Yucatan Adventure Yields Ocellated Prize

By Brenda Valentine
March 19, 2009

For Beth Thornton, Peggy Vallery, and myself the months of planning and anticipation were finally over. In mid-March we three "Turkey Ladies" plus Brian Combs, NWTF videographer, headed to the Mexico state of Campeche in search of the ocellated turkey.

Our gracious hosts were Carlos Moreno, owner of LaMontana Outfitters and Ariel Trevino, wildlife biologist and outfitter agent.

Although we were in a remote part of the jungle we enjoyed deliciously prepared native food.

This area of the Yucatan Peninsula is home to a unique variety of wildlife as well as a broad array of brightly colored birds.

Descendants of the ancient Mayan people continue to make their home in this area. Most of our cooks and guides are of this friendly and hardworking culture.

Admittedly, there was a bit of a language barrier but thankfully my guide, Miguel, and I both spoke and understood the language of the wild turkey.

Some days we hunted from elevated tree houses overlooking water. Pictured is Beth Thornton making her way up the ladder for an afternoon sit.

La Montana is home to a menagerie of cool critters, each a part of Carlos' family.

In the final few minutes of our last afternoon, Peggy Vallery, NWTF Board of Directors President, shot this fantastic ocellated gobbler. The entire camp turned out to celebrate her success.

Ocellated turkeys are one of the six subspecies of wild turkeys and are found only in this region of the world. Their bright coloring, long spurs, and unique vocalizations set them distinctly apart from the other subspecies. The overall remoteness of the area plus the dense jungle habitat make them especially difficult to hunt. Visit www.nwtf.org for more information about all subspecies of the wild turkey plus details of the Women In The Outdoors program. The adventure of the "Turkey Ladies" can be seen later on Turkey Call TV on the Outdoor Channel.