Blog

Mule deer numbers are under pressure in Nebraska and across the West—but there’s hope on the horizon. With careful conservation, smarter tag policies, and hunter awareness, these iconic herds may bounce back. In the open country, every stalk matters—especially for bowhunters. Learn how to make this fall count.

Nestled deep in North Dakota’s rugged Badlands, the Elkhorn Ranch became Theodore Roosevelt’s sanctuary—and the birthplace of his conservation mindset. Far from the noise of Medora, TR forged his environmental ideals amid solitude, grief, and the raw power of nature. After staking a claim in 1884 and building his log home, he spent long winters observing the effects of overgrazing and wildlife decline. It was here—on that cottonwood-shaded veranda beside the Little Missouri River—that Roosevelt’s commitment to preserving wild lands was born.

Fast forward to Elkhorn, Nebraska, and you’ll find Elkhorn Coffee Co.—a small-batch roaster that draws its identity directly from this rich heritage. Like Roosevelt before us, we honor the land and the stories that connect us. Our name, logo, and mission pay tribute to that enduring spirit: each cup supports conservation, each roast preserves a legacy. When you savor Elkhorn Coffee, you’re not just tasting premium beans—you’re connecting across place and time to the moment when American conservation began. It's more than coffee—it’s a commitment, deeply rooted in history and the wild heart of Elkhorn Ranch.

Writer Ryan Lynton sat down with Collin Kelly, owner of Elkhorn Coffee Co., at the Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic in Kansas City—where Elkhorn Coffee Co. proudly serves as the official coffee of Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever.