Book Your Adventure 1-800-346-8747
Book Your Adventure 1-800-346-8747
Search
Search
Sign In
Worldwide Trophy Adventures
Book Your Adventure
1-800-346-8747

Triple Threat – Archery Rocky Mountain Elk

Mark Peterson
|  
  • Mark Peterson

ARCHERY ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK IN COLORADO, BY MARK PETERSON

In his quest for the North America 29 X 3, by taking each with a Rifle, Muzzleloader & Bow, Mark Peterson shares his hunt stories in a series we call “Triple Threat”.

To say that I was a nervous wreck before my archery elk hunt this fall would be a huge understatement.  As we were moving into our new home this summer, I thought it would be a great idea to do the majority of the moving myself with my family’s assistance.  That didn’t end well as I severely aggravated a minor existing hernia.   My recommendation for anybody moving is to spend the couple hundred bucks and get some professionals to do the heavy lifting.  With my hernia news, I opted for surgery as soon as I could get in, so as to be as ready as possible for fall hunting.  Recovery time from surgery was estimated to be six weeks before full activity; that didn’t line up real well as I was set to be on an archery elk hunt in Colorado five and one half weeks from the date of surgery.  But, faced with no other options, I had the surgery and started my recovery.  As luck would have it, everything went well.  I took an aggressive approach to recovery and received the green light from my surgeon to start letting arrows fly again after four weeks.  I wasn’t able to do any serious workouts before the hunt, but at least I was able to get dialed in with my bow.

Practice

It was great news that I would be able to head to Colorado.  I only had a little over a week to get back into shooting.   For a Michigan bow hunter used to a long shot being 30 yards, there was a bit of pressure to extend and feel comfortable out to 70 yards.  Again, I took an aggressive approach and shot 3-4 times a day and attempted to cover every shot angle there was.  As the days clicked by, I felt confident but wished I could have been practicing for months prior to the hunt and not just nine days.  Off to Colorado I went…

 

The main factor in choosing where to do this hunt was that I wanted to hunt an area with a high density of elk.  Being new to archery hunts, except for whitetail, I am realistic and knew it might take multiple opportunities to be able to seal the deal.  I choose to go with some of my best friends and one of WTA’s top western outfitters.  They promised me that I had never seen an area like this for the sheer number of elk that it held.  Wow, they were right!  By the end of the hunt I had seen over 75 bulls and multiple bulls in the 320+ range.

 

Like everywhere in the West this fall, the temps were hotter than normal, which delayed the bugle a bit.  When we started the hunt, the bulls weren’t talking very much but by the end, it was starting to heat up.  The bulls were mainly in groups with other bulls and just starting to fight and break up.  There was some chasing going on but it was nothing major.  With the temps reaching up into the 90’s every day there was really only action for the first and last hours of each day.  The plan was to start each day from a glassing knob and see if we heard or could glass up any bulls.  From there if we glassed a good bull and he was in a good spot, we would go after him.  If he was not in a good spot, we would watch him until he went down for his afternoon nap, and then make a plan for that evening.

 

From the first day on the ranch we were spotting good bulls and going after them.   I can honestly say that there was non-stop action every day.   I had a few learning experiences, again being new to spot and stalk archery, I learned as I went.  One thing that I learned was that when I snagged my bow on a small tree, I didn’t know that it loosened up my peep site; this caused the site to move a little bit every time I drew back.  By day four I finally had this figured out and my bow dialed back in.  We had many close encounters in those early days but my confidence in my shot just wasn’t there until I figured out that my peep site was sliding.

 

768a2239On the evening of day four, we spotted a big bull in a group with eleven other bulls and a couple of cows.  We setup and it seemed like we had every other bull come to within 40 yards except the one we wanted.  He was starting to feel a little rutty and was mostly interested in the cows.  Heading back that night to camp, we made a plan for the morning with the goal of finding that bull again.

 

The next morning it was like someone flipped a switch and every bull within a couple of miles was testing his bugle.  We spotted a 7×6 bull that we made a plan on.  We were set up and he was coming when all of a sudden I felt the wind switch and it hit me in the back of the head.  Five minutes later and that bull was traveling up the opposite hillside and heading away.  We started to second-guess our setup, but in the end there is not much you can do when the wind is swirling.

