By Brenda Valentine
First Lady of Hunting®
May 15, 2009

Brenda finished the 2009 spring turkey season with a multi-state merriams marathon which began at one of her old haunts, Tulloch Creek Ranch near Big Horn, Montana. Last year Brenda hosted a group of lady turkey hunters at the ranch. The gals had such a fun trip it was decided they'd invite their husbands to join them this year. Brenda and Barney along with Bruce and Becki Walker represented Tennessee. Bill and Rhonda Glisson traveled from Chama, New Mexico, and Greg and Reggie Gordon from Florida rounded out the group. Cold rainy weather hampered the mood of the birds and the condition of the ranch roads but not the determination of the hunters. Rhonda was on a mission to complete her Grand Slam in one season and lacked only the merriams bird to accomplish this goal. Commando Turkey Call Company once again furnished each hunter with turkey calls and shirts plus a nice fan mount for the person taking the largest gobbler.

Pictured L-R: Bill Glisson and Rhonda Glisson, Reggie Gordon and Greg Gordon, Shelley Mitchell (Camp Hostess), Brenda Valentine and Barney Valentine, Bruce Walker and Becki Walker, Rich Mitchell (Camp Host).

Brenda is pleased to award the grand prize fan mount donated by Commando Game Calls to Reggie Gordon who tagged the largest turkey. This was Reggie's first time to hunt Merriams and did an outstanding job.

And what is a good hunting camp without great food? Rich and Shelley sure know how to put on a spread. Greg Gordon delighted everyone the last evening with some genuine Cracker dishes like fried turkey breast and corn bread.

Tulloch Creek Ranch has miles and miles of 2-track roads. The diverse terrain of the ranch is home to a variety of wild game species such as mule deer, whitetail deer, elk, antelope, wild turkey, pheasant, and loads of waterfowl.

The Borman's pose with some of the hunters by their custom plane before heading out on a cross country flying adventure.

The Tulloch Creek hunt proved to be a great success for half the group. Rhonda & Bill each tagged nice merriams. This completed Rhonda's Grand Slam which is an amazing feat for someone who went on her first turkey hunt only the year before. Greg & Reggie each got a nice longbeard. Reggie, who is also a newcomer to turkey hunting, shot the heaviest bird with the longest beard and spurs of the entire group. All the birds were cleaned and cooked for the enjoyment of everyone the last evening at the ranch.

Next Stop:
Keyah Grande Ranch, Pagosa Springs, Colorado

Read all of Brenda's Field Notes