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    Home»Hunting»A New York Turkey Hunter’s Dream Comes True with a Wild Wyoming Sweepstakes Adventure
    Hunting

    A New York Turkey Hunter’s Dream Comes True with a Wild Wyoming Sweepstakes Adventure

    William BrodBy William BrodSeptember 3, 2025Updated:September 3, 20257 Mins Read
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    Devils Tower WY
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    Bill Schoff could hardly believe his luck. A lifelong hunter from western New York state, Bill had tossed his name into the hat for the 2025 Turkey Hunt Sweepstakes with little more than a hopeful shrug. But when the call came, everything changed. Sponsored by some of the biggest names in the industry—Mossberg, Pnuma Outdoors, Dryshod, and Hawke Optics—Bill’s prize included more than bragging rights. Outfitted with a Mossberg 940 Pro Turkey, camoed head-to-toe in Pnuma gear, with Dryshod Evalusion boots and dialed in with a Hawke Vantage IR scope, he was soon on a plane headed west for the gobbler-rich hills of Wyoming. Waiting in the wide-open country near Moorcroft were the pros at Double A Outfitters, ready to guide Bill on the turkey hunt of a lifetime.

    The Big Sweepstakes Win

    Bill came across the sweepstakes on the North American Outdoorsman website. As a diehard turkey chaser, the idea of hunting Merriam’s in the rugged beauty of Wyoming seemed like a far-off dream. Yet here he was, getting the call that his name had been drawn. The preparations began in earnest. From dialing in the new 940 Pro with the Hawke Vantage scope, to breaking in the Dryshod boots, Bill was all in.


    The Gear That Got Him There

    Turkey gear matters, especially when hunting the sharp-eyed, sharp-eared Merriam’s of the west. The Mossberg 940 Pro Turkey was built for this exact kind of adventure—rugged terrain, fast target acquisition, and reliable cycling. Paired with the Hawke Vantage IR 1-4×20 scope, Bill had a quick, bright sight picture, even in the dim first light of dawn. The Pnuma Renegade camo blended perfectly with the rolling pine ridges, and the Dryshod boots proved their worth in the rocky, dew-soaked draws and ridges. Special Thanks to our Sponsors for this hunt:

    Hunt winner with a beautiful Merriam turkey

    • Mossberg 940 Pro Turkey in 12 gauge
    • Pnuma Renegade – Turkey Camo
    • Dryshod Evalusion Boots
    • Hawke Vantage IR 1-4×20 Turkey Scope
    • NWTF – provided a 3-year digital Subscription to the winner

    Wyoming Welcomes

    Bill touched down in the heart of WY turkey country and was greeted by the team at Double A Outfitters. Based in Moorcroft, WY, this outfit knows turkeys like a conductor knows his orchestra. From the first evening planning session to pre-dawn coffee and plans at camp, the guides exuded experience and confidence. They knew the land, the birds, and exactly how to position Bill for success. Since we were filming the hunt, they positioned a ground blind near a ridge that gets lots of turkey traffic in the mornings, and it did not disappoint!


    The Hunt Unfolds

    On the first morning, the hills came alive with gobbles.  Toms hammered from a pine-studded ridge, and the game was on. With calls soft and rhythmic, the stage was set, and Bill settled behind his shotgun. The 940 Pro steadied on a pair of crossed knees. Moments later, a fan crested the hill, then another, 4 toms in total. They strutted into view, sunlight glinting off magnificently colored feathers. When the dominant bird paused, the Hawke optic found its mark, and the Mossberg roared. One perfect shot, and a dream fulfilled.


    Now it’s the author’s turn

    As fate would have it, I was along for the ride—also part of the Sweepstakes crew, geared up with the same rock-solid equipment and guided by the same top-tier Double A team. With Bill tagging out early, the spotlight shifted, and I had my own tag to fill. Wyoming didn’t disappoint. We glassed birds in the late afternoon hour, maneuvered through timbered ridges, and spent time working cagey toms that gobbled but hung up just out of range. Then, on a breezy afternoon beneath a dimming sky, the calls brought one close.

    Author and Bill with a nice Merriam turkey
    The author got his chance at a beautiful tom

    A lone Merriam’s tom came drifting up a nearby ridge.  He was about 3 ridges away from us, so the stalk began. We kept him interested with some soft calls while we closed the distance. He was coming up one side of a ridge while we were on the opposite side. And we met at the top with him fanned out like a parade float, marching straight towards us. I shouldered the Mossberg 940 Pro, the reticle of the Hawke scope settling firmly. One breath, one squeeze, and the bird dropped clean. That Tom might as well have been dipped in ivory—white-tipped fans, an echoing gobble, and the kind of wild excitement only the West can deliver. Sharing this moment in the same camp, on the same trip, alongside Bill made the victory sweeter. We were two hunters from different towns, bound now by one incredible adventure.


