New Mexico turkey hunting

[vthokee]

Well I have been here in NM for almost 2yrs and I am going to be able to do some spring turkey hunting this year. I got stationed at Cannon AFB after spending 4yrs in South GA where there were turkey everywhere. I am at a loss on where to even start here in NM. I have talked to some locals here in Clovis but seems nobody here hunts turkey. I am thinking of going down near Ruidoso or maybe up north. Anybody have suggestions on which area to head to first. This will also be my first time hunting merriams here. So Any pointers on merriams please feel free to let me know.
Thanks

[cuttinAR]

When I visited Ruidoso there were turkeys all along the river bottom that borders the highway.  Coming from Arkansas so we drove through Clovis on the way.  Seems as soon as we dropped out of the desert the birds were there.

[GobbleNut]

Your best bet for hunting Merriams, and the nearest from Clovis, is going to be the Lincoln National Forest.  There are birds scattered throughout the Ruidoso/Capitan areas where there is water and roosting habitat, but there are also large areas where there are no birds because there is no surface water available to them.  The area around Cloudcroft/Mayhill has more birds, better habitat, and more reliable water sources throughout the forest. 

Also, there are opportunities for hunting Rios on the east side of the state, as well, and I would guess there are places closer to Clovis where you could hunt those instead.  Unfortunately, I am not as familiar with the Rio hunting opportunities over your way.  For pure Merriams birds though, I would go to the Cloudcroft area. 

[vthokee]

Thanks for the responses. I will probably head towards Cloudcroft area and check it out. I am also going to look near the River up in Unit 40.