I have never hunted Eastern turkeys... but will someday.. I hope to get the grand slam with flint points. I have the merriams and Rio grand so far. I would guess that our birds are not quite as hunted as the eastern variety. we have fewer hunters throughout the whole state than most eastern states have in one county, and those counties are the size of some of the farms and ranches we hunt alone. I am a novice turkey hunter and have only harvested five birds in as many years..all were hunted by spot and stalk so i do not claim to be an expert on the ways of the wild warriors but sure do enjoy the hunt...Hawk a/ho