Yellowstone National Park trip report...

[popeshawnpaul]

It's addicting Bone.  I can say I get about as much satisfaction in calling in a big bull elk and getting great pictures of them as I do in shooting one.  Not to say I don't like hunting, but it's really like hunting with a camera.  I get the same rush either way.  Plus, I can do this in the backcountry of Yellowstone or some park and not have another person around.  The animals aren't scared of you like in a hunting season as well. 

The lighting wasn't great for me either.  Other than the last day, it was hot and bluebird skies every day.  You would think that would be good, but not for photography.  The worst time to shoot is on a hot clear day.  The harsh sunlight and shadows make photography hard.  Look up at my grizzly photo...harsh light killed those shots.  I love a 50/50 cloud/bluesky type day.  Cloudy works as well.  Even rain made some of my shots pop and brings out the color in the leaves. 

I went 2500 miles and shot 3300 pictures.  It takes me about 10 hours to get there.  Just to get there and back is about 1500 miles and then you have all the travel time for a week inside the park.  I camped the whole time as I wasn't going to pay $200 a night in some lodge when I was only going to be there from 10pm to 5am.  If I had to do it over again I would concentrate more on hiking and animals I have a chance to get good photos of like elk.  I covered a lot of ground driving trying to find wolves and grizzly bears when I should have been more sedentary.  I think this is the problem with Yellowstone/Tetons...you try and do it all in one week.  It is almost impossible to do it and you compromise on certain areas because of it.  You also need to be open minded and shoot what presents itself.  I spent too much time trying to find moose/griz/wolves.  They are where they are, and if you see one shoot it.  Specifically looking for moose/wolves/griz wasted over half the week. 

Shooting there in the winter is really good and you can get some great shots of griz and wolves killing/eating elk.  I think the best times are dec/jan.  A few of us photogs should plan a trip... 

[javman]

GREAT WORK!  Wouldn't it be nice if you could do a trip like that every other week or so? That'd be nice!

[Sagedawg]

 Pope that picture of the oxbow is pure magic.........VERY NICE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Thanks so much for sharing those. Looks like you had a fun time and were enjoying yourself.



  Sage

[popeshawnpaul]

It would be fun to do that every week or two...but then I fear it would turn into work eventually.  Maybe once a month.   

[boneaddict]

I think most of the Grizz are outside of the park.     I sure saw a nice silvertip that would have been nice grazing on grass.  I missed that one though, have to tell that story to you later.   I agree with the photos.  In fact I figure I am going to cut WAY back on tags next year and all of the points.  I figure I invested in this lens, and I get even more satisfaction out of a good picture.  I have always said its harder to take a good picture of an animal than it is to shoot it, especially with a rifle.  I suppose a longbow adds some challenge to the equation, but you don't need to worry about light and shadows etc.  So far, there isn't a permit system in place for photography. I can shoot when I want, what days.   I have a house full of bone already, so would enjoy taking pics and sharing with folks as you do just as much, so I hear you. 

[popeshawnpaul]

This is exactly how I felt Bone and why I cut my bowhunt short to go do this trip.  They are both hunting.  I stalked the elk like I would any other, using the wind and cover.  Then I took my shots when I got in on one.  After I shot one, I wasn't tagged out.  I kept going and getting on more and more.  Oh, and I didn't have to gut anything out. 

Don't get me wrong, I love hunting and will always do it.  However, when my freezer is still full of moose and I have the opportunity, I'm going to go shooting pictures.  There is a satisfaction I get from the process. 

[ZRS-8x42]

I don't care what anyone says, this is the prettiest picture I took on the trip.  Something about it I like.  I shot this tiny dude while out looking for the two reported moose that I never did locate. 

Awesome picture. I always enjoy all those birds. Thanks

[popeshawnpaul]

Who can name the above bird?  I will look it up in my bird book for my guess.  It was tiny...  That limb is about an inch to an inch in a half wide.

First one to guess gets an all expenses paid wildlife photography trip to an exotic destination in the west.  (Just kidding  )

[ZRS-8x42]

First one to guess gets an all expenses paid wildlife photography trip to an exotic destination in the west.  (Just kidding  )

Looks like a Savannah Sparrow.

[Elkman]

My guess would be a Lincoln's Sparrow.

[ZRS-8x42]

Elkman got me thinking.

It does miss the yellow eyebrow as Savannah, but the white streaky belly is screaming loud for Savannah.  Then again, the white eye ring makes me believe Elkman might be correct.

Someone might say, give us a break, it is Sparrow!

[popeshawnpaul]

I think it is a juvenile Lincoln's sparrow.  I had it posted on another site and that's the pick there as well.  You win the prize Elkman.

[Elkman]

I knew those Audubon Society books would come in handy someday. 

[boneaddict]

kind of nice that you can eat on a moose for awhile isn't it?  This isn't a thread jack since this came from a stones throw from Yellowstone...anyone know what this bird specifically is.  Also small.  I assume its a nuthatch of some sorts......

[Hornseeker]

Red Breasted Nuthatch... really cool little birds... not a bad pic, but if he was as crisp as the slightly closer fir needles...that pic would be awesome..

If you guys go to Yeller...let me know. i'm only a few hours away!!!

E