5.0(5 Reviews)Private 3-Day Turkey Hunt in Battle Creek
5.0(5 reviews)
Private Trip
Big game hunting
Top Rated
Three-day turkey hunting adventure in Nebraska's Elkhorn River BasinMultiple hunting options across CRP grasses, timber, and river bottomsLodge accommodations with home-cooked meals and group discounts available
If you're looking for a top-rated turkey hunting experience that delivers results, you've found it. Top Flight Hunts sits right in the heart of Nebraska's Elkhorn River Basin, where three different turkey subspecies roam thousands of acres of prime habitat. This isn't some cookie-cutter operation – Lawrence and his team run a genuine hunting lodge where you'll eat like family, sleep comfortable, and wake up ready to chase longbeards across some of the best turkey ground in the Midwest. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or newer to the sport, this three-day package gives you multiple chances to fill your tag while enjoying the kind of hospitality that keeps hunters coming back year after year.
Your hunting adventure spans three full days across diverse terrain that keeps turkeys moving and gives you options no matter what the birds are doing. The property covers expansive CRP grasslands, wooded creek bottoms along the Elkhorn River, established food plots, and timber lanes that create natural travel corridors. You can choose your style – go fully guided with Lawrence showing you his proven spots, try semi-guided where you get morning setups then hunt solo, or go completely independent if you prefer working birds on your own terms. The lodge handles up to small groups, but they also cater to solo hunters who want a more personalized experience. All your meals are included, and trust me, you won't go hungry – the home-cooked breakfasts and dinners fuel you right for long days afield. The early archery opener in late March offers some of the most exciting hunting, when toms are fired up and will come within bow range of a good setup.
The Elkhorn River Basin creates a unique hunting environment where birds move between roosting timber and open feeding areas throughout the day. Early mornings start near the river bottoms where turkeys roost in the tall cottonwoods and ash trees. As the sun comes up, flocks typically move toward the CRP fields and food plots to feed and strut. The key here is reading the terrain and weather – on calm mornings, birds often stay in the timber longer, while windy days push them to seek shelter in draws and creek beds. The property's food plots are strategically placed to intercept natural travel routes, and the timber lanes act like highways for moving birds. Lawrence knows every inch of this ground and can position you based on current bird patterns and weather conditions. If you're hunting independently, focus on the transition zones where grassland meets timber – these edges are magnets for turkey activity. The terrain allows for different hunting styles, whether you prefer run-and-gun tactics or patient setup hunting from a blind.
"Third trip to Top Flight to turkey hunt, but my first time fall turkey hunting. Lawrence had me right on the bird within two hours of getting into camp. The food was excellent, Ashley was a fantastic hostess. Saw deer in abundance as well. You can't go wrong coming here!" - Robert. "The hunting was amazing and lots of birds. Lawrence and Amy did a wonderful job making us feel at home taking care of us. absolutely delicious food and great accommodations. Highly recommended for your next hunting trip" - Leon. "Lawrence and staff were great guides, cooks, and hosts. Our team nearly limited out for 3 days straight. You won't find better hunting so close to Omaha/Lincoln. Definitely recommend a 3 day hunt." - Andrew.
Merriam's Turkey represent the crown jewel of this hunt, known for their striking white-tipped tail feathers and rump patches that shimmer in prairie sunlight. These western birds adapted perfectly to Nebraska's mixed habitat, and they're typically the most vocal of the three subspecies you'll encounter here. Merriam's love the open country but need timber for roosting, making the Elkhorn River Basin ideal territory. They're active throughout the day and respond well to calling, especially during the early season when breeding activity peaks. Mature toms often weigh 18-22 pounds and sport impressive beards that can stretch over 10 inches.
Eastern Turkey bring a different challenge to your Nebraska hunt, being naturally more cautious and harder to pattern than their western cousins. These birds prefer the heavier timber along the river bottoms and are masters at using terrain to stay hidden. Eastern toms tend to be larger overall, sometimes pushing 25 pounds, with darker, more iridescent plumage that helps them blend into shadowy creek bottoms. They're less vocal than Merriam's but when they do gobble, it's often a deep, resonant call that carries for miles. The early morning and late afternoon periods are prime times to catch Easterns moving between roost sites and feeding areas.
Rio Grande Turkey complete the subspecies trio and offer perhaps the most exciting hunting of all. These birds adapted to survive in tough country, making them incredibly hardy and resourceful. Rios are known for their lighter-colored tail tips compared to Easterns but darker than Merriam's, and they're extremely social birds that often travel in larger flocks. What makes them special for hunters is their unpredictability – they might gobble all morning or stay silent, then fire up unexpectedly in the afternoon. Rio toms are solid birds, typically 20-24 pounds, and they're famous for their aggressive nature during breeding season. The combination of all three subspecies in one location gives you shots at a unique mixed-bag hunt that's rare to find anywhere else.
This three-day turkey hunt delivers everything a serious hunter wants – abundant birds, varied terrain, comfortable lodging, and guides who know their business. The Elkhorn River Basin holds one of Nebraska's best turkey populations, and Top Flight Hunts has the access and expertise to put you on birds consistently. With all meals included and multiple hunting options, you can focus on what matters most – working turkeys and filling your tag. The option to add a second tom for $350 gives you even more
Eastern turkeys are the heavy hitters of our Nebraska woods, with mature toms pushing 25 pounds and sporting thick, dark plumage. These birds stick close to our river bottom timber and oak groves, using the dense cover for roosting and the adjacent food plots for feeding. They're creatures of habit, following the same trails between roost and feed. Spring gobbling season is prime time, especially those calm mornings in late March when the woods come alive with their thunder. Hunters love the challenge these smart birds present - they've survived here for good reason. The table fare is outstanding, and there's nothing quite like calling in a fired-up longbeard. Pro tip: find their strut zones in the timber openings and set up nearby before first light. Patience wins with these birds.
Merriam's turkeys are the mountain birds that've made their way into our Nebraska mix. These toms average 18-20 pounds with distinctive white-tipped tail feathers that flash when they strut. They love our timber edges and open grasslands, especially where CRP meets creek bottoms. You'll spot them moving between roosting trees and feeding areas at dawn and dusk. Early spring brings the best action when longbeards are fired up and responding to calls. What makes them special is their wariness - they'll test every hunting skill you've got. The meat's lean and flavorful, worth the challenge. Here's a local trick: set up where timber meets open ground with good visibility. These birds like to see what's around them before committing to your calls.
Rio Grande turkeys are our most adaptable birds, running 16-22 pounds with rusty-brown tail tips that set them apart. They thrive in our mixed habitat - from CRP grasslands to creek timber, always staying near water sources. These birds move more than other subspecies, covering serious ground between roost sites and feeding areas. They're active all day but peak during early morning and late afternoon. Spring brings aggressive gobblers that respond well to calling, making for exciting hunts. What guests love most is their unpredictability - no two hunts are the same. The meat's excellent, and they're arguably the most vocal of all turkeys. Local secret: focus on transition zones between grass and timber near water. Rio's travel these edges religiously, and a good setup here beats chasing birds through open country.
5.0 out of 5.0Third trip to Top Flight to turkey hunt, but my first time fall turkey hunting. Lawrence had me right on the bird within two hours...
The hunting was amazing and lots of birds. Lawrence and Amy did a wonderful job making us feel at home taking care of us. absolute...
Lawrence and staff were great guides, cooks, and hosts. Our team nearly limited out for 3 days straight. You won’t find better hun...
Great place and great people! Lawrence makes sure your hunt is something to remember! Looking forward to our next trip back there!
They guted and fed us it was vary nice experience
Nebraska