 

So, we went to another glassing knob and soon spotted a big bull about a mile away.  The bull was located on the top of a pop up mountain and we didn’t see any other elk with him.  We couldn’t tell much other than he had a big frame on him as the heat waves were brutal with the temps approaching 90 degrees.  Where the bull was bedded down, he had cliffs blocking his exit on about 80% of the mountain and really only had one good area for him to move down.  The wind was perfect, so we got set up on the one corridor he could use to get off the mountain.  Our setup had to be within 75 yards of where he was bedded.

 

After about 30 minutes of calling, and no movement, we regrouped and had no idea what had happened.  Maybe the bull heard us as we were sneaking into position?  Maybe there was another way off of the mountain and he was gone before we got there?  We decided that my guide would move closer to the bull’s area and would peek over to see what was going on.  My guide, Robbie, did just that and was about 40 yards from where we had set up.   He immediately waved me up.  The bull was standing at 30 yards pacing back and forth like he wanted to go to the call really bad.  I got set and worked to help Grant, my cameraman, get into position.  As it’s never the hunters fault, but always the cameraman’s fault, the bull must have seen Grant moving and started to take off.  I drew and stayed on him. Robbie called and the bull stopped with a quartering away angle.  Robbie quickly ranged and said 54 yards.  The arrow was away and the hit was perfect.

 

I remember shaking severely after the shot and replaying it in my mind.  It looked so good.  The next 30 minutes were painful but we waited them out before moving in.  We found my bull laying less than 60 yards away.  This was one of the most exciting and enjoyable hunts I have ever been on and now I’m hooked.  Bow hunting elk in the bugle is about as addicting as it gets.  I can’t wait until next year so I can do it all over again…

elk
Mark’s Colorado Archery Elk

Recent Articles

Related Articles

Mexico
Desert Bighorn Sheep
Lucky is Better than Good: Finishing My Grand Slam in the Sonoran Desert
July 15, 2026
Read More »
South Dakota
Bison
Bison Hunting in the Lower 48: An Authentic American Hunting Experience
July 6, 2026
Read More »
Austria
Alpine Ibex
Hunting Austria’s Alpine Ibex
June 23, 2026
Read More »
Building a Quail Hunter’s Paradise: Habitat Improvements and Day Hunts at Stonewall Plantation Outfitters

Building a Quail Hunter’s Paradise: Habitat Improvements and Day Hunts at Stonewall Plantation Outfitters

Expanding into quail hunting was a natural fit to complement Salt River Outfitters’ already thriving deer hunting operation. With a clear vision and a commitment to quality, we set out to create a quail program that could stand among the best in the region. Drawing on the expertise of skilled dog handlers, seasoned habitat specialists, and our experienced guides and habitat managers, we’ve built something special.

Over the last few years, we’ve been steadily transforming Stonewall Plantation’s land from cattle pasture to high-quality bobwhite quail habitat. We aimed to create hunts that feel as close to wild as possible, and unlike confined shooting preserves, our hunting grounds span diverse terrain including ridges, hollows, and rolling hills. That transformation hasn’t been easy, but it has been worth it. A huge part of that effort has focused on the removal of invasive fescue which had taken over much of the pasture. Fescue chokes out native grasses and eliminates the natural cover and food sources that the quail depend on. Through persistent spraying and management, we’ve brought back the native species and laid the groundwork for wildlife to thrive.

In addition to native grasses, we’ve planted food plots throughout the property—carefully selected mixes of grain sorghum, millet, sunflowers, corn, and Korean lespedeza. These plots not only support healthy quail populations, but they’ve also created a boom in other wildlife. Watching our dogs lock up on a big covey of birds is a rewarding moment, and those moments are coming more frequently each year.

