6 Ranch Podcast

Spring turkey hunting in the West is a completely different game than the hardwoods and farm country most hunters are used to. Big country, low bird density, steep terrain, wind, and pressure all change how you locate, call, and kill gobblers.

In this episode of the 6 Ranch Podcast, we break down real-world tactics for hunting Merriam’s and Rio Grande turkeys in mountainous terrain—from first light locating to closing the deal on wary birds that have seen it all.

We cover:

How to find turkeys in vast Western landscapes (and avoid wasting days in dead country)
The truth about roosting birds in steep terrain
When to cover ground vs. sit and call
Wind, elevation, and thermals—how they impact gobbling and movement
The most effective calling strategies for pressured mountain gobblers
How to set up for success in broken terrain (and why most setups fail)
Midday tactics that consistently produce birds in the West
Gear considerations for run-and-gun hunting in steep country

This isn’t theory—it’s built from years of guiding, hunting, and learning the hard way in the mountains of the American West.

If you’re used to Eastern-style turkey hunting, this episode will completely change how you approach birds out West.

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How does a bill navigate the state senate and house in Oregon? Does the Governor veto bills out of spite? What issues are facing wildlife and agriculture in Oregon? These are some of the questions we answer in this week’s episode with my dad as he just got home from his second legislative session as an Oregon State Senator.

The head guide at Avon Valley Safaris is none other than the legendary Kate Bryant. Kate guides stone sheep and moose in Canada during fall in the northern hemisphere and heads back to New Zealand to guide red deer, fallow, and sheep during their fall as well. I had such a good time hunting with her that I couldn’t help but sit down with her and Darren to talk about the unique challenges of guiding in New Zealand and internationally. This episode is really a behind the scenes look at what it takes to make a hunting operation world class.

I travelled 8,277 to make this podcast episode and to join Avon Valley on an adventure. I’m down here hosting a trip where the guests and myself have been hunting red stag, fallow deer, spearfishing and having an absolutely amazing time. In this episode we talk about how to hunt New Zealand and a bit of what to expect. Darren is a fantastic human being and we recorded this episode on his boat after a day of fishing and spearfishing following some hunting at the beginning of the trip. Stay tuned for more and make sure to reach out to these folks if you are interested in having a wonderful hunting experience in New Zealand.

My 93 year old grandma, who now has five great great grandchildren, is back to talk about writing, gardening, hunting and life. There’s a 0% chance this episode doesn’t warm your heart and put a smile on your face.