Intro to this species—landscapes, strategies, costs, and comforts.
Summary
The Gould's Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo Gouldii) is a majestic subspecies native to the mountainous regions of Mexico and the southwestern United States, renowned for its striking plumage and impressive size. Characterized by a long, slender neck adorned with a distinctive beard and a vibrant, iridescent feather pattern that displays hues of bronze, green, and gold, the Gould's Wild Turkey is one of the largest of the wild turkey species. Hunters pursuing this remarkable animal are often challenged by its keen eyesight and acute hearing, necessitating stealthy approaches and effective calling techniques to lure them into range. With their natural habitat typically comprising dense oak and pine forests, understanding the terrain and seasonal behavior patterns of the Gould's Wild Turkey is crucial for a successful hunt. The experience of tracking and harvesting this elusive bird not only offers an exhilarating challenge but also fosters a deeper appreciation for wildlife conservation and the ecosystems these remarkable creatures inhabit.
Gould’s Wild Turkey hunts take place in the high-elevation oak woodlands and ponderosa pine forests of southern Arizona’s Sky Islands during spring, when daytime temperatures are mild and birds are most active. Because this rare subspecies is managed by limited‐draw tags, most trips are arranged around Arizona’s lottery system, with guided day hunts focusing on spot-and-stalk and calling techniques in rugged, backcountry terrain at 6,000–8,000 feet. Gould’s are prized for their large size, long legs, striking iridescence, and distinctive white-tipped tail feathers. Outfitting packages typically include an experienced guide, transportation into the field, and field-dressing services, while hunters should be prepared for steep landscapes, variable weather, and authentic wilderness conditions.
Gould’s Wild Turkey hunts typically operate from simple canvas tent camps situated near prime turkey habitat. Each hunter is provided with a cot inside a canvas shelter, offering basic comfort and protection from the elements. Heating and cooling options vary by location and outfitter; most camps rely on natural airflow, so hunters should bring season-appropriate clothing and any preferred portable camp heaters or cooling systems. Daily meals are provided at camp, ensuring hunters are well-nourished for full days in the field.
We are pleased to offer hunting trips in southern Arizona for the rare Gould's turkey. The Gould's turkey is primarily a mountain dwelling bird that inhabits the extreme southern portions of Arizona in higher altitude areas known as "Sky Islands" (forested mountaintops that rise above the vast sea of desert). The Gould's sub-species is geographically separated from the northern Arizona Merriam's by hundreds of square miles of surrounding desert. Therefore, the chance for hybridization is slim to none. The Gould's is the largest of the turkey subspecies with longer legs, larger feet, and larger tail feathers and wings than all the other subspecies. They also have a higher level of iridescence to their feathers.
But, the most notable difference from the other turkey subspecies is that the Gould's turkey typically has whiter tips on the rump and tail feathers (Merriam's have a cream-white). The Gould's turkeys that we hunt live in a natural habitat with no food plots, no farm fields, no feeders and typically no other human influence. Since Gould's are mountain dwelling turkeys, our hunting takes place in the Oak Woodlands to Ponderosa Pine forests at elevations of 6000 to 8000 feet. This high altitude hunt area has breathtaking scenery with very enjoyable Springtime temperatures of around 80 degrees in the day and 45 degrees at night.
In order to eliminate over-harvest, Arizona Gould's Turkey tags are on a special random lottery draw through the Arizona Game and Fish Department. If interested in booking a hunt with us, contact the outfitter on how to apply and which hunt numbers to use. Once a tag is drawn for our recommended area, we can then book the hunt.
Arizona
Gould's Wild Turkey
2900
Arizona Guided Hunts
Fair Chase
Public
Tent
Yes
Unspecified
Cot
Meals Provided
Unspecified
2900
Contact
Check Availability
Contact Outfitter
Thank you! Your submission has been received! We will be in touch in the next 24 hours.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
This info will not be shared with other outfitters or sold in any way. We will not SPAM you. We grab this info so that we can (quickly) make a warm introduction between you and the outfitter. Then we step aside and let you communicate by email, text, or phone with the outfitter as you see fit.
Alternatively, log in or sign up to see this outfitter’s contact info so you can reach out directly.
