Have you dreamed of pursuing the wild turkey across the country, but the cost of the hunting trip has held you back?  Do-It-Yourself Dream Hunts shows you how to pull together your own hunting adventure while staying within your budget.

Turkey & Turkey Hunting's 2005 Sweepstakes Hunt winner Bill Mason, of Sawyerville, Ala., scores big in Texas. (Above, Henry Konow congratulates Mason on one of Mason's three Rios.)

The "shoulda been here yesterday" gremlins caught up with me as I crossed into Iowa from Illinois. That's when the rain started. By the time I'd turned south off of I-80 on my way to Missouri, the wind had kicked in, and by the time I reached Unionville, it was pouring sideways. It wasn't a huge front because the next morning was crisp and clear -- gobbling weather. Unfortunately, no one had told the turkeys.

Turkey hunting in the heart of Arkansas' Ozarks is a challenge full of ups and downs

When hope turns into reality too quickly, we often miss out on the good stuff in between.

A trip to the Lone Star State can leave you feeling like you're in "a whole other country." Here are a few things to know before you go in search of a Rio.