Not to step on Ben's toes here, but here are two more Montana Merriams. One from yesterday and one from opening day. First has a 9 1/2 inch beard and the second has a 9 inch beard.
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[Linked Image]

I think Merriams are easier to hunt than easterns...as I've hunted and killed both but I think the Merriams just are not hunted as hard. I don't necessarily think easterns are more difficult to call in and outsmart, at least not unpressured easterns.

The hard hunted Merriams I've hunted in northern Idaho were every bit as wary as the easterns I chased when stationed in North Carolina.