Check Availability
Request received! We’re reaching out to the outfitter and will update you as soon as we hear back.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
When you submit this request, we will do the legwork of calling and emailing the outfitter to see if they have an opening on your requested dates. We will continue reaching out to the outfitter daily until we hear back. You’ll hear from us very soon.
We are pleased to offer hunting trips in southern Arizona for the rare Gould's turkey. The Gould's turkey is primarily a mountain dwelling bird that inhabits the extreme southern portions of Arizona in higher altitude areas known as "Sky Islands" (forested mountaintops that rise above the vast sea of desert). The Gould's sub-species is geographically separated from the northern Arizona Merriam's by hundreds of square miles of surrounding desert. Therefore, the chance for hybridization is slim to none.
The Gould's is the largest of the turkey subspecies with longer legs, larger feet, and larger tail feathers and wings than all the other subspecies. They also have a higher level of iridescence to their feathers. But, the most notable difference from the other turkey subspecies is that the Gould's turkey typically has whiter tips on the rump and tail feathers (Merriam's have a cream-white). The Gould's turkeys that we hunt live in a natural habitat with no food plots, no farm fields, no feeders and typically no other human influence. Since Gould's are mountain dwelling turkeys, our hunting takes place in the Oak Woodlands to Ponderosa Pine forests at elevations of 6000 to 8000 feet.
This high altitude hunt area has breathtaking scenery with very enjoyable Springtime temperatures of around 80 degrees in the day and 45 degrees at night. In order to eliminate over-harvest, Arizona Gould's Turkey tags are on a special random lottery draw through the Arizona Game and Fish Department. If interested in booking a hunt with us, contact the outfitter on how to apply and which hunt numbers to use. Once a tag is drawn for our recommended area, we can then book the hunt.
Arizona
Gould's Wild Turkey
2400
Arizona Guided Hunts
Fair Chase
Public
Tent
Yes
Unspecified
Cot
Meals Provided
Unspecified
2400
Contact
Check Availability
Contact Outfitter
Thank you! Your submission has been received! We will be in touch in the next 24 hours.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
This info will not be shared with other outfitters or sold in any way. We will not SPAM you. We grab this info so that we can (quickly) make a warm introduction between you and the outfitter. Then we step aside and let you communicate by email, text, or phone with the outfitter as you see fit.
Alternatively, log in or sign up to see this outfitter’s contact info so you can reach out directly.
Check Availability
Request received! We’re reaching out to the outfitter and will update you as soon as we hear back.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
When you submit this request, we will do the legwork of calling and emailing the outfitter to see if they have an opening on your requested dates. We will continue reaching out to the outfitter daily until we hear back. You’ll hear from us very soon.
Gould's Wild Turkey FAQs
What you need to know before you book:
What makes hunting Gould’s Wild Turkey unique?
Gould’s Wild Turkey is a rare, high-elevation subspecies found only in Arizona’s Sky Islands. Hunts involve limited-draw tags, springtime spot-and-stalk and calling techniques, and rugged backcountry terrain at 6,000–8,000 feet. The bird’s large size, iridescent plumage, and distinctive white-tipped tail feathers add to its trophy appeal.
How challenging is it to hunt Gould’s Wild Turkey?
These hunts demand good fitness and agility. You’ll navigate steep oak woodlands and ponderosa pine forests at altitude, often glassing ridges or moving quietly through dense cover. Guided support helps manage pace, but hunters should be prepared for sustained hiking and variable footing.
How does weather affect hunting Gould’s Wild Turkey?
Spring in the Sky Islands can bring cool mornings, warm afternoons, and sudden mountain showers. Wind can carry calls off-target, while rain can make trails slick. Layered clothing and waterproof gear are essential for adapting to rapidly changing conditions.
Explore Our Gould's Wild Turkey Hunts
Filter, sort, and find the perfect hunt tailored to your style.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
We are pleased to offer hunting trips in southern Arizona for the rare Gould's turkey. The Gould's turkey is primarily a mountain dwelling bird that inhabits the extreme southern portions of Arizona in higher altitude areas known as "Sky Islands" (forested mountaintops that rise above the vast sea of desert). The Gould's sub-species is geographically separated from the northern Arizona Merriam's by hundreds of square miles of surrounding desert. Therefore, the chance for hybridization is slim to none. The Gould's is the largest of the turkey subspecies with longer legs, larger feet, and larger tail feathers and wings than all the other subspecies. They also have a higher level of iridescence to their feathers.
