1 | Gobblin' Fool
Rio Grande gobblers are known as the most vocal and often easiest of the four subspecies to hunt. But they’re still turkeys—don’t travel to Texas expecting a pushover.
2 | Running and Gunning
Hunting open-country Rios usually means running and gunning.
3 | Loudmouth
Rios are notorious for gobbling hard at all hours of the day.
4 | Texas Skyline
The photographer and his brother do much of their hunting near Childress, Texas.
5 | Big Shed
Sometimes turkeys aren’t the only things you’ll find in the spring woods.
6 | Loading Up
Though Texas is the most common destination for a Rio hunt, Kansas and Oklahoma both have good populations of them as well. Rios have also been successfully transplanted to parts of the Dakotas and states along the West Coast.
7 | Buff Fan
Though not as white as the Merriam’s subspecies, Rios sport buff tips on their tail fans.
8 | Shot of the Setup
When a Rio answers inside of 200 yards, you’d best find a spot to sit and get your gun ready. They often respond quickly.
9 | Gobbler Down!
When you see that big red and white head bobbing through the mesquite at 30 yards, well, you know to do.
10 | Long Legs
Disproportionately long legs are a dead giveaway of a Rio—they’re a good place to hang your tag, too.
11 | Successful Hunt
The author’s brother with a fine Texas Tom.
12 | Hunt's End
See the Florida leg of the Grand Slam series by clicking here. Look for the Eastern leg next week.