Our last season proved that the work is paying off. Hunters enjoyed productive days in the field, with strong bird numbers and multiple coveys flushed during most outings. Many visitors left with full game bags, big smiles, and stories they’ll tell for years. Based on the success of a limited trial last year, we’re also excited to expand access with guided day hunts this upcoming season. In October and December, we’ll offer morning and afternoon hunts for up to three hunters at a time. Each hunter will have the opportunity to harvest up to 30 birds, with lunch included in the hunt package. It’s a new way to experience Salt River, whether you’re a first-time guest or a returning visitor.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard: “My dad and I hunted quail when I was younger, but with quail numbers down, we haven’t hunted them in years.” Last season, a gentleman booked a hunt for his father, his son, and himself—three generations in the field. The stories they shared around the dinner table that night were moving and unforgettable. The joy in their eyes and the bond they rekindled through the hunt reminded me why we do this.

Being part of such an experience—where a grandfather and father can introduce a young man to something they’ve cherished for decades—is priceless. Our goal at Stonewall Plantation Outfitters is to continue creating new memories for many seasons to come.

The habitat is stronger. The lodge is more comfortable. The birds are flying better. And our program now has a proven track record of delivering exceptional hunts. Whether you’re coming for a full three-day experience or joining us for a day hunt, we can’t wait to share this quail hunting heaven with you.

Single Day Hunt Muli-Day Hunt with Lodging Watch…
Authentic Quail Hunting in Kentucky’s Heartland

Authentic Quail Hunting in Kentucky’s Heartland

If you’re looking for a genuine quail hunting experience paired with southern hospitality, our Kentucky operation delivers. Nestled in Bourbon Country in partnership with Worldwide Trophy Adventures, we’ve built an experience that honors upland hunting traditions while showcasing our stunning landscape.

Our historic property, once a cattle farm, has been carefully transformed into prime Bobwhite quail habitat. We aimed to create hunts that feel as close to wild as possible. The centerpiece is a fully restored pre-Civil War farmhouse, now a comfortable lodge accommodating up to 6 hunters.

Unlike confined shooting preserves, our hunting grounds span diverse terrain including ridges, hollows, and rolling hills. We’ve designed multiple routes across the property, ensuring each hunt feels unique and exciting. Guests often tell us that it’s the closest they’ve come to wild quail hunting in years.

We don’t impose bag limits. Arrivals are typically on Wednesdays, with two and a half days of hunting concluding on Saturday afternoon. Our philosophy is simple: create an authentic and enjoyable experience for all skill levels, free from the pressure of quotas.

Days begin with a hearty breakfast at the lodge. By mid-morning, you’re in the field with our skilled dog handlers and guides. We hunt until lunchtime, break for a meal, then head out for an afternoon session. Evenings bring cocktails, appetizers, and a delicious dinner followed by relaxation and camaraderie at the lodge.

We keep our group sizes intentionally small, usually two or three hunters, each paired with a handler and a guide. This ensures personalized attention and ample shooting opportunities. Our guides also will try to get some photos and videos for you to take home.

We take immense pride in our birds. Through an exclusive partnership with an experienced breeder, we offer mature, strong-flying quail that truly challenge hunters. Our dogs and handlers are also top-notch, crucial elements in creating memorable hunts.

A really cool added perk of our location is its proximity to Kentucky’s famed Bourbon Trail. Many of our guests combine their hunt with distillery visits. It’s the quintessential Kentucky experience. That’s also a great backup plan if weather disrupts hunting.

As another season approaches, we’re eager to share our creation with more bird hunters. With limited availability, now is the time to secure your spot. For details and bookings, contact us! Come experience Kentucky’s finest Bobwhite quail hunting!

Learn about this Hunt Watch Video
Quail Hunting in Sonora Mexico - The Journey Within, A Bird Hunter’s Diary

Quail Hunting in Sonora Mexico - The Journey Within, A Bird Hunter’s Diary

The last stop of my Upland Slam journey was in Mexico’s northern state of Sonora. Sonora is just across the border from Arizona and a bit of New Mexico. For the slam, we would be seeking Elegant quail and doves. In a later blog, I will cover our amazing dove hunting in Sonora. Sonora has always been one of my favorite hunting destinations as the people, culture, terrain and plentiful game ensure that my hunts there are always memorable. In February, leaving the snow in Michigan for Sonora’s warm desert, is another plus.