    The Double A Outfitters Difference

    Double A Outfitters, Moorcroft WY Family-run and fiercely dedicated to quality hunting experiences, Double A Outfitters has built a reputation for delivering success across a variety of species—from mule deer to antelope, whitetail to Merriam’s turkeys. Their access to thousands of acres of prime Wyoming habitat gives clients the edge, but it’s the personal touch that sets them apart. Owned by Trey Aars, and assisted by his wife Hanna, they tailor the hunts personally, provide seasoned guides, and maintain a deep-rooted respect for the land, Double A makes every hunter feel like part of the family. One needs only to experience the delicious home-cooked meals around the family-style dinner table to understand this fact. For Bill, it wasn’t just about finding birds—it was also about the camaraderie at camp with other hunters, the expertise gleaned from talks with the guides, and the genuine care that made this trip unforgettable.


    Reflections in the Field

    Back at camp, Bill was all smiles. The bird was beautiful—snow-white tipped tail feathers, and the kind of full fan any Merriam turkey hunter dreams about. More than the hunt, though, it was the experience: the early mornings, the laughter, the rolling hills and long shadows of Wyoming. The guides and hunters shared stories,toasted to success, and gratitude hung in the air like woodsmoke.  This particular week, 5 out of 5 hunters tagged out with magnificent colored toms.

    Bill and the author with 2 nice Merriam's
    All hunters tagged out this week!

    Exploring the Legends of the West

    Crazy Horse Monument, expected to be under construction for another 40 years

    With his tag filled and a few days left to soak in the West, Bill took the opportunity to explore the sights that make this corner of America truly iconic. Just a short drive from Moorcroft, the ancient monolith of Devils Tower rose from the earth like a sentinel—sacred, surreal, and unforgettable.

    From there, the road trip continued across the state line into South Dakota, allowing Bill to stand beneath the chiseled faces of Mount Rushmore, reflecting on the presidents and the power of the American landscape. Makes you proud to be an American!

    At the Crazy Horse Monument, he admired the immense scale and the story of a native people etched into stone.

    Bill in Deadwood saloon
    The Deadwood Saloon, where Wild Bill Hickock was gunned down

    And in Deadwood, where legends like Wild Bill Hickok once walked, he wandered the historic streets and saloons, soaking in the Old West atmosphere. It was more than sightseeing—it was a journey through time, framed by the same hills and valleys where he’d hunted just days before.


    A Trip to Remember

    Bill and author in front of Mt Rushmore
    Mount Rushmore National Monument is a must see

    Bill Schoff may have started as a sweepstakes winner, but he left Wyoming with something money can’t buy: memories forged in adventure, gear tested in real country, and a trophy Merriam’s tom that will forever remind him that dreams sometimes do come true. He tips his cap to Mossberg, Pnuma, Dryshod, Hawke, and especially the crew at Double A Outfitters.

    For those still dreaming, don’t wait. Enter the next sweepstakes! The next name drawn could be yours, and the next hunting tale might just be your own.

    Per our affiliate disclosure, we may earn revenue from the products available on this page.

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    William Brod
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    Bill is a native of central New York State, is the Publisher and CEO of Outdoor Specialty Media Group, a digital publishing company dedicated to outdoor enthusiasts. He earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Union College and spent a decade working across various regions in the United States before returning to his hometown area. Bill is married and has four grown daughters. He actively participates on several community boards and has a deep-seated passion for outdoor activities, including hunting, fishing, gardening, and golf. Additionally, he is involved in ski racing both as a competitor and a coach. Under Bill's leadership, Outdoor Specialty Media Group delivers premium outdoor content through four fully interactive websites. Beyond producing engaging content for outdoor enthusiasts, Outdoor Specialty Media Group helps brands tell their story by creating exciting, original content and leveraging state-of-the-art digital technology. The company employs strategic tools such as email marketing, social media, SEO, paid search, and affiliate marketing to advance the business interests of its partners. By combining innovative digital strategies with high-quality storytelling, Bill Brod and his team connect brands with passionate outdoor audiences in meaningful ways. Through his work, Bill Brod blends his professional expertise with his personal interests, fostering a community that shares his dedication to hunting, fishing, conservation, and the great outdoors.

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