Merriam's Turkey Hunts - Nebraska Hunting Company

Complete Your "Grand Slam" with a Merriam's Turkey

April 12, 2014 - May 31, 2014

All Inclusive Guided

Merriam's Turkey Hunts

Call or Email Now To Book You 2013 Hunt

402-304-1192

$1495.00 - Two Gobblers

Merriam's Spring Turkey Hunting Brochure

Gavin Harvests First Gobbler At Close Range

Gavin harvested his first gobbler in his hunting career at close range. His gobbler came at full charge to the turkey fan he took his shot inside of 10yds. His shot was on target and resulted in harvesting a mature Nebraska Merriams gobbler.

Gary Walker Returns To Nebraska In 2012

Hi every one. If you have read the blogs from Scott Croners  site you have read about my hunt last year. It was great. As you recall. I hunted last year in some of the worst weather you could imagine. 30 mile winds. rain and occasional snow flurries.Scott still got me my birds .Well, this year was about as 180 degrees the other way as you could imagine. We had sun, little wind and very dry. This was the problem all winter and spring. Hot weather started the birds early and they were about 3 to 4 weeks advanced. We were working birds that thought it was the third week in May not April. ( the last day I hunted It was 92 deg.).

All the Toms were bread out and didn't want to fight any more. (I guess getting beat up all spring takes a toll on you).. Every thing was advanced about three to four weeks because of the weather, Scott still took me out in these conditions and fond two birds that wanted to commit suicide. Between the two, total time was about 8 min.  Now there was some scouting time, but the point is that Scott Croner and the Nebraska hunting co is the premier Turkey hunting organization I have found.,

I hope this blog helps every one understand that this year the weather has made things far more advanced then before. Scott will do everything that he can to get you your birds, he runs, watches and ;listens to what the turkeys are doing, Scott will get the birds for
you, I have never been let down.

Scott Croner and the Nebraska hunting co, Is the only Outfitter I will ever hunt with in Nebraska.

The one thing I will say is that no matter how great Scott is, he still  can not control the weather, i promise you,  from a previous client, that Scott Will do all that is required to get the best birds possible

This is the best Turkey hunting experience I will ever have. See you next year Scott (fan man). I have already re booked.

Uncle Bucks lodge is great. Marilyn and Walt are fantastic proprietors. It is a working ranch so you will meet a verity of people and conditions. The food is second to none and you can't ever get enough of the family atmosphere. If you need anything all you need to do is ask.

In summery, This is the most professional and personable outfit I have ever associated with. Scott will do all he can to make sure you have a great time/

See you there..

Gary Walker

Please call Scott and book the best Turkey hunt you could ever imagine and I may see you there

David Marshall Harvests Merriams Turkey In Nebraska

Scott,

    Just wanted to thank you for probably what I could call the best and most exciting turkey hunt I've ever had! I knew it was going to be a success when you have a guide who works harder to fill your tag than most hunters do to fill their own.
    I have hunted with other outfitters before but none seem to measure up to the experience that I recently had with you and the great hospitality that I was shown.
    There wasn't once that we went out that there weren't birds seen and worked, GREAT strutting  Merriam's Toms everywhere. This is probably the closest thing to a one hundred percent hunt that a person could get. Everything is there that one would want for a great experience. You've got the high energy Guide, lots of birds, great food, camaraderie, and a successful hunt. If anyone ever asks me about my hunt, I will never hesitate to point them in your direction and give them all the info. they need to contact you so that they too can have the opportunities that I was given on my hunt.
    This was a unique experience for me, not your typical southern turkey hunt. Lots of fast paced hunting action. I saw more turkeys in a day and a half hunting than almost a whole spring season most other places.
    I am truly appreciative of the efforts that was put forth in order for me to harvest the birds I came home with. I am looking forward to returning next year and plan to bring my wife along to hunt as well. I almost hated to leave I was having so much fun, but you can only do so much once you're tagged out.
    See you next year Scott, and thanks again.

    Sincerely, David Marshall
   
        P.S. Scott, I took one of the Trophy birds I harvested at your place to the Taxidermist today.

Larry Parrish Hits Home Run With Merriam's and Rio

Congrats to Larry on his two awesome Nebraska gobblers in 2012. A Merriam's on the left and a Rio on the right.

 "Scott it was a very enjoyable trip, always great to chase turkeys anywhere but hunting in Nebraska with both Merriam's and Rio's to hunt made it even better. Then when you hunt them Indian style just doubled the excitement."  L. P.

How to Score Your Wild Turkey - Merriam's, Rio's, Eastern's, and Osceola's

You can calculate the score of your turkey with our scoing calculator.

Before you begin to score your turkey, be sure to note that all measurements are taken in 1/16-inch increments and converted to decimal form. A current NWTF member or another licensed hunter from the state where the bird was harvested must verify all measurements. A conversion chart for measurements is located at the bottom of this page.

Step 1:	Weigh your bird in pounds and ounces and convert ounces to decimal form.
Step 2:	Measure each spur. Spurs must be measured along the outside center, from the point at which the spur protrudes from the scaled leg skin to the tip of the spur. Add both spur measurements and multiply the combined length of the spurs by 10. This is the number of points you receive for the turkey’s spurs.
Step 3:	Measure the beard length (a beard must be measured from the center point of the protrusion of the skin to the tip) and convert it to decimal form. Next, multiply the beard length figure by 2; this is the number of points you receive for the beard length. If you have an atypical bird (multiple beards), measure each beard, convert them to a decimal number, then add those figures together and multiply by two. This is the number of points you receive for your turkey’s beards.
Step 4:	Add together the weight, the points for spurs and points for beard(s): This is the score you receive for your turkey.

---

Conversion Chart

1/8 Measurements	1/16 Measurements	Weight
1/8 = .1250	1/16 = .0625	1 OZ. = .0625
2/8 = .2500	2/16 = .1250	2 OZ. = .1250
3/8 = .3750	3/16 = .1875	3 OZ. = .1875
4/8 = .5000	4/16 = .2500	4 OZ. = .2500
5/8 = .6250	5/16 = .3125	5 OZ. = .3125
6/8 = .7500	6/16 = .3750	6 OZ. = .3750
7/8 = .8750	7/16 = .4375	7 OZ. = .4375
	8/16 = .5000	8 OZ. = .5000
	9/16 = .5625	9 OZ. = .5625
	10/16 = .6250	10 OZ. = .6250
	11/16 = .6875	11 OZ. = .6875
	12/16 = .7500	12 OZ. = .7500
	13/16 = .8125	13 OZ. = .8125
	14/16 = .8750	14 OZ. = .8750
	15/16 = .9375	15 OZ. = .9375

Johnny & Teri Hall Score Merriam's Turkeys In Nebraska

Scott
"Man what a trip, most likely the most fun ever on what turned out to be a one day hunt.
My wife was skeptical about going along but now after hunting with Scott, she understands the addiction, now she is hooked also and can't wait to come back.
I'd highly recommend hunting with Scott, he knows his business well and at the same time will keep you fully entertained, genuine great guy to be around and did I mention the hunting was great too"

Johnny & Teri Hall
Jonesboro,LA

Gary Walker Enjoy's His Merriam's Turkey Hunt In 2011

I just got back from a Turkey hunt with Scott Croner and it was a fabulous experience. Not only did Scott deliver but in some of the most adverse conditions imaginable for turkey hunting. The weather was cold with a steady drizzle with periods of heavy rain. Winds were 15 to 20 MPH with gusts to about 30 MPH. These conditions would make recreational water fowlers think about staying on the couch to watch the Corn Huskers Play instead of going to the marsh. Most outfitters would not hunt in these conditions because you can’t call the birds and stalking takes too much effort. With the versatility of Scott’s style this doesn’t even slow him down. With rain and wind at times so strong I had a hard time hearing what he was saying we took off after the elusive gobblers.

Now I won’t say it was easy because the birds are a little more skittish in these conditions but with the vast acreage Scott has to work with, he had no difficulty giving me multiple opportunities using his run and gun tactics. I have been use to watching the slow, calm decoy method on TV, as most of you have, and this was something I was not expecting. This type of hunting is very fast and very intense. It really raises the excitement level. By afternoon we had harvested my first two turkeys ever. I was elated.

The next morning it was more of the same. High winds and a light drizzle. Off we went. We saw several groups of birds and put on a couple of stalks. Then we decided to check some birds we watched the day before. There they were. Many hens, Jakes and multiple large gobblers. Scott parked the vehicle and got his fan and the hunt was on. Using his impressive and unique technique we were able to creep (belly crawl) to within about 30 yards. Scott told me to take one of the back gobblers. Now by this time I could see one of them strutting just yards away and the excitement level was through the roof. I rose up and shot and got my gobbler. When Scott looked at it he just said “oh my god wait till you see this”. The bird is huge. Over 10 and ½ inch beard and over 1 and ¼ inch spurs that hook up. A real limb hanger. Scott said it was worthy of mounting and that is what I will do. We shook hands and I was still shaking.

The short of it is that Scott Croner and the Nebraska Hunting Co, in my opinion, is the premier outfitting co. in Nebraska. He is very intelligent and has knowledge of Turkey hunting that is second to none. His versatility ensures that even in the most adverse conditions you will not sit around the lodge twittling your thumbs because your outfitter doesn’t want to exert the effort it takes to hunt in bad weather. Scott will get you in the field and I guarantee he will give you many opportunities.

Uncle Bucks Lodge is a very comfortable and friendly environment with great food and a beautiful setting overlooking the river. The owners will do what ever it takes to ensure you have an enjoyable stay.You can see geese and turkeys from the balcony. Scott will do his job impeccably. You will get exactly what you pay for and more. He goes above and beyond to ensure it is the experience of a life time and it is.

After Scott puts you on the birds, the rest is up to you.

I can’t wait till next year. See you then Fan Man

Sincerely,

Gary Walker
Tremonton, Utah

Jay Jones And Kraig Dean Harvest 5 Gobblers In 24 Hours

Hunting Merriams Turkey in Nebraska!

Five Merriams Gobblers in Two Days!

Wild action is the only way to describe it!

Scott Croner puts his clients first, and on their birds. Kraig harvested all 3 of his gobblers in one day of hunting. Jay harvested 2 of his gobblers along with Kraig and 1 the night before.

When you're looking to make your Grand Slam, or you just want to take your first Merriams Turkey, Scott Croner of Nebraska Hunting Outfitters is the Guide to call.

Whether it is Snow Geese, Whitetail Deer, or Merriam's Turkey, Nebraska Hunting Outfitters and Scott Croner will put you in the game.

Ron, John, and Joey All Tag 3 Gobblers In Two Days

Return Customers Score Merriams Turkeys with Scott Croner

Friends and clients, Ron and John have made their third trip to Nebraska to hunt with the Nebraska Hunting Company. They brought Joey for his first opportunity to hunt Merriams turkey. Though nothing is ever guaranteed in hunting, espacially Merriams Turkey hunting, NHC and guide Scott Croner put all the pieces together so Joey could harvest his first Merriams Turkey! We can, without reserve, say that he is headed in the right direction, having harvested a great Merriams gobbler.

Join Scott Croner and Nebraska Hunting Company as they hunt Snow Geese, Whitetail Deer, and Merriams turkey.

Wengler & Weathers Team Up On Nebraska Merriam's, Rio's and Hybrids

Amanda and Lance team up to harvest 4 mature gobblers in less than 24 hours.

Slam - A - Rama By John Ferris - Spring Turkey Hunt In Nebraska

Scott doesn’t just put you on the birds he quickly adapts to what you are looking to get out of your hunt and delivers. These are wild free-range non-pressured birds that will give you a unique hunting experience.

I have never passed up a 2-year-old gobbler in my life. On my hunt I passed up at least ½ dozen of them and scored two trophy birds. Scott put me on more birds in a three-day hunt than I see all season in my home state.

Scott knows where to find the birds and has a technique that will amaze you - something you will need to see to believe. My hunt with Scott had many encounters with the turkeys just yards away - that left my heart pumping and me breathless.

100,000 acres, 1 guide, and limited hunters – you do the math - a premium hunting experience. You should go on a Nebraska Merriam's turkey hunt with Scott Croner.

John Ferris
New York
April 2011 Turkey Hunt

Mike, Warren and Brent All Score Turkeys In Nebraska

Well it was Mike and Warren's second trip to Nebraska turkey hunting and Brent first they left this morning with 8 gobblers between the three of them in just over a day and a half.

Brodie Gardiner With Merriam's Turkey

We just returned from hunting turkeys with Scott Croner and the Nebraska Hunting Company and had an excellent hunt. We shot our limit in a day and a half and could of shot all our birds opening day but took our time. Scott bent over backwards to put us on the birds his also very knowledgeable hunter who knows how to call, when to move on birds, when to stay and call for them. The first bird I took he called in 10 toms and 3 jakes all within 30 yards I have never experienced that many birds gobbling coming through the timber. This was our second year hunting with Scott and we'll be back next year we have been to both Kansas and Oklahoma and there is no one that compares to Scott. He let us go on our own in the morning told us where the birds were roosting and always had lot of gobblers close to where he told us to hunt. Uncle bucks lodge is like staying with family made you feel at home. The food is very good and lots of room to spread everthing out in your room. I have never seen so many toms in 2 days as here at least 100 plus.n When harvesting my birds I always had a choice which one to take. The only bad thing I can say about this place is I have to go back home where if I hear 3 or more birds at first light I think wow haven't even seen anything on television that come close to what Scott showed us he is and excellent outfitter.

Merriam's Spring Turkey Hunting - Bandon Wikman and Scott Croner

Brandon and Scott team up for this Nebraska Merriam's turkey.

Merriam's Turkey Hunting - Simply The Best!

"Some of the Best turkey hunting I have had in my life. I saw over 30 turkeys a day and we harvested our 4 tom turkeys in 20 hours. Turkey hunting unlike anywhere in the United States."

Wallace Fennell Camillus Knifes - Rock hill, North Carolina

"The mixture of rolling hills, wide open terrain and dense cover of central Nebraska, provides a truly unique Turkey hunting experience. If your in search of the Turkey hunting experience of a lifetime, your search has ended. I highly recommend Scott Croner and his associates at the Nebraska Hunting Company.

Rob Swords - Plant Manager Worthington Steel - Columbus, Ohio

Spring Turkey Season Only Two Weeks Away - April 16,2011

Merriam's Spring Turkey Hunt 3 days / 3 nights per hunter: $ 1295.00 Archery / Shotgun Package includes: * 2 Tom Turkeys (third turkey $300.00) * Lodging and meals * Transportation once your arrive at NHC, Inc. Lodge in Brewster, NE

Merriam's Spring Shotgun Season Starts April 16, 2011 - Checklist

Equipment:
Shotgun
Turkey loads
Turkey choke tube
Patterning targets
Camo blind — where legal
Seat, cushioned stool
Shotgun sling
Turkey decoys
Camera Lo Boy
Lite Chair
Monopod gun rest
ThermaCELL
Compass Maps
Knife
Ratchet cutters
Insect repellent
Flashlight
Trail ribbon
Binoculars
Camo tape
Cooler
Water bottle
First aid kit

Clothes:
Camo gloves
Camo facenet
Camo paint
Camo make-up
Camo shirt
Camo pants
Camo jacket
Camo turkey vest or pack
Camo cap
Camo socks
Camo undershirts
Rain suit
Calls:
Box call
Diaphragm calls
Slate or glass pot & peg call
Glass call
Gobble call
Tube call
Push-pin call
Turpin/wingbone call
Crow/locator call
Owl hooter call locator calls

Call Accessories:
Box call chalk
Sandpaper
Call lanyard
Box call holster

Archery gear:
Bow (camouflaged)
Broadheads
3-D Camo clothes
3-D targets

To Do:
Get license/turkey tags
Pattern shotgun

Merriam's Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo merriami)

Complete your "Grand Slam" with a Merriam's Turkey Hunt, Contact Scott Croner at 402-304-1192

Physical Description
Although approximately the same size as the Eastern, the Merriam has different coloration. It is black with blue, purple and bronze reflections. White feathers on the lower back and tail feather margins distinguish the Merriam from other subspecies of turkey. The margins have a dull white appearance. Merriam’s appear to have a white rump due to pinkish buff, or whitish tail coverts and tips. The tail feathers are very conspicuous when the gobbler struts against a dark background. Toms have black-tipped breast feathers, while the hens exhibit buff tips. Hens have a more extensive white area on the wings giving a whiter appearance when the wings are folded.