The main reason we chose Sonora for the Upland Slam was that the state is home to Elegant Quail. Elegant Quail are a New World species of quail that is only found in northern Mexico. Their range reaches from Sonora and Chihuahua into Jalisco, but the majority of the birds are in Sonora. They are commonly found in thorny scrub brush areas inter-mixed with open ground and are usually near cultivated fields. Because these birds are in northern Mexico, which makes them harder to hunt for US hunters, they are not as well-known as the other northern species of quail. Elegant Quail are also the least hunted species of quail. This is not because of low population numbers, which are stable and growing. It is solely because it is more difficult for bird hunters to get to them, especially if the upland hunters want to use their own dogs. Adding to the difficulty is that you need to hunt on private ground and only a small handful of outfitters offer Elegant Quail hunting.

WTA works with great outfitters from all over the world and we have some great ones in Sonora, where our team has personally hunted and vetted the operations. One outfitter, in particular, specializes in dove, quail, and waterfowl hunting. This team knows what they are doing and have numerous areas to hunt. This past spring, while seeking my World Turkey Slam in a single season, I was with this outfitter and hunted with them for Gould’s turkeys. I took two big toms while enjoying some great Mexican cuisine along the way. It was during this spring trip that I started to make plans for my February return trip for doves and quail.

The process for bringing dogs into Mexico is extremely simple, as is the process for returning your dog back to the US. In late 2019, the Mexican laws were changed, starting in 2020, so that no formal documentation was required to bring your dog from the US into Mexico. However, having travelled to Mexico numerous times in the past, I always want to be prepared, just in case there is a snag with customs while crossing the border. As a result, to avoid any potential problem, I obtained a veterinary certificate for each of the dogs. These certificates identified each of my dogs and showed that they were each up to date on all of their shots and vaccinations. I was asked, at customs in Hermosillo, to see the veterinary certificates and I was happy to have the documentation, so we cleared customs without a problem. Our outfitter did all of the necessary gun paperwork, in advance, and met us at the airport to assist in the process. Within an hour of landing, we were on the road to the lodge. The lodge is located on the outskirts of Hermosillo, which is perfect as it allows for easy travel to the different hunting areas scattered in different directions in surrounding Sonora.

There are two species of quail that are open to hunting in the areas around Hermosillo. These are Elegant Quail, the main reason for this trip, and Gambels Quail, which we had earlier hunted in Arizona. We would split our time in Sonora and hunt for both quail on this trip. Our main focus was Elegant Quail and we decided to target them first. From Hermosillo, we headed by vehicle about two hours northeast, which brought us into a rural agricultural/cattle grazing area. There were both Elegant Quail and some Gambels in the area, but the area was preferred by Elegant Quail. When hunting quail, it is not good to start early in the morning as the quail need time to get off the roost and start moving around. We targeted to be at our hunting areas around 9:30 in the morning and to have the dogs down and hunting by 10 am. This would give us a couple of good hours of hunting before the afternoon temperatures would get high enough to cause heat troubles for our dogs. We would take the mid-afternoons off to rest, as the temperatures were just too hot for the dogs to run. Later in the afternoon, when the temperatures started to drop, we could again hunt the last couple of hours before sunset.

After the long travel from Michigan to Sonora, our dogs were excited to be back in the field. It didn’t take long for the dogs to get birdy and, just like all of the other quail species, Elegant Quail like to show off their legs and run like crazy. After a bit of teamwork, we got our first covey cornered and got them in the air. As the cover was fairly thick, I didn’t have a shot on the initial break up of our first Elegant Quail covey. We then set out after singles, which tended to hold tighter and not run as much as the large covey. Both Arrow and Shooter locked up in front of me. I slowly walked up and two quail were in the air. I raised my Benelli Ethos and covered the first bird. After a quick trigger pull, I watched the bird fall. My first Elegant Quail was a gorgeous male. The pressure was now off for the trip as my last quail for the Upland Slam was in hand.

Find the outdoor adventure of a lifetime.

SEARCH
Try ‘Elk’, ‘Colorado’ or ‘Waterfowl’