Doc Ellis served four years in the US Air Force, received an AAS degree in Gunsmithing from Trinidad State Junior College and worked as a gunsmith for seven years. He then attended the U. of Idaho for five years receiving a BS and MS in Geological Engineering. He worked for Harza Engineering on a hydro-electric dam site in El Salvador. Following this he worked for the US Bureau of Mines rising to Supervisory Physical Scientist. He has authored scientific publications, and written articles for Gun Digest, American Hunter, Rock and Gem, among others. He has climbed more than 700 mountains, including 16 first ascents. He has hunted big game in twenty foreign countries, and has taken fifteen Top Ten animals in Safari Club International's record book.

He lives in Wyoming.