In the heart of South Texas, far from the glitz and glamour of a jet-setting life, Paula Farr and her husband, Brad, have embarked on an extraordinary quest: to complete the World Slam of turkey hunting. The World Slam is no ordinary endeavor; it involves bagging a mature male gobbler, or "tom," from all six subspecies of turkeys in the world. These elusive birds include the ocellated, Eastern, Merriam’s, Osceola, Gould’s, and Río Grande turkeys. While two of these subspecies are native to Mexico and Central America, the remaining four can be found in the United States.
Paula Farr, who owns and operates Farr West Taxidermy, made a remarkable transition from her former life as a flight attendant to the world of hunting, where she's not one to shy away from any challenge. Her journey into hunting began when she watched a television show about turkey hunting, and she boldly proclaimed to Brad, "I think I could do that." With unwavering support from her husband, they embarked on their first turkey hunting adventure in southern Mexico, setting the stage for many more to come.
What makes this pursuit unique is Paula's ability to take down a turkey with a bow and arrow, a skill that sets her apart from most hunters. Brad takes immense pride in his wife's prowess, and their shared experiences in the world of turkey hunting have brought them closer together as both companions and lifelong friends.
Turkey hunting is not for the faint of heart. Turkeys have exceptional vision and acute hearing, making them incredibly challenging to hunt successfully. The small target area for a clean shot only adds to the difficulty, especially when a tom is in full strut, displaying its magnificent feathers. This pursuit is not without risks and uncertainties, even when booking guided hunts with experienced outfitters.
Despite the challenges, turkey hunting fosters a unique camaraderie among hunters. Paula and Brad have witnessed the bonds formed in the pursuit of this elusive prey, making lifelong friends out of strangers who share in their trials and triumphs. The hunting camp becomes a place of learning, sharing, and teaching as hunters work together to outsmart their elusive quarry.
The couple emphasizes the vacation-like atmosphere of turkey hunting camps, complete with incredible food, fantastic accommodations, and guides who take great pride in their hunters' successes. These close-quarters hunts require hunters to be in a confined space, where bow hunters need to be within approximately 20 yards of their target, and shotgun users aim for about 50 yards.
While language barriers may exist in these remote hunting locations, hunters and guides communicate through a universal unspoken language. A tap on the shoulder alerts hunters to pay attention, while a squeeze signifies a more urgent opportunity. The direction of their guide's eyes determines where they should focus their efforts. It's a silent dialogue that unites hunting enthusiasts across the globe.
Paula and Brad are not only united in their pursuit of the World Slam but also in their unwavering support for one another. Brad has planned for Paula to achieve this incredible goal first, aiming to leave only the Eastern turkey for each of them. Their journey is a testament to the enduring passion and shared experiences that make turkey hunting an unforgettable adventure. So, stay tuned as they head to Florida this spring to chase Paula's Osceola turkey, bringing them one step closer to rewriting the rules of friendly competition in the world of turkey hunting.
