Merriams 2021

[ChiefBubba]

I know this is very short notice. But since I'm getting an unexpected windfall. I'm thinking of maybe seeing if I could book a short notice trip.
Anyone can recommend anyplace? Bubba

[bchilde]

I'm headed to trophy ridge outfitters in Wyoming this May. 1200.00 for 3 nights lodging and food included. Some guys on this forum say nothing but good things about them. I'll soon find out. Good luck

[ChiefBubba]

Bumping it back up. I didn't go this year but still looking to go. Bubba

[turkeyfool]

It's not worth paying a premium to hunt Merriams in my honest opinion. More than enough public land and motels in SD, WY and MT. South Dakota you can do the prairie unit or you can do the black hills. Some of the better prairie units may be a 2 year wait now to drag the tag, but if you go to the black hills,  stay at the Rocket M in Custer and there's plenty of places to roam around there. Don will also point you in the right direction. That'll be a lot cheaper than an outfitter and more rewarding

[TurkeyReaper69]

  hi

It's not worth paying a premium to hunt Merriams in my honest opinion. More than enough public land and motels in SD, WY and MT. South Dakota you can do the prairie unit or you can do the black hills. Some of the better prairie units may be a 2 year wait now to drag the tag, but if you go to the black hills,  stay at the Rocket M in Custer and there's plenty of places to roam around there. Don will also point you in the right direction. That'll be a lot cheaper than an outfitter and more rewarding

Nothing quite grinds my gears like a comment such as this. If a fella wants to go on a private land outfitted hunt. Why try to steer him to public? Some folks may enjoy a cushy lodge, a nice home cooked meal, a guide to show them around. Black hills are over crowded with public hunters the last few years and it looks like the success rate has been dropping substantially with each passing year. We don't need anymore folks encouraged to go hunt public lands in any state. #MakePrivateLandCoolAgain!

[Crghss]

It's not worth paying a premium to hunt Merriams in my honest opinion. More than enough public land and motels in SD, WY and MT. South Dakota you can do the prairie unit or you can do the black hills. Some of the better prairie units may be a 2 year wait now to drag the tag, but if you go to the black hills,  stay at the Rocket M in Custer and there's plenty of places to roam around there. Don will also point you in the right direction. That'll be a lot cheaper than an outfitter and more rewarding

I'd have to agree with this.

[Tail Feathers]

I'm looking too.  I did public this spring, want an outfitter next year.  My hearing is getting bad and I need help finding birds.  That NF was big and crowded too.

[turkeyfool]

Do you realize that the majority of the black hills is public. It's like the size of freaking Rhode Island. Now if you're talking states not out west, my suggestion would be different. In Mississippi for example, I'd say yes definitely avoid public if you can. But in merriams country, I wouldn't say it's needed at all

[ChiefBubba]

If I had more time I'd most likely go it alone but I'm limited on time and need someone to do the scouting for me. Bubba

[RND1983]

The good thing is there is something for everyone. If somebody wants to pay $3,000 for a Merriams hunt, more power to them. They are supporting a local business. If you want a DIY adventure, then you can do that too.