From
mid-May through mid-June Yellowstone is flooded with baby
animals of every type: fox and badger kits, coyote pups, elk
and bison calves, grizzly and black bear cubs, sandhill
crane colts, mule deer and pronghorn fawns. With a
carpet of nutritious greens covering the mountains and
valleys, punctuated by mule's ears and fireweed wildflowers,
the photographic encounters pile-up each day. This is
an easy time for most of Yellowstone's wildlife as the
warming days and lush growth provide everything needed for
their young. The flood of critters, especially the
Uinta ground squirrels, provide food for the many predators
while elk calves are hunted by wolves and bears.
Photographing the life cycle of these animals is
spectacular, and every day we encounter some new wildlife
adventures. It is common to have days where we shoot
upwards of 3000 images, come prepared. |
For those
not traveling with me, we meet in Gardiner, Montana just
outside the northwest entrance to Yellowstone, just north of
Mammoth Hot Springs, about 75 miles southeast of Bozeman.
I expect every type of weather during these safari days:
rain storms, wind, clouds, and severe clear, blue sky days.
While temperatures vary, typically the days warm into the
60's, maybe even the low 70's.
The deposit is 50% via check, Paypal, or credit card, and
the balance is due halfway between the deposit date and the
safari date unless you are booking within 3 months, then
full payment is due. Check the main safari page for other
information.
Link
This safari is 7 days long, the final days are in the Grand
Tetons. |
I've spent a large part of my 38-year wildlife photography
career shooting in Yellowstone - with total days approaching
1800. To be honest, I've lost track of the number of
safaris I've led to just Yellowstone and the Tetons, but
several hundred at least. I mention this because
experience in the park is vital to a successful safari, no
matter the weather, or situation. |
The days
are long, with sunrise about 5:40am each morning.
Expect to be out chasing encounters for about 12 hours each
day. Some days we will take a 2-hour mid-day break -
and on those days we will stay out until dusk, while on
others we will come in at 5pm for an earlier night. I
try to arrange regular meals throughout the park, but
carrying some snacks to tie you over is always a good idea.
I will have cases of water available to everyone, so no need
for that. |
I have hotel reservations in hand, you are
welcome to use one of mine or, if you have points at some
hotels, feel free to book your own. |
Bonus
Safari On June 5
I will be doing a free 1-day Safari to Bear River Migratory
Bird Refuge in Brigham City, UT to photograph the baby
grebes riding on their parents backs.
Link |
Yellowstone
Safari Video -
Link
Participants -
maximum of 7 photographers
Image Galleries:
Yellowstone Landscapes
Coyotes-1
Coyotes-2
Great Gray Owls
Pronghorns
Bison
Red Fox -1
Red Fox-2
Moose
Grizzlies-1
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Information Links
Safari Checklist -
Link
Published Tearsheets -
Link
Brent's Biography -
Link
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