Last minute Merriam's

[WV Flopper]

 Thinking of riding Westward to find a Merriam's. Have done no research. Only considering because I am 3/4 deep into a single season slam as of today. Be cool to finish this out as the opportunity may not come again.

I already have some time off scheduled from the worst 4 letter word, that's not a big deal. Just wondering where would it be easy to secure a tag and have a reasonable chance to find a Merriam's.

As far East as possible would be a bonus.

[Tail Feathers]

Looks like southcentral SD or Northcentral NE is closest according to the map of turkey distribution.

[joey46]

You driving?  I hope to fly into Denver, rent a car and drive north into the Black Hills NF in WY.  Wyoming tags are over the counter.  SD's are available but will take time to receive.  I have no clue about NE. A decent NF map that includes the National Forest in both WY and SD is available.  I didn't seriously consider this until Southwest Air advertised some $49.00 fares from Tampa.  Too good to pass up.  Btw - through all the virus panic last season WY didn't restrict non-residents so that shouldn't be a concern this year. Good luck.

[WV Flopper]

 Good info, thanks. That is a long drive!

[WV Flopper]

Joey, a flight into Denver and drive to Wyoming sounds good. Much better than a drive to Wyoming!

As said, no prior thought of this. Thank you, I like it.

[joey46]

When you shop around you'll find rental car prices are all over the map.  It will be the biggest expense in my plan. 

[Wvdanimal]

With alot of coffee, mtn dew and a motivated buddy, I can be in the heart of the Black Hills in exactly 24 hrs from WV. Don't/won't fly. Sometimes we pull 15 or so and get a hotel  then finish the next day. I've never flown for any trip but I just don't see how you can with all the stuff you need.

[Hobbes]

You definitely can fly with everything that you need. You just have to follow the rules and pay the fees.

My experience last month with rental cars in Sarasota was a pain.  I had a small SUV reserved and paid for with Budget.  The line was 2 hours to the counter and you took whatever car they had available because they were cleaning them as they came in and that was your only option.  We ended up with a minivan and was happy to have it.  The other rental lines were empty.  Budget's story was that the other ones didn't have cars.  I have no idea if this is isolated to the airport or if it's common now.

[joey46]

You were here around a peak week for s/w Florida so that isn't a big surprise.  I'm hearing rumors that car rental is becoming a problem many places.  We'll see. 

If I do go I'll have two pieces of checked luggage.  One a Plano gun case with firearm and ammo.  It will also have room for any and all calls, binocs, etc.  The second bag is clothes and soft shoes.  Wear your hunting boots.  Boots take up too much room in a bag.  On SWA these two checked items are free.  Medicine, keys, phone chargers all in a small carry-on.  It is also free on SWA.  A good deal.  Haven't looked lately but 40# limit per bag will alleviate overweight fees.  Been mentioned before but the kid that does the Pinot Project has a good video on flying with guns and turkey gear.  Have fun.

[WV Flopper]

 Thanks guys, am checking it out. The vehicle for a week to ten day will cost a grand+-. Just done it twice in the last three weeks.

The plain ticket cost to me is a wash, it saves me 2 days minimum. One day out, one day back, I could work those two days and pay for a first class ticket. Baggage with this ticket you don't have to pay for, plus a free cocktail or two!

So you men feal North East Wyoming is worth looking into? I will put some effort into it.

Thanks again.

[Hobbes]

You have lots of options for Merriam's driving from Denver
Colorado
New Mexico (I think)
Nebraska
Wyoming
South Dakota (requires ordering tag)
Montana

Of course it's worth it if you have the time and cash.

[joey46]

Thanks for the additional info.  I'm only choosing Denver as the jump off point since SWA had give away prices, no bag fees, and I've never had a flying with a turkey gun problem with them in at least ten other trips up to Ohio.  If the cost of a rental car is as high as some are stating it will be a deal breaker and another "maybe next year" for me.

[Gooserbat]

I'd opt for a Merriam from their historical range if I were trying for a slam.  That excludes SD and WY.  Pm me and I'll share some intel on Colorado and New Mexico.

[Crghss]

It would be a pain in the arse but you could book a car away from airport. Uber to the car rental.

Costco believe it or not has good car rental prices. May be worth the membership.

[joey46]

We do belong to Costco.  I'll give them a look.  Over the years I've used Priceline's Name Your Own Price app and got some good deals.  Of course now that I'm actively shopping on line I'm getting pop ups from multiple sources.  We'll see how this works out.  I want to rent a car not buy it. 

Update - just looked at Costco Travel.  Whew!  The page starts with a statement advising that due to COVID etc rental cars were in short supply and it may be necessary to reschedule some trips.  This sounded like such a good idea a month ago.  It's becoming more like work.