In 1989, Tejon Ranch, through a cooperative effort with the California Department of Fish and Game, moved Merriam strain turkeys from South Dakota to the ranch and quickly established a flock of well over 1,000 birds. At the time the birds were relocated, we decided to protect the hens by not hunting them in the fall. We have continued that practice since, so all turkey hunting takes place during the spring season only.
Our guided turkey hunts are scheduled for two hunting days at a time, from Wednesday afternoon through Friday morning, or from Friday afternoon through Sunday morning. These hunts include lodging, meals, transportation in the field, and care of your game. They are guaranteed opportunity hunts and will be extended at no additional cost if we do not give you a reasonable chance to harvest a mature gobbler. As with all of our hunts, if you have a reasonable opportunity to bag a bird, but miss, your hunt will continue as scheduled, but you will not have the opportunity to return for additional hunt days if you are unsuccessful through the remainder of the scheduled hunt. Also, wounding a bird will conclude the hunt. We will work diligently to retrieve any wounded birds, as evidenced by the presence of feathers dislocated from the bird after a shot. It is important that you pattern your shotgun and be able to shoot out to 40 yards from a sitting position. These hunts are one guide per hunter.
The hunts are for the take of one bearded bird. A mature bird is one with a full fan and beard. It is acceptable to pass on a mature bird in the hopes of getting a larger one, however, doing so will be considered opportunity, and while we will finish your scheduled hunt, you will not be allowed to come back at no charge if you fail to harvest a bird.
