J7,

I've shot quite a few turkeys and have yet to find a tick on one. Not to say they aren't on there, but I think turkeys are flexible enough to be able to pick them off themselves. I made the mistake of bringing some of my gear in the house and not long after, my wife found a tick crawling on the floor. Told me I'd have to wear a flee collar if I didn't put my stuff in the shed. It's still sitting out there.

Landcruiser,

I was actually hunting a little west of Spokane near Wilbur. Those birds sure are tough aren't they! I shot one out of the air several years ago and had almost the same experience as you. Fortunately I broke one of his legs and he wasn't going far, but I still wasn't going to take any chances and I just topped him at ten feet. Good job sticking with it and getting that bird! I can't wait to go back over!