6-Year-Old Turkey Hunter Achieves Single-Season Grand Slam
According to Matt from Outdoor Life, River is the youngest person to achieve a Grand Slam in a single season. A boy from Mississippi accomplished it at age five, but not within one season. Likewise, a girl from Alabama achieved it at age seven.
Although there is mention of a four-year-old boy in their book who achieved a Grand Slam, River is the youngest female hunter to do it in one season.
Setting Her Sights on a Slam
River’s dad, Matt, played a crucial role in her success. As a lifelong hunter and wildlife manager, he has the knowledge, connections, and determination to ensure River’s hunting experience is fruitful. This Grand Slam is just one of the many milestones in her hunting career.
She officially became the youngest person to kill a turkey in Georgia at age four and the youngest girl to do so in South Carolina at age five. Inspired by her father’s Grand Slams, River expressed her desire to achieve one herself, and with her dad’s support, they set out to make it happen.
To accomplish their goal in a single season, Matt and River traveled across four states between March and May, hunting on private land thanks to Matt’s connections in the hunting industry.
River used a custom-built TriStar .410 semi-auto mounted on a BOG DeathGrip tripod, equipped with a pistol grip, a 22-inch barrel, and a Burris FastFire red-dot sight. Matt also made modifications to the trigger for easier use. River shot No. 9 Apex Turkey Ninja TSS loads through a SumToy Customs turkey choke.
While Matt provided support by calling and filming the hunts, River took charge of all other aspects, from operating the sight and safety to pulling the trigger.
Four Gobblers in Four States
Their journey began in Florida, where River killed an Osceola during youth season on March 10. In the following weeks, they took advantage of youth seasons in Georgia and Oklahoma and successfully tagged both an Eastern and a Rio. Their final target was a Merriam’s, which led them to Nebraska in May. Despite facing challenges, River connected with her final bird on the second-to-last day of their trip.
With age restrictions in place for hunting in other states within the Merriam’s range, they had to return to Nebraska for another shot. They booked a DIY hunt with an outfitter, and after patiently waiting, River finally made the kill.
Reflecting on the turkey season, Matt cherishes the miles traveled and the memories made. River, on the other hand, is already setting her sights on her next gobbler. When asked about her future goals, her response was simple:
“I want to get another grand slam.”
A skilled hunter, dedicated conservationist, and advocate for ethical practices. Respected in the hunting community, he balances human activity with environmental preservation.