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Elk Hunting – Go East!

Tony Foster

| June 21, 2021

Tony Foster
June 21, 2021

When most hunters dream about where to apply for elk tags their thoughts usually drift to New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, Montana or other western states. One state that typically does not hit the serious elk hunter’s radar is Pennsylvania. I’m here to tell you that is a major oversight.

The Keystone State is home to more than 1,300 elk and issues approximately 36 bull tags each year between archery and rifle hunts. The lucky hunters who draw one of these tags enjoy a high success rate (97% for the last 10 years) and very high trophy quality. Every hunter who dreams of taking a trophy bull elk should consider applying in Pennsylvania. I know. You’re still thinking out West. But Pennsylvania is something special. Call and we can discuss more details.

Here is it in a nutshell. All residents and non-residents can apply and are competing for the same tags, so the odds of drawing are equal. Non-residents can apply for all hunts and can enter the drawing for both archery and rifle bull tags. We encourage everyone to apply for both season choices (archery and general) to help increase the chances of drawing a tag.

Pennsylvania has a bonus point system where you accrue a point for each season you apply and are not successful in drawing. These valuable points will increase your odds of drawing in future years.

The deadline to apply is July 31 and the drawing will be held August 21.

Typically, the cost to apply is $66.90 for a single season application or $78.80 for both rifle and archery applications. However, in 2021, WTA TAGS will apply a $55 discount for anyone who calls in before the deadline!

Successful applicants would then need to purchase their tag, which is only $250 – very reasonable when compared to many of the western states’ tag fees. Call and let’s talk about hunting elk in Pennsylvania – and/or any other trips you’d like to discuss. We’re at 1-800-755- TAGS (8247).

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Chasing Waterfowl from North to South

The Central Flyway is a waterfowl superhighway—a vital corridor for migrating ducks and geese—and for those of us lucky enough to be waterfowlers, it offers unmatched opportunities to hunt and experience the migration from September through January.

Over the past 40 years, I’ve had the privilege of chasing ducks around the world, but many of my favorite memories come from following this flyway, especially during those early years when my duck-obsessed father would pull my brother and me out of school every Fall to chase birds.

That’s right! We missed school every year for dedicated waterfowl trips. No regrets.

In the true north country, along the edges of Canada’s boreal forest, early-season hunts are nothing short of magical. The birds are just beginning their journey south—hungry, unpressured, and eager to settle into newly harvested grain fields. It’s a waterfowler’s paradise. The decoy spreads in these northern zones are often among the first the birds see, and their eager, uneducated responses can be absolutely breathtaking.

One of the most unforgettable sights is the famed swirling cyclone of Canada geese funneling down into a field. I can still hear my dad yelling over the deafening honks, his voice barely audible, “They can’t hear us!” The birds were so loud that those at the top of the funnel couldn’t even hear the gunfire below. If you’ve ever experienced it, you know exactly the kind of spine-tingling moment I’m talking about.

When the birds pushed south, so did we.

The prairie pothole regions of North Dakota are pure waterfowl gold. The right pothole on a cold morning—especially if you can find open water—can be magic. And if the water’s frozen? My dad had a fix: get there early, break trail through the skim ice, and push it under itself to create an opening. Voilà…open water.

I’ll never forget one frigid morning. After breaking ice, my hands were bright red and on the edge of frostbite. I looked at my dad for sympathy, but he just grinned as the puddle ducks cupped up and said, “Do you want warm hands, or do you want to shoot ducks?” Like I said, he was a fanatic. I grabbed the old Winchester pump and did my best. That day, I also learned the value of hand warmers and Gore-Tex gloves.

There are so many unforgettable moments:

Slipping and sliding at a Nebraska reservoir, laughing hysterically as we wondered if we’d ever get the old Suburban and trailer back up the icy boat ramp. After limiting out on greenheads.
Rowing across the Delta Marsh in the dark to find the perfect crescent-shaped bulrush island to set the decoys that the canvasbacks couldn’t resist.
Chasing snow geese in South Dakota and realizing we’d finally picked the perfect field, the one that made it worth all those hours spent spray-painting sheet-metal shell decoys in the garage.

