Wildlife Photography Trip???

[fishing4sanity]

I just didn't get in enough hunting this year, if that's even possible to do. I did make it to Wyoming and Montana each for a couple of days. It was very enjoyable to get out and hunt, but now I'm going stir crazy to get back out somewhere and use the camera at least. Any good suggestions as to where to go in WA, OR, ID, MT or WY? Yeah, it may be crazy to drive that far just to take some pics, but my wife loves to travel and I'd love to see some more wildlife. I've seen some cool photos from Slippery Ann elk refuge and the American Prairie Reserve, but don't know if those areas are closed or seasonal only. Yellowstone should be an option, but I've never been there in the winter and not sure about access. I've gone to the Oak Creek feeding area in central Washington and enjoyed the elk and bighorns that are in that area. Just looking for some ideas on areas that have some good landscapes and wildlife to take a trip and enjoy more of nature. Any ideas or help would be very much appreciated.
Thanks, Randy

 

[oldillini]

Sorry, can't offer any advice about the locations. But if your wife loves to travel and you have the desire to capture some of the wildlife on paper .... go for it! Enjoy.

 

[mdunc8]

I've always enjoyed skiing the Lamar Valley in the winter. Very few people to ruin your photos and there's always some wildlife around. Shoot me a PM if you want some specific areas to check out.

 

[Straight Arrow]

This has to be a joke question. The options are almost endless and impossible to fully explore if you began full time now and for the rest of your days. There are those who make a living photographing just in Yellowstone alone.

The premier Yellowstone photographer is Tom Murphy of Livingston, MT. Just do an internet search and you will have enough ideas to last you a lifetime.

 

[Gerald Martin]

Pretty sure the Slippery Ann elk viewing area is only going to hold elk during the rut. Haven't been there but that would be my guess.

 

[fishing4sanity]

Pretty sure the Slippery Ann elk viewing area is only going to hold elk during the rut. Haven't been there but that would be my guess.

Thanks Gerald, I thought that would probably be the case with Slippery Ann. I've never been to any of the CMR, but always wanted to go there, I'm guessing December and January might not be the ideal time for a first visit there.

 

[Randy11]

If you're going through the Missoula area, it's worth taking a half day to check out the bison range. Check out Mark Mesenko's site to see what kind of critters and scenery are up there.

 

[RobG]

I just didn't get in enough hunting this year, if that's even possible to do. I did make it to Wyoming and Montana each for a couple of days. It was very enjoyable to get out and hunt, but now I'm going stir crazy to get back out somewhere and use the camera at least. Any good suggestions as to where to go in WA, OR, ID, MT or WY? Yeah, it may be crazy to drive that far just to take some pics, but my wife loves to travel and I'd love to see some more wildlife. I've seen some cool photos from Slippery Ann elk refuge and the American Prairie Reserve, but don't know if those areas are closed or seasonal only. Yellowstone should be an option, but I've never been there in the winter and not sure about access. I've gone to the Oak Creek feeding area in central Washington and enjoyed the elk and bighorns that are in that area. Just looking for some ideas on areas that have some good landscapes and wildlife to take a trip and enjoy more of nature. Any ideas or help would be very much appreciated.
Thanks, Randy

The road through the Lamar from Gardiner to Cooke City is the only road in Yellowstone that is open in winter. According to my mom, winter is the best time to photograph wolves in the Lamar. Basically you drive around and look for wolf sign, which is a bunch of wolf lovers pulled over on the side of the road going ga-ga and taking pictures of wolves 500+ yards away. You will need a scope or long lens (which can be rented). You won't be alone and it is a wolf hugging crowd so you have to bite your tongue. The bison, elk, sheep, coyotes, foxes, etc are around too but I don't see a lot in the winter in the Lamar. Maybe there are more in the Old Faithful area, which you would have to snowmobile/snowcoach into.