Best way to respectfully do wildlife photography during hunting season?

[Hereforthedeer]

Hey! I'm a wildlife photographer that heavily focuses on elk and mule deer. I wait all year long for the elk rut as it's such an exciting time in the woods.

I usually wait until the week between archery and rifle but it gives me such a limited window.

I wanted to ask what is the best way to respectfully hike/photograph elk during hunting season?

I'm looking to not disturb the elk the best I can. I'm somewhat adept with stalking them but I would love any tips to make sure I'm not ruining somebody's hunt.

 

[sndmn11]

Communication if you do run into someone.

If you really want to go all out, get a neon vest or jacket that says "Just photographing" on the front and back. If I glasses up someone from a far I would give them space assuming they are hunting, but would be very appreciative if I could identify you are just observing from a distance so I could hunt your space.

Personally, I'd have no issue sharing the woods with you, if you don't intentionally muck up the animals or are reckless. Sounds like you are neither.

 

[Hereforthedeer]

Communication if you do run into someone.

If you really want to go all out, get a neon vest or jacket that says "Just photographing" on the front and back. If I glasses up someone from a far I would give them space assuming they are hunting, but would be very appreciative if I could identify you are just observing from a distance so I could hunt your space.

Personally, I'd have no issue sharing the woods with you, if you don't intentionally muck up the animals or are reckless. Sounds like you are neither.

Thank you! I appreciate the advice

 

[ProRoad]

Interesting topic as I plan to photo and film much of this year myself. I hope to roll it into all of my pre-hunt scouting, so that's really how I am going about the process.

 

[ianpadron]

Good on ya for swinging by and checking! National Parks are excellent during the rut, more animals for sure and obviously zero hunters.

Other than that, I'd say just be mindful of if you see vehicles at trailheads or gates, assume those guys are hunting and give em space.

Hey! I'm a wildlife photographer that heavily focuses on elk and mule deer. I wait all year long for the elk rut as it's such an exciting time in the woods.

I usually wait until the week between archery and rifle but it gives me such a limited window.

I wanted to ask what is the best way to respectfully hike/photograph elk during hunting season?

I'm looking to not disturb the elk the best I can. I'm somewhat adept with stalking them but I would love any tips to make sure I'm not ruining somebody's hunt.

 

[pirogue]

Hey! I'm a wildlife photographer that heavily focuses on elk and mule deer. I wait all year long for the elk rut as it's such an exciting time in the woods.

I usually wait until the week between archery and rifle but it gives me such a limited window.

I wanted to ask what is the best way to respectfully hike/photograph elk during hunting season?

I'm looking to not disturb the elk the best I can. I'm somewhat adept with stalking them but I would love any tips to make sure I'm not ruining somebody's hunt.

If you are a nonresident to Wyoming, be sure to photograph in the designated Wilderness areas, and maybe write NR on that neon vest. Feel flattered that you don’t have to have a guide, but any NR hunter has to have a guide. Enjoy, and share pics.

 

[Jimss]

A lot depends upon what you are taking photos with and how 'wild" they are. As an example, it's fairly easy to get up close and personal with elk in RMNP or the Estes Area in Colorado where elk are acclimated to lots of people.

It's a lot more relaxing for the wild critters if you are using a large zoom lense or a spotting scope with an Iphone attachment. When I was scouting moose this summer they were super spooky. I didn't want to run them off and it was possible to get decent photos and video with my Iphone/spotting scope.

You may get a lot better quality photos with a high quality zoom or superzoom lense. I also have a couple super zoom cameras that take suprisingly good photos from long distances.

 

[Hereforthedeer]

A lot depends upon what you are taