An Introduction to Arizona's El Coronado Ranch

Quail hunting in Arizona revolves around three species: Mearn’s, Gambel’s, and Scaled quail. Each of these species offers distinct opportunities and challenges, and very few locations are home to all three. During your stay at El Coronado Ranch, you’ll spend each day exploring Forest Service, State Trust, and private land in Arizona and New Mexico, searching for wild coveys of these sporty birds. The surrounding state and federal-owned land is accessible only by permit, and El Coronado Ranch has one of the very few permits available. You can expect to navigate many different environments each day– from creek bottoms and wetlands to rock outcroppings and heavily timbered hillsides, encountering different quail species along the way. El Coronado Ranch is truly a conservation marvel, preserving thousands of acres of essential quail habitat that lends itself to prolific hunting opportunities. 

Though eminently accessible from Tucson’s international airport, El Coronado Ranch offers a wonderfully remote hunting experience. Nestled against the famous Chiricahua Mountains and adjacent to the Coronado National Forest, you’ll find yourself surrounded by pristine wilderness on all sides. The lodge is situated in a secluded valley sheltered by foothills, making your stay completely private and peaceful. The hunting land is beautiful and wild, featuring a diverse range of oak species, mature cottonwoods, sycamores, willows, junipers, piñon pines, cholla cacti, and yuccas, along with higher-altitude Ponderosa pines scattered throughout. As you search for quail, you’ll traverse land that provides habitat for whitetail and mule deer, black bears, Gould’s turkeys, mountain lions, bobcats, javelina, and countless native bird species. Whether you’re soaking in the peace and quiet of the lodge or reveling in the wildness of the hunting land, El Coronado Ranch’s Southeast Arizona location does not disappoint. 

The 10,000+ square foot lodge at El Coronado Ranch features ten elegant bedrooms, a vast common area with a fireplace, as well as modern comforts and rustic charm throughout. You’ll have access to three excellent meals each day, as well as an extensive selection of beers, wines, and liquor. On the hunting side, you’ll head out each day with a professional guide and just one other hunter, meaning that you’ll get all the instruction and attention that you need. Dave Brown Outfitters has the best quail hunting guides in the business, as well as expertly trained bird dogs. You’ll be provided with 12-, 20-, and 28-gauge shotgun shells, as well as shotguns to use if needed. Shipping your gun ahead of time is easy; just ask us about the process when booking your hunt.

Day 1

You’ll arrive at El Coronado Ranch around 5pm, where you’ll receive a warm welcome from lodge staff before sitting down to an exquisite buffet style dinner. You’ll have plenty of time to get settled in your room and prepare for the upcoming days of hunting. 

Days 2-4

You’ll be treated to a sit-down breakfast at the lodge each morning before departing for your hunt. Each day is a full day of quail hunting, complete with a packed lunch which you’ll enjoy in the field. You’ll return to the lodge with time to freshen up and wind down before another memorable sit-down dinner. After the meal, you’ll relax with a glass of wine or cocktail and share the day’s hunting stories. 

Day 5

On the final day of your trip, you’ll sit down for one more breakfast along with your fellow hunters. After your meal, you’ll depart for Tucson International Airport or Bisbee-Douglas International Airport, bringing with you quail hunting memories that will last a lifetime. 

El Coronado Ranch offers a truly unique hunting experience, and we want to help you access all that this wonderful destination has to offer! Dave Brown Outfitters is a valued guide partner of ours at AnyCreek, and we are thrilled to be working with him to make this adventure possible. To learn more about hunting with Dave Brown at El Coronado Ranch and to secure your spot for this once-in-a-lifetime trip, click here!