The Grand Slam: Rio Grande Hunt
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.
With a Florida tag filled, the next leg of a single-season Grand Slam often means heading to Texas for the wild and reckless Rio Grande gobbler
Get the latest turkey hunting news, tips and tactics in your inbox!
You Might Also Like
