Turkey Talk: DJ Dean – Western Turkey Hunting & Weatherby’s 2026 Turkey Gun Lineup

On this episode of Turkey Talk, Evan and Luke sit down with DJ Dean of Weatherby to talk about chasing turkeys in the West and what makes hunting Merriam’s turkeys different from birds in the Midwest. DJ shares insights from his experience hunting big country out west, including how terrain, elevation, and wide-open landscapes change the way you locate and hunt gobblers. The guys discuss scouting strategies, covering ground, and adapting when birds don’t behave like the Eastern turkeys many hunters are used to chasing. They also dive into gear, breaking down Weatherby’s turkey shotgun lineup and what makes a great turkey gun heading into the spring woods. From pattern performance to optics and loads, DJ explains what he looks for in a setup and why the Weatherby Element II and Sorix have become reliable options for turkey hunters. If you’re planning a western turkey hunt or just want to learn more about chasing Merriam’s in big country, this conversation covers tactics, gear, and real-world experience from the field. Wild Faith Podcast Links: Store: https://www.wildfaithpodcast.com/category/all-products Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildfaith/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wildfaithpodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WildFaithPodcast If you want to support the channel and help us continue this series you can check out our Spring Turkey gear here: https://www.wildfaithpodcast.com/category/spring-turkey