Her First Gobbler: A Kansas Turkey Hunt to Remember

by Peyton Merideth

CEO, Shoshone Adventure Consulting

A First Gobbler in Kansas: Taylor’s Unforgettable Spring with Kansas Trophy Experience

There are hunts you remember for the numbers, and then there are hunts you remember for the people. This one was all about the latter. It was about a 15-year-old girl named Taylor, her first turkey hunt, a proud dad, and a spring morning in Kansas that delivered everything you hope for—and then some. We headed to Great Bend, Kansas, to hunt with Kansas Trophy Experience (KTE), a top-tier outfitter known for doing things the right way—private land access, strong bird numbers, and a team that genuinely cares about the experience. This trip also marked an exciting step forward, as Shoshone Prairie Adventures is now teaming up with KTE to bring more of these kinds of hunts to our clients.

The best hunts start before you ever step into the woods, and for Taylor, that meant time behind the shotgun the day before the hunt. We spent the afternoon making sure everything was dialed in—fit, form, and confidence—and she handled it like a pro. Under the guidance of Trevor, guide and co-owner of KTE, we walked through shot placement, angles, and what to expect when a gobbler comes into range. Trevor’s approach is calm, clear, and focused on building confidence, especially with younger hunters. By the time we wrapped up, Taylor wasn’t just ready—she was excited, and that confidence would matter the next morning.

There’s something special about a spring turkey morning. The air is cool, the light is just starting to break, and the Kansas landscape feels alive before the sun even crests the horizon. We slipped into position before daylight and set up where we had seen birds the evening before. As the first light hit the sky, gobblers sounded off in every direction—not one, not two, but birds everywhere. It was one of those mornings every turkey hunter dreams about. Before long, we heard wings, and two jakes flew down from the roost and landed almost on top of us. It happened fast—one second quiet, the next, birds right in your lap. Taylor stayed composed. Behind us, bigger birds circled, gobblers hanging up just out of sight as Trevor worked the call with precision—subtle, controlled, and effective.

Then it all came together. A few birds broke from the group and started working toward the decoys, step by step closing the distance. One bird finally cleared, presenting the exact shot we had talked through the day before. Taylor didn’t hesitate. One clean, confident shot, and just like that, her first turkey was on the ground.

There’s nothing quite like watching your kid take their first animal. It’s not about inches of beard or the length of spurs—it’s about the moment. The look on her face said everything: pride, excitement, and a little disbelief. As a dad, it’s hard to put into words. I’ve been on a lot of hunts and taken a lot of animals, but this one was different. Standing there beside her, sharing that moment and knowing she had done everything right—that’s what it’s all about. We say it all the time, and it’s worth repeating: hunt with your kids, not for them. Let them learn, let them experience it, and let them feel the success that comes from doing it themselves. That’s what sticks.

The next morning, it was my turn. We set up in another proven area, and once again Trevor delivered what can only be described as a masterclass in calling—reading birds, adjusting cadence, and knowing exactly when to push and when to stay quiet. It didn’t take long before a big gobbler answered and started working in. You could hear it in his gobble—deep, mature, the kind of bird you want to be on. He came in right, committed, and closed the distance steadily. When the moment came, everything lined up. One clean shot, a big Kansas gobbler down, and another perfect setup in the books.

What stood out most on this trip wasn’t just the birds—it was the consistency of the entire experience. From private land with strong bird numbers to well-scouted properties, knowledgeable guides, comfortable lodging, and great meals, everything was done right. Kansas Trophy Experience delivers across the board, and it shows in both the hunting and the overall experience. With Shoshone Prairie Adventures now partnering with KTE, we’re excited to bring more hunters into this kind of hunt—whether it’s your first turkey or your fiftieth.