an official Grand Slam certificate and a commemorative pin. Your accomplishment will also be listed on the NWTF’s website, showcasing your skills and dedication to the sport of turkey hunting.
Tips for a Successful Grand Slam
Achieving a Grand Slam is no easy feat, but with careful planning and preparation, you can increase your chances of success. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Do your research: Learn about the different subspecies of wild turkeys, their habitats, and hunting seasons.
- Scout your hunting areas: Get to know the terrain, identify potential turkey hotspots, and familiarize yourself with the local regulations.
- Use the right gear: Invest in quality hunting equipment, including a reliable shotgun, camouflage clothing, and decoys.
- Practice your calling: Turkey hunting is all about fooling the birds into thinking they’re interacting with other turkeys. Master the art of turkey calling to increase your chances of attracting a gobbler.
- Be patient and persistent: Turkey hunting requires patience and persistence. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately. Keep at it, and you’ll eventually be rewarded for your efforts.
Registering a Turkey Grand Slam with the NWTF is a significant accomplishment that recognizes your dedication to the sport of turkey hunting. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your hard-earned achievement is properly documented and celebrated. So, grab your shotgun, head out into the field, and start working towards your Grand Slam!
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- Pete Muller
posted on March 28, 2018
Hunting feats known as “slams” occur when a hunter kills a preset group of animals, typically grouped by species or subspecies. Of the six slams for wild turkeys recognized by the National Wild Turkey Federation, the Grand Slam is the most well-known. A Grand Slam requires capturing the Eastern, Merriam’s, Rio Grande, and Osceola subspecies of American wild turkeys, which are the four most common subspecies.
To date, just more than 1,500 hunters have registered Grand Slams with the NWTF, accounting for less than . 1 percent of the total turkey hunting audience. If you’re a turkey hunter aspiring to be one of the chosen few who are obsessed with turkeys, here are some tips to help you succeed.
Analyze Turkey Distribution Maps: Knowing where each subspecies of turkey is found is one of the most crucial pieces of the puzzle. It will help you plan a quest for a slam whether your goal is to finish the task in one season or several. It goes without saying that seeing an osceola will require traveling to Florida, but the other three subspecies can be found in numerous states. Most eastern turkey subspecies are found in all states east of the Mississippi or bordering it. Healthy populations of Merriam’s subspecies can be found in the Rocky Mountain region, and in addition to the West Coast, Rio Grande turkeys can be found in large numbers from Nebraska to Texas.
Learn State Regulations and Season DatesIn planning your slam, securing a turkey tag will be important. While a lot of states let you buy licenses or tags over-the-counter, others demand that you register ahead of time to get a turkey quota permit. While general licenses are available in Florida for hunting turkeys, specialized permits can improve your chances of spotting an Osceola on public land. Applications for those permits usually are due in the fall of the preceding year.
Western states like Colorado and Wyoming offer limited-draw permits and over-the-counter tags. South Dakota issues general licenses and quota permits in a similar manner; however, since all turkey licenses are issued by mail, an application needs to be completed beforehand.
Also, take into account the season dates for each state. Certain states in the South may open in early to mid-March, commencing their operations ahead of the rest of the country. However, northern states will have seasons that run further in to the month of May. Maine’s turkey season extends all the way to early June.
When choosing a hunting location, it’s also important to find out if hunting is permitted on Sundays and if it’s only permitted during specific hours of the day. As with any type of hunting, don’t be scared to consult state game agencies with questions. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Double Down on One Trip: Many states allow for the harvest of two exceptional birds in a single trip by offering multiple turkey tags and supporting multiple subspecies of wild turkey. Many Great Plains states are home to multiple subspecies: Merriam’s, Easterns, and Rios can be found in South Dakota, while Easterns and Rios can be found in Oklahoma and Kansas. The majority of Nebraska’s turkey population is Rio-Merriam’s hybrids, but hunters are allowed to register their birds as Merriam’s or Rio wild turkeys based on how they appear to the state wildlife agency and the NWTF. On the west coast, multispecies states include California, Oregon, and Washington; in Washington, you can find Eastern, Rio Grande, and Merriam’s turkeys.
Learn the Slam Registration ProcessWhile not a critical part of achieving a slam, the NWTF does provide a nice certificate and pin to a hunter who registers a slam through the NWTF. The process for registering turkeys is fairly easy, but there are still some things to keep in mind before submitting the official form.
You will need to fill out the official form four times because it is good for only one turkey and there is a $15 registration fee. There is no deadline for registering every bird you have after a harvest, so you can wait until you’ve completed your slam. However, since you will also need to provide witness signatures and additional documentation, it is best to complete the form as soon as you harvest a bird with exceptional weight, beard, or spur length. Also note, both hunter and witness must be registered NWTF members.
While planning your Grand Slam may involve some preparation and more than one season to finish, bearing these points in mind will increase your chances of success and surely produce priceless memories.
For more information on wild turkey slams, visit nwtf.org. In this article
Wild Turkey Registration Information
FAQ
What is the difference between a turkey Grand Slam and a World Slam?
How do you get a turkey Grand Slam?
Does a turkey grand slam have to be in the same year?
What is a super slam in turkey hunting?
How do you get a grand slam Turkey?
To achieve a Grand Slam, a hunter must harvest the four most common subspecies of the American wild turkey —the Eastern, Merriam’s, Rio Grande and Osceola. To date, just more than 1,500 hunters have registered Grand Slams with the NWTF, accounting for less than .1 percent of the total turkey hunting audience.
How do you win a wild turkey Grand Slam?
To achieve the Wild Turkey Grand Slam a hunter must successfully harvest each of the four subspecies of wild turkey that inhabit the United States. These subspecies include the Eastern, Rio Grande, Osceola, and the Merriam’s wild turkey.
What is the Turkey Grand Slam?
The Turkey Grand Slam, particularly the single-season slam, is the crown jewel of turkey hunting. Completing it will take you to vastly different landscapes as you trek cross-country to find the four subspecies of turkeys that complete your slam: Osceola, Eastern, Rio Grande, and Merriam’s turkey.
How do you get a Grand Slam Slam?
To achieve a Grand Slam, a hunter must harvest and register the four most common subspecies of wild turkey, the Eastern, Rio Grande, Merriam’s and Osceola (Florida) turkeys. Upon completion and registration of the slam, the hunter receives a pin and certificate. Individuals who have successfully completed and registered their Grand Slam.