These weren’t just hunting trips. They were memories shared with family, with friends, and with the great outdoors itself.

In the end, missing a week of school every year was worth every single minute.

The last duck hunt I shared with my admittedly duck-crazy father was a world away and half a lifetime ago. The hunt may be long over, but the memory will always stay with me.

At WTA, we’re proud to connect our clients with trusted partners so they can experience these same one-of-a-kind adventures.

We offer incredible destinations and outstanding outfitters all along the Central Flyway—from Alberta and Saskatchewan to North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, and Oklahoma—so you can create your own lasting memories.

Call Worldwide Trophy Adventures at 1-800-346-8747 today to book your trip of a lifetime.

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Few places compare to Muy Grande’s ranch in Mexico’s Sierra Madres for chasing Gould’s turkey, the biggest of all wild turkeys, marked by the striking white tips on its tail fan. As a WTA consultant, I’ve seen their guides deliver consistently, making it a top destination for hunters working toward the World Turkey Slam. Add in rugged country and a proven outfitter, and it becomes an experience every turkey hunter should have.

Turkey season runs from early April through early May. You’ll typically fly into Phoenix, then catch a morning hop to Hermosillo, Mexico, arriving around 11:30 a.m. After customs, Sergio or Pedro will greet you with a cold drink and a van stocked with sandwiches for the scenic ride ahead. From Hermosillo’s 700 feet, you’ll climb through 5 hours of winding Sierra Madre roads to the ranch at 3,000 feet. The journey is half the fun—curves, vistas, and glimpses of the country you’ll be hunting. By about 7 p.m., you’ll be unpacking in your room. Open your window to the cool mountain air and let it lull you into one of the best nights of sleep you’ll ever experience.

The food is reason enough to make the trip. Muy Grande’s French chef has 20 years of experience with serving up everything from ribs to authentic Mexican dishes, hearty breakfasts, and appetizers. You’ll need the delicious calories for the long days in the open country chasing Toms. Mornings start early and you may spend up to two hours on ranch roads before reaching your spot. Dry mountains, steep valleys, and big country define the day. Want to call birds from a pop-up blind? They’ve got you covered. Prefer run-and-gun? This is prime terrain for it. With one-on-one guides, the hunt is tailored to your style.

The Gould’s turkey is the largest subspecies in North America, and in the field, they stand out as they strut down dusty trails, flashing their tall frames and bright white fan tips. They’re plentiful here. On my last trip, the group of five tagged six birds by the end of day one—some from blinds, others by stalking ridges. Gobbles echo through the canyons all morning, and the guides know every fold of the landscape and the flocks that roam it. The hunt package includes in-field transport, trophy care, lodging, meals, guide service, and a license waiting for you at camp—everything dialed in so you can focus solely on finding your big ol’ Tom.

Getting your bird back home is simple. The outfitter freezes it—whole or just the fan—and handles the paperwork. Flying back through Phoenix is smooth—customs deals with turkeys regularly. Just bring the address of a USDA-certified taxidermist and a sturdy suitcase big enough for your trophy.

The gear list for this trip is straightforward: good hiking boots, lightweight shirts, face mask, hat, gloves, and a jacket for the cool mornings. Days can hit 90° F in April, but the temp drops quickly at night, so pack for variety. After tagging out, you’ll head back to Hermosillo for a final night at the Fiesta Americana, a top-notch hotel, before flying home—though early successes can open the door to earlier flights.

Muy Grande is a place of raw beauty, from stone-fenced corrals to mountain views stretching for miles. Hermosillo itself might surprise you—not a rough frontier town, but a safe, vibrant city where families are out and about. If you’re looking for an authentic Gould’s turkey adventure in a spectacular setting with unmatched hospitality, this hunt should be on your wish list. Book through WTA and come chase the turkey that towers above the rest.

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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…