Help me pick a Merriam hunt...

[shallowobx]

I have Southwest Airlines points to use, so an airport they service is a must.  Here are the options I am looking at:

Colorado (Denver)
Washington/Idaho (Spokane)
Nebraska (Omaha)
Idaho (Boise)

Once in whatever state I pick, I will be renting a car and planning to tent/car camp.  Ideally, I would like to keep my drive time under 4 hours.  I tried a DIY hunt in Nebraska a few years ago around Lewis and Clark Lake and had fun.  I saw birds but it was the last week of the season and they weren't very responsive.  I sure would appreciate any advice any of you have to offer.  I am thinking the 3rd week of April, but am flexible on dates.  Thanks in advance!

[TxAg]

I'm of little help, I've seen a few show where they've had great success in Nebraska. Good luck!

[House]

There is a pile of birds here in N. Idaho.  Third week of April is usually good here.  One side note, if you are looking for the classic white tipped tail of a Merriams you may want to look elsewhere.  Here in a group of 15 birds two or three may be very white tipped while the rest are varrying degrees of buffy color.  85% of the birds here are of the merriam's variety, but there have also been Rio's and some Eastern's released resulting in a lot of mixing.
If you are serious about N. Idaho PM me and I'll help out any way possible.

Travis

[wildgame]

I went to s.Dakota last spring and it was good hunt. I hunted a indian reservation, but most of the locals will let you hunt for no charge!

[J. Holden]

My wifes aunt lives in Spokane and is constantly sending me pics of bright white tipped birds.  Someday... please post pics.  I'd say Washington or Colorado.  That's jusy me though.  I have yet to see mountains.

-Jeremy  

[shallowobx]

Thanks Travis.  PM on its way.  I appreciate the help.

[swp]

If you fly to Omaha you will have to drive a good ways to get a Merriams.

[huntnmuleys]

think of those id pick boise..  i dont know much about washington, but for good merriams hunting you gonna be a lot further than 4 hours from omaha or denver.

[shallowobx]

Thanks for all of the replies so far.

[House]

Boise would be okay...but definately more hunters chasing the birds that are available then you would find in N. Idaho.  My money would be flying into Spokane and hunting somewhere between Cour D A'lene and Lewiston.

Another PM sent.

Travis