Nebraska: A Prime Destination for Grand Slam Turkey Hunters

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Article by Guest Contributor: VENKU.com

Nebraska: A Prime Destination for Grand Slam Turkey Hunters

Few states offer the variety and opportunity for turkey hunting that Nebraska does. With vast public land access, high turkey populations, and generous seasons, it’s no wonder hunters from across the country make their way to the Cornhusker State every year. Whether you’re after a Rio Grande, Merriam’s, or an Eastern turkey, Nebraska provides a premier hunting experience. Experienced Nebraska hunting outfitter Caleb Ripp shares what you need to know to make the most of your hunt.

*Experienced Nebraska hunting outfitter Caleb Ripp shares what you need to know to make the most of your hunt.*

The Backstory: Turkey Hunting in Nebraska

Turkey hunting in Nebraska has come a long way. At one point, turkeys were almost wiped out across the state due to habitat loss and overhunting. However, successful reintroduction efforts in the mid-20th century, combined with strong conservation efforts, have helped turkey populations thrive. Today, Nebraska offers some of the best hunting opportunities in the Midwest, with a healthy and sustainable population available for both spring and fall hunting seasons.

Turkey Species You Can Target

Nebraska is unique in that it offers three out of 4 subspecies of wild turkeys:

Merriam’s – Known for their white-tipped tail feathers, these birds are found primarily in the western and central parts of the state.
Rio Grande – With a slightly darker tail fan, Rio Grande turkeys inhabit river bottom areas and rolling prairies.
Eastern – The largest of the three, Eastern turkeys are mainly found in the eastern portion of the state, where forests and farmlands provide ideal habitat.

Hunters target these species for their challenging nature, beautiful plumage, and delicious meat. Many turkey hunters also aim to complete a Grand Slam, which requires harvesting all four North American subspecies, and Nebraska is a prime destination for those who want to bag multiple birds in one trip.

Hunting Techniques & Gear Recommendations

Turkey hunting in Nebraska involves a mix of traditional and modern techniques. The most common methods include:

Calling – Using friction calls (such as box or slate calls) or diaphragm calls to mimic hen vocalizations and lure in gobblers. Caleb and his crew swear by Woodhaven calls, but also mix in custom calls they’ve collected through the years. “We use a lot of custom calls and Woodhaven calls that seem to bring in even the most stubborn toms!”
Decoys – Setting up hen and jake decoys in fields or open areas to attract dominant toms.

Spot and St alk – More commonly used in open country, this technique involves glassing for birds and using the terrain to close the distance. Caleb says that fitness is key for these kinds of hunts. “Number one thing I always try to tell people is make sure you are able to walk anywhere from 200 yards to a mile when chasing spot and stalk birds.” Binoculars are also handy on this kind of hunt so you can glass for a lone Tom opportunity midday to early afternoon.
Blind Hunting – Many hunters use pop-up blinds in fields or near roosting areas to remain concealed and improve their chances of success. Caleb says they use a variety of blinds – from homemade to manufactured – but his favorites are the Rhino blinds and primos Double bulls. “These blinds are used and abused every year! Both have awesome silent windows, with big shooting windows and a great backer to block the wind on those sometimes chilly, rainy mornings!”

Firearms for Turkey Hunting

While some hunters prefer archery equipment, shotguns remain the most popular firearm choice for turkey hunting in Nebraska.

While there are several common shotguns used for turkey hunting, Caleb’s go to is a Rossi .410. He says, “My overall favorite turkey gun is a Rossi SS Poly Tuff Turkey .410 with an extra full Indian Creek choke. I pair this with a Vortex red dot sight, and it’s a deadly combo for turkeys.”

It’s especially a great choice for those intense hunts when you’re working a gobbler and need to have some flexibility. “I keep finding myself grabbing that .410 to get the job done. It’s a great gun to be able to one arm while working a pot call with minimal movement when birds get close!

Other shotguns commonly used by turkey hunters across the US include:

12-gauge – Offers the best balance of power and range, making it a favorite among hunters.
20-gauge – A lighter option that still provides plenty of stopping power with the right load.
.410 bore – Gaining popularity with advancements in TSS (Tungsten Super Shot) ammunition, making it a viable choice for beginner and experienced hunters alike.

Popular ammunition choices include 3-inch or 3.5-inch shells loaded with #4, #5, or #6 shot. TSS loads, while more expensive, provide superior performance at extended ranges. The TSS is what Caleb personally uses with his .410. “With the TSS these days, the .410 is hard to beat. It knocks birds down fantastically out to 45 yards and sometimes further. It’s lightweight frame is great for ‘spot ‘n stalk’ hunting or reaping behind a fan, and makes it easy to lug around in the Sandhills and river bottoms here in Nebraska.”

Planning Your Hunt

For those looking to plan a Nebraska turkey hunt, resources include:

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission – Provides regulations, season dates, and public land maps.
Venku – A platform to book guided hunts and private land access for an unforgettable experience.
Local Outfitters and Guides – Hiring an experienced guide can increase success rates, especially for out-of-state hunters.

Nebraska stands out as one of the top turkey hunting destinations in the U.S., offering high success rates, multiple subspecies, and plenty of public land opportunities. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a newcomer, Nebraska’s turkey hunting experience is one worth chasing. So, grab your gear, tune up your calls, and start planning your next hunt with Venku!

No turkey hunter, or hunter for that means, should leave without a pair of binoculars. You can pick up new and used binocs, to fit your needs here!

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Nebraska: A Prime Destination for Grand Slam Turkey Hunters