Going for Gould's

by
posted on May 2, 2015
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
going_goulds_1.jpg

So this is Mexico? Not exactly what I had in mind when I envisioned Sonorait's much better. Water is plentiful, along with huge white-barked sycamores and oaks in the creek bottoms where the Gould's gobblers roost.

Four of us are hunting with Ted Jaycox of Tall Tine Outfitters about a 2-hour drive south of Douglas, Ariz. After a smooth border crossing yesterday afternoon, we patterned our Mossberg shotguns with Federal Premium 3rd Degree loads and found them devestating to beyond 40 yards. We're trying a new sight setup on the Mossberg 535 shotguns, an aperture-style rear from Marble Arms called the Bullseye Sight. Mossberg pairs it with a fine fiber-optic front pipe. Together, the two align quicklycenter the fiber optic in the aperture--and force the shooter to keep his head down on the stock while concentrating on the bead.

The gobblers rose early this morning; they were gobbling before 4:30. Right at first light fellow writer Josh Dalke slammed a big bird at a mere 8 yards, but only after the bird gobbled about 100 times and passed within feet of Josh's blind. After a midday siesta, we're heading back out. It won't be hard to fall asleep with a little creek gurgling in the background. This is turkey-hunting paradise.

Latest

LEDEW H2026 04 Membershunt Angie Buck Barnabas Nov 2025
LEDEW H2026 04 Membershunt Angie Buck Barnabas Nov 2025

Member's Hunt: Patience is Tough When You Shoot a Big Buck

My phone still in my hands, I texted my teenage son, who was hunting along the field not far away. Trying not to move any part of my body but my thumbs, I sent the message, “Got a buck down, but he’s still alive. Help!” Tucker texted back, “What do you want me to do?” I replied: “Come kill the bastard before he kills me!” Intrigued? Read on.

First Look: 2026 Spypoint Trail Camera Lineup

Spypoint's 2026 trail camera line-up features three new models designed to deliver on flexibility and control.

Hardware Review: Christensen Arms Evoke .375 H&H

A .375 H&H Magnum for less than $1,000 is a win for hunters on any continent, especially when it comes packed with features and has the sub-MOA accuracy potential of the American-made Evoke from Christensen Arms.

New for 2026: Avian-X Waterfowl Backpacks

Expanding its assortment to include soft goods in 2026, waterfowl brand Avian-X has announced an all-new lineup of packs specifically designed to keep waterfowl hunters organized, mobile and ready for anything.

Behind the Bullet: The .308 Norma Magnum

Norma’s ballistician Nils Kvale saw the wisdom of having the velocity and horsepower of the .300 H&H Magnum, but in a shorter, more affordable receiver, and used the H&H case to develop his .358 Norma Magnum in 1959 as well as the .308 Norma Magnum one year later. The .308 Norma Magnum closely resembles the wildcat .30-338 cartridge, though the shoulder of the former is located a bit more toward the base than that of the .308 Norma Magnum. Intrigued? Read on about this often unfairly overlooked hunting classic.

New for 2026: Browning Trail Cameras Defender Pro Scout Max HD-DV

The Defender Pro Scout Max HD-DV, from Browning Trail Cameras, promises direct video transmission and streamlined setup without adding complexity.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.