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Triple Threat – Woodland Caribou Rifle/Bow

Mark Peterson
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  • Mark Peterson

Woodland Caribou in Newfoundland with rifle & bow, 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”.

It is easy to pick the location to hunt woodland caribou; they are only located in Newfoundland.  The tricky part comes in picking what outfitter to hunt with.  Newfoundland has a great number of outfitters offering moose and caribou hunting, but the vast majority of these outfitters use the road based hunting method and the their success rate on caribou is extremely low.   In talking with Jason Berger, the manager of WTA’s Outdoor Adventures, he suggested that I go with an outfitter who he has been working with for over 10 years and has had nothing but great success with.  This outfitter operates both lodge based hunts but also bush camps accessed only by floatplane.  We opted to do the bush camp hunt because of the greater trophy potential.  Our theory is that the farther you get away from people, the better the hunting opportunities will be.   On this hunt I was taking both my rifle and my bow.  I’m closing in on my rifle NA 29.  It was my hope and goal to take a 2nd caribou with my bow.

 

Joining me on this trip was my father, Earl and cameraman, Grant.  We took off from Michigan and landed in St. Johns, Newfoundland late at night.  The next morning we were picked up at the hotel by the outfitter and driven to a small lake about three hours away from St. Johns.  This is where the outfitters’ main operation is based and also the lake that he houses his floatplane on.  After getting our licenses squared away and gear packed into the plane, we were off.  The floatplane ride took about 45 minutes and it allowed us to see what the interior of Newfoundland looks like.  There are wet bogs all over the place with patches of aspens mixed in.  As our trip was in the middle of October and the colors were changing, we had a great view during our flight in.

 

Upon arriving at the spike camp, which consisted of two wall tents, we were able to get all of our gear set and ready for the next morning.  After a hearty breakfast the next day, we set off.  Dad went with his guide in one direction and I split with my guide and cameraman and went in the opposite direction.  I was shocked by the amount of ground we covered as we did five miles of hiking in the bogs before arriving at our first glassing knob.  Like all of the locations I had hunted this fall, the weather in Newfoundland was warmer than normal.  It didn’t take long on the glassing hill to realize that the large groups of caribou hadn’t migrated into the area yet.  We were seeing caribou scattered out but not the larger groups of 15-20 that are normally seen this time of year.   We ended up bouncing from glassing knob to glassing knob throughout the day and saw over 50 caribou but did not see any good bulls.  It was, however, a great first day of vigorous hiking and glassing.  Arriving back at camp we heard that Dad had similar luck.  They had seen about twenty caribou with one decent one who was not quite yet a shooter.  Overall, we all had a great day in the field.

Camp Life
Camp Life

On day two, we decided to head in the same direction that we hunted the first day out, while Dad and his guide went in a slightly different direction.   Upon arriving on the same glassing hill as the day before, we began to start spotting caribou.   The plan for the day was to stay on this hill and keep glassing, as the caribou would constantly be moving throughout the day.  But, our plan didn’t last long.  We had only been seated and glassing for about twenty minutes when we spotted a bull off in the distance.  The bull was about two miles away and in a patch of trees, but he looked to be a good bull.  Off we went on as fast of a hike as we could do across the bogs.  Getting set up on a close hill, we spotted the bull again.  He was with four cows, and seeing him up close, we quickly determined that we had a shooter for sure.  The caribou were heading our way, so I got positioned on a rock and made ready for a shot.  After waiting a couple of minutes, the caribou came thru the bog that we had set up on.  It was a quick 250 yard shot and the bull was down.  Walking up to him, I was able to see just how big of a bull he really was.  He was a true giant woodland caribou!!! After returning to the camp late that afternoon, we heard Dad’s story of seeing around 50 caribou but still no shooters.  Dad’s day was, however, a real success as they did call in a young bull moose to less than 50 yards.

peterson_newfoundland-24
Mark’s Woodland Caribou with Rifle

On day three, I put my rifle down and picked up my bow but was not sure what to expect.  As our caribou thus far had all been out of bow range, being able to get in closer would be challenging as the area is very wide open and without much cover.  But, the caribou were in rut so you never knew what to really expect. I would like to say that we had to glass for days and hike all over the place to find my archery bull but, in reality, we were on the way to our glassing knob when we saw him.  Instantly I knew he was a shooter.  I quickly got my bow out of my pack and we slid over a bit to get in front of him.  I positioned myself right next to the path he was walking.  The wind was perfect.  He raised his head up and looked at me.  I quickly ranged him at 57 yards but he was facing right at me.   I drew back with the plan that as soon as he stepped one way or the other, I would let my arrow fly.  Instead, in an effort to get my wind, he made a quick gallop about 20 yards to my left.  He kept walking in a semi circle until he was downwind of me.  Once he caught my wind, he ran about 60 yards mostly parallel with me.  During this minute and a half, I was still at full draw.  He stopped and I knew he was farther away than the original 57 yards.  During the bull’s movement, I had done almost a 180 degree shuffle.  In my head, I did the calculation and figured he had gained 10+ yards on me, so I found my 70 yard pin and put it on his vitals and let the arrow sail.  The arrow hit perfectly and he only ran about 80 yards before piling up.  After the shot I did a quick range and found that at the shot he was 73 yards away, so I had chosen the perfect pin.  I can honestly say that this archery hunt for woodland caribou was one of the best hunting experiences I’ve ever had.  Viewing my bull up close proved that he was a great bull.   We packed him up and headed back to camp and waited to see how Dad had done for the day.

peterson_newfoundland-39
Mark’s Woodland Caribou with bow

On Dad’s day three, he had again seen a lot of caribou but still not the shooter he was looking for.  This was great as it meant that I could accompany him on day four and hopefully I would be there as he harvested his caribou.

 

We could tell that day four was going to be a good one as the temperature had dropped and there was light snow in the air.  From every knob we would climb, we would see caribou, including a lot of bulls, just not the shooter we were looking for.  After lunch, we decided to do a big sweep up on a high ridge and make our way back to camp that way.  Walking the ridge, we continued to see caribou every fifteen minutes or so.  Around 3 PM, we spotted a large bull out in the middle of a bog.  He was about two miles away.  We started out after him, but once we arrived at the bog, the bull had disappeared and was nowhere to be seen.  After glassing up and down the bog, there still was no sign of him.  As we started to get ready to head back to camp, we knew that something just wasn’t right.  We noticed that there was a single lone bush in the middle of this bog.  After moving higher up on a rock, I could make out the tips of the bull’s antlers on the other side.  The bull was sleeping and bedded, for protection from the wind, on the other side of the bush.  This gave us a great opportunity to stalk in.  We were able to get Dad set up on a rock 200 yards out.  Then we waited and waited for the bull to stand.  As the sun moved lower and lower, the old bull finally stood up.  Dad made the shot count and down the bull went.  He was another great bull and this final hunt was a great way to top off an amazing adventure in Newfoundland.

peterson_newfoundland-50
Earl’s Woodland Caribou

I was so impressed by the location, and the outfitter we hunted with, that immediately upon arriving back home in Michigan, I booked again to go in 2019.  On my next Newfoundland trip, my goal will be to harvest with my muzzleloader and complete my Woodland Caribou Triple Threat.

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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!

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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.

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