But, the most notable difference from the other turkey subspecies is that the Gould's turkey typically has whiter tips on the rump and tail feathers (Merriam's have a cream-white). The Gould's turkeys that we hunt live in a natural habitat with no food plots, no farm fields, no feeders and typically no other human influence. Since Gould's are mountain dwelling turkeys, our hunting takes place in the Oak Woodlands to Ponderosa Pine forests at elevations of 6000 to 8000 feet. This high altitude hunt area has breathtaking scenery with very enjoyable Springtime temperatures of around 80 degrees in the day and 45 degrees at night.
In order to eliminate over-harvest, Arizona Gould's Turkey tags are on a special random lottery draw through the Arizona Game and Fish Department. If interested in booking a hunt with us, contact the outfitter on how to apply and which hunt numbers to use. Once a tag is drawn for our recommended area, we can then book the hunt.
Arizona
Gould's Wild Turkey
2900
Arizona Guided Hunts
Fair Chase
Public
Tent
Yes
Unspecified
Cot
Meals Provided
Unspecified
2900
Contact
Check Availability
Contact Outfitter
Thank you! Your submission has been received! We will be in touch in the next 24 hours.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
This info will not be shared with other outfitters or sold in any way. We will not SPAM you. We grab this info so that we can (quickly) make a warm introduction between you and the outfitter. Then we step aside and let you communicate by email, text, or phone with the outfitter as you see fit.
Alternatively, log in or sign up to see this outfitter’s contact info so you can reach out directly.
Check Availability
Request received! We’re reaching out to the outfitter and will update you as soon as we hear back.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
When you submit this request, we will do the legwork of calling and emailing the outfitter to see if they have an opening on your requested dates. We will continue reaching out to the outfitter daily until we hear back. You’ll hear from us very soon.
We are pleased to offer hunting trips in southern Arizona for the rare Gould's turkey. The Gould's turkey is primarily a mountain dwelling bird that inhabits the extreme southern portions of Arizona in higher altitude areas known as "Sky Islands" (forested mountaintops that rise above the vast sea of desert). The Gould's sub-species is geographically separated from the northern Arizona Merriam's by hundreds of square miles of surrounding desert. Therefore, the chance for hybridization is slim to none.
The Gould's is the largest of the turkey subspecies with longer legs, larger feet, and larger tail feathers and wings than all the other subspecies. They also have a higher level of iridescence to their feathers. But, the most notable difference from the other turkey subspecies is that the Gould's turkey typically has whiter tips on the rump and tail feathers (Merriam's have a cream-white). The Gould's turkeys that we hunt live in a natural habitat with no food plots, no farm fields, no feeders and typically no other human influence. Since Gould's are mountain dwelling turkeys, our hunting takes place in the Oak Woodlands to Ponderosa Pine forests at elevations of 6000 to 8000 feet.
This high altitude hunt area has breathtaking scenery with very enjoyable Springtime temperatures of around 80 degrees in the day and 45 degrees at night. In order to eliminate over-harvest, Arizona Gould's Turkey tags are on a special random lottery draw through the Arizona Game and Fish Department. If interested in booking a hunt with us, contact the outfitter on how to apply and which hunt numbers to use. Once a tag is drawn for our recommended area, we can then book the hunt.
Arizona
Gould's Wild Turkey
2400
Arizona Guided Hunts
Fair Chase
Public
Tent
Yes
Unspecified
Cot
Meals Provided
Unspecified
2400
Contact
Check Availability
Contact Outfitter
Thank you! Your submission has been received! We will be in touch in the next 24 hours.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
This info will not be shared with other outfitters or sold in any way. We will not SPAM you. We grab this info so that we can (quickly) make a warm introduction between you and the outfitter. Then we step aside and let you communicate by email, text, or phone with the outfitter as you see fit.
Alternatively, log in or sign up to see this outfitter’s contact info so you can reach out directly.
Check Availability
Request received! We’re reaching out to the outfitter and will update you as soon as we hear back.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
When you submit this request, we will do the legwork of calling and emailing the outfitter to see if they have an opening on your requested dates. We will continue reaching out to the outfitter daily until we hear back. You’ll hear from us very soon.