The idea for ROOST was sparked by a 2019 turkey hunt out West. We were probably in a tent somewhere in South Dakota surrounded by empty energy drink cans and a piles of used Zyn pouches. We hadn’t slept much in six days and the turkeys, as always, we’re kicking our asses.
We could have never imagined that this singular, insane experience would turn into a lifestyle. But it has. And we’ve been chasing it ever since.
For most turkey hunters, the experience of chasing big Toms is variable. From the dense hardwoods of the Southeast to the rolling prairies of the Midwest, each region presents its own hardships. But for us, there’s something truly special about hunting turkeys in the American West. It’s a mix of adventure, rugged landscapes, and the raw unpredictability of the elements that makes every hunt a crazy ride.
Western turkey hunting is a world of contrasts. Out here, the terrain is vast, the birds are wily, and the weather is anything but predictable. In one day, you might experience sunshine, snow, rain, and wind—all while chasing turkeys across open ridges, pine forests, and sagebrush flats.
Unlike the Southeast, where turkey hunting has a deep-rooted history, the West offers something different. The populations may not be as dense, but the landscapes provide an experience that is unmatched. Hunting in places like Montana, Wyoming, and North Dakota means navigating public lands, camping under the stars, and sometimes covering miles before even hearing a gobble.
But that’s the appeal. Western turkey hunting isn’t just about filling a tag; it’s about embracing the adventure.
The Ultimate Adventure: Hunting from Boats, Horses, and Wall Tents
For us, western turkey hunting isn’t just about the hunt—it’s about the experience. The best part of chasing birds out West is finding new and creative ways to do it. Whether it’s setting up a wall tent deep in the national forest, riding horseback into remote canyons, or floating down a river to access untouched hunting ground, the adventure factor is off the charts.
Camping in a wall tent puts you right in the heart of turkey country. Instead of waking up hours before sunrise and driving to a hunting spot, you’re already there. That extra sleep matters when the days are long, and you’re chasing birds from dawn until dusk.
Hunting from horseback isn’t just about looking cool—it’s a practical way to cover ground, especially in areas where roads turn to impassable mud. And hunting from a boat? That’s the next level. Using rivers to access hard-to-reach public lands means encountering birds that haven’t been pressured, making for some of the most exciting hunting imaginable.
Access and opportunity
One of the biggest draws of western turkey hunting is access. The West is home to vast expanses of public land, making it a haven for hunters looking to roam freely without worrying about tight private land restrictions. In states like Montana, Wyoming, and South Dakota, public land access allows hunters to explore new spots.\
That’s not to say the West is completely devoid of pressure. In recent years, turkey hunting has exploded in popularity, especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. States like Kansas and Nebraska, once known for their abundant turkey populations and unlimited tags, saw such an influx of hunters that wildlife agencies had to implement quotas and lottery systems to manage numbers.
This surge in interest highlights an important paradox in hunting. On one hand, more hunters mean more funding for conservation efforts, better habitat management, and a stronger hunting community. On the other, increased pressure can lead to decreased opportunities, changes in bird behavior, and stricter regulations. It’s a delicate balance, one that every serious hunter should be aware of.
It’s one of our biggest takeaways from years of hunting: Everything in conservation is a trade-off.
As hunters, we have to recognize that nothing stays the same forever. What we experience today isn’t guaranteed tomorrow. That’s why understanding how hunting regulations evolve, how turkey populations shift, and how access changes is critical to protecting the future of the sport.
Why we keep coming back
At the end of the day, western turkey hunting is about more than just the birds. It’s about the adventure, the camaraderie, and the deep connection to the wild. It’s about stepping out of your comfort zone, embracing the unknown, and finding success (or failure) in the most remote and rugged places.
For those who haven’t yet experienced the thrill of a western turkey hunt, we can only say this: It’s worth it. Whether you’re hunting off horseback, setting up camp in the backcountry, or floating a river in search of unpressured birds, there’s no other experience quite like it.
And for those of us who are already hooked? Well, we’re counting down the days until we can do it all over again.