Average Weight Range
Mature Merriam wild turkeys weigh from eight to over 20 pounds.

Reproduction
Breeding occurs during the spring and summer months (May through August). The increase of daylight hours in spring triggers hormonal changes. Gobbling is used to attract receptive females for mating in late February to early March. Males exhibit both gobbling and strutting to attract females. Gobbling attracts the hen to the male, who then courts the female by strutting. If the gobbler is successful, the female will crouch to signal the male to begin copulation. The first peak time for gobbling occurs at the beginning of breeding season when gobblers are searching for hens. The second peak begins a few weeks later, when most hens begin incubation. Gobblers mate with several hens, and it is generally the adult males who do most of the mating. Hens lay anywhere from 8 to 12 eggs per clutch, averaging about 28 days for incubation.

Food Usage/Selection
Wild turkeys are omnivores, eating a variety of plant and animal matter wherever and whenever available. Poults, or young turkey, eat large quantities of insects and other animal matter to get needed protein for development. As turkeys age, plant matter becomes the primary food source with about 90 percent of the mature turkey’s diet including the green foliage of grasses, vines, forbs, acorns, buds, seeds and various fruits.

Range
The Merriam is found in the ponderosa pine forests of Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and the rest of the Rocky Mountain range, and has been transplanted to Nebraska, Washington, California, Oregon, and the Canadian provinces of Alberta and Manitoba.

Habitat
Merriam’s wild turkeys inhabit ponderosa pine forests, western mountainous regions of the United States and the woodland prairies. Merriam’s tend to live in regions that receive annual rainfall of 15 to 23 inches.

Common Hunting Methods
The shotgun, bow and arrow, and black powder are all used to hunt turkey. To attract turkey, hunters use a wide range of calls to lure them or to induce gobblers to a fight. Calling has become so popular that contests are held each year so experts and novices alike can fine-tune their skills.

Hunting Challenges/Values
With their excellent eyesight and well-developed sense of hearing, the turkey can sometimes outsmart decoys used by hunters as they become more and more sensitized to their presence. Wild turkeys are very good to eat and can be smoked, fried or baked. Many hunters proudly display their colorful capes, beards or full-bodied mounts.

Interesting Tidbits
Turkeys will answer thunder from an approaching storm with calls of their own.
Turkey hunting is one of the most popular forms of hunting.
Hens produce droppings in shapes like a mound, and the gobbler’s droppings are in a straight line or resemble the letter “J.”

Named for C. Hart Merriam, who was the first chief of the U. S. Biological Survey.

Nebraska Merriam's Mania With Scott Croner and The Nebraska Hunting Company By Brandon, Wikman

Realtree: Community: Nebraska Merriam's Mania: "Nebraska Merriam's Mania

By Brandon Wikman, Bass Pro NGX Team

The rumors tucked away in the Sand Hills of central Nebraska hold more truth than told. Deep in this picturesque valley of cedars, sand and lofty hills, is a sought after secret of the mystical Merriam’s turkey.

Plenty of the country hunted was open, but the birds have a propensity to find and use available cover to their advantage.
The time-crazy world hasn't changed the background of the old ranch town I stayed at. As I passed through the hundred yard main street strip of not-a-whole-lot, I soon became familiarized of what the little town was known for from the camouflage jackets and cowboy hats worn by the locals. I marveled at cattle ranchers stringing barbed-wire fence by hand for miles, while others admired their massive prairie burns. I felt as if I were taken back to the cowboy days and imagined the covered wagons trekking across the desolate land. Sod houses from the 1800's still stood amongst the canyons and withheld their enduring beauty throughout years of erosion.
THE GRAND QUEST
Although, the scenery and generalization of the Sand Hills inspired my historic inner-feelings, I was there to conquer the last species of turkey for my Grand Slam quest and face the secrets head-to-head with Nebraska Hunting Company, a nationally acclaimed outfitter from the heart of Nebraska."

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