How to Complete the World Slam of Turkey Hunting: Plan Your Adventure Now

The best time to book a turkey hunt for spring is right now, and for those with dreams of completing a World Slam, an adventure for the elusive Ocellated or Gould’s turkey in Mexico should be on your radar.

Orange and violet hues backlit the jagged Sierra Madre Mountains in Sonora, Mexico. The 8,000-foot cliffs, rugged and ancient, stood against the dawn as we navigated rough ranch roads in the dark. Ted Jaycox, owner of Tall Tine Outfitters, and my hunting partner, Mike Waren from Arkansas, joined me. The adventure wasn’t just any turkey hunt but my opportunity to complete the World Slam—the final chapter in a journey that had already taken me across North America to pursue every wild turkey subspecies.

The hunt had unfolded quickly the day we arrived in camp. After arriving at Rancho Mababi, a sprawling 23,000-acre property at the base of the Sierra Madre, we wasted no time heading afield. Ted’s well-placed blind overlooked a creek bed, and I was ready with a Mossberg 940 Pro Turkey shotgun in hand. Apex Ammunition’s Turkey Tungsten Super Shot, known for its dense patterns and reliable knockdown power, ensured no margin for error for this special hunt. The air temperatures were still hot, and we settled in, hoping birds would come to gentle calls once the shadows started to cast off the steep ridge behind us.

We sat, called, and visited for several hours, thinking we still had hours to wait. A gobble rang out, startlingly close. The tom had approached silently, intrigued by our calls and now the decoys. I peeked out the back corner of the blind to see the strutter with eyes locked on our decoys. I watched the bird lift its head and march downhill. It strutted, then ran down the hill farther before returning into full display as he approached the decoys. I enjoyed the show but did not hesitate when the bird stood still, and with steady aim, I pulled the trigger. The tom dropped instantly, the tungsten load proving its worth. The final bird of my World Slam was down.

Beyond the milestone, Sonora’s experience remains unforgettable. The mountains, the vibrant desert landscape, and the camaraderie shared in a camp made it all the more rewarding. Ted’s expertise ensured seamless travel and guided us through every step—from navigating the border to preparing our birds for the journey home.

Completing the World Slam was a moment of immense pride. Harvesting a Gould’s turkey marked the final piece of the puzzle, joining the Eastern, Rio Grande, Merriam’s, Osceola and Ocellated turkeys in this ultimate achievement recognized by the National Wild Turkey Federation.

World Slam and Royal Slam

Harvesting a Gould’s turkey completed my Royal Slam and World Slam, as identified by the National Wild Turkey Federation. A turkey hunter must harvest and register the Ocellated turkey and all five subspecies of the American wild turkey, including the Eastern, Rio Grande, Merriam’s, Osceola, and Gould’s turkey.

To complete a Royal Slam, a hunter must harvest and register an Eastern, Rio Grande, Merriam’s, Osceola and Gould’s turkey.

For more information on turkey slams and how to register, visit www.nwtf.org.

Plan a World Slam

Gould’s turkey offers a challenge for those considering a World Slam. Its striking, white-tipped tail feathers and vivid coloration make it a trophy worth pursuing. Outfitters like Tall Tine provide the expertise needed for a successful hunt, handling everything from firearms and permits to logistics and trophy preparation.

The Ocellated turkey I took the previous year on the Yucatan Peninsula is the most unique bird from the jungle, with a petite frame and peacock-like feathers. They evolved in the dense cover and humid environment but will use agricultural fields to feed.

On the fourth day of my hunt, we were back in the blind well before sunrise. As the sun crept over the horizon, it brought a welcome warmth, easing the lingering chill of the early morning air. The blind’s windows were open, offering a clear view of the field’s edge. Stories from other hunters in camp replayed in my mind—some had turkeys appear just feet from their blinds, demanding a quick and precise shot. I was ready for the moment.

Two hours passed without a sign of movement. Then, my guide, Marcus, quietly rummaged through his pack, retrieved his binoculars, and scanned the eastern field. Suddenly, his hushed voice broke the silence.

“Pavo, macho!”

The words were music to my ears. A mature male Ocellated turkey had arrived. Marcus sprang into action, closing the windows behind us to prevent light from spilling out and positioning the shooting sticks at the open window. Every movement was deliberate and precise.

Then, a second turkey appeared. The pair moved quickly along the field’s edge, their dark silhouettes blending seamlessly with the shadows. My pulse quickened as I tracked their movements, hoping they would come closer. However, the birds had other plans, drifting further away. My hopes began to dim.

Just then, a hawk landed in the field, about 30 yards from the turkeys. The dominant male immediately took offense. With a burst of energy, he charged at the hawk, forcing it to take flight. The chase brought the turkey closer in my direction. As the hawk circled back, the turkey responded with another aggressive charge. The scene was both dramatic and mesmerizing.

However, in an instant, the dominant bird disappeared into the shadows. Panic flickered as I searched the landscape for any sign of him. The second turkey remained, still feeding, but the macho was nowhere to be seen.

Marcus stood tense, his eyes locked on the tree line. Then, without warning, he gave me a subtle tap on the shoulder. I followed his gaze—the dominant turkey had rounded the corner and stood just four yards from the blind.

“Macho,” Marcus whispered. The single word cued me to take the shot.

With my Mossberg 940 Pro Turkey shotgun steadied and the red dot aimed at the bird’s neck, I squeezed the trigger. The shot echoed, and the bird flew backward with the impact. Feathers drifted gently on the breeze. Relief and exhilaration washed over me—I had successfully harvested my Ocellated turkey.

The bird’s beauty was breathtaking. Its iridescent feathers shimmered in the sunlight with vibrant shades of blue, green, and bronze. The bright blue head and yellow crown were unmistakable, a brilliant contrast to the rich jungle foliage. Unlike other turkey species, the Ocellated turkey lacks a beard, but its long, curved spurs make up for it. It weighed just over 10 pounds and was a striking example of its species.

Back at camp, we carefully weighed the bird and measured its spurs, which came in at an impressive 1 5/8 inches. With every detail recorded, I reflected on the incredible journey. The Ocellated turkey was a true trophy, and the memories of the hunt would last a lifetime.

Taking Each Step of the Slam

My turkey hunting passion started in Florida with an Osceola gobbler. Since then, I have traveled across the continent and harvested dozens of Rio, Merriam’s, Easterns, and every hybrid possible. A trip to the Black Hills of South Dakota allowed me to take a special Merriam’s introduction to the region, which now thrives in the challenging terrain.

You don’t have to pursue a turkey slam. However, it could take you to unique places to hunt and experience the different birds and habitats, along with fascinating history and people. Add some adventure to life, and consider chasing a new turkey species to broaden your horizons.

Trust the Experts

For a seamless and unforgettable hunting experience, I recommend Tall Tine Outfitters, led by Ted Jaycox. Ted’s meticulous attention to detail ensured that every aspect of each trip was handled, from border crossings to firearm permits. Ted’s expertise extends to securing all necessary permits, including CITES and agricultural documents, ensuring a smooth process for transporting your trophy to a USDA-approved taxidermist. With decades of experience, Tall Tine Outfitters makes achieving your turkey hunting dreams a reality. To book your Osceola, Ocellated, Rio or Gould’s turkey adventure, visit www.talltine.com.

With memories of gobbles echoing through the mountains and the satisfaction of achieving a lifelong goal, my World Slam journey concluded. Nevertheless, the call of the wild turkey remains—a reminder that every gobble, every strut and every hunt is a story waiting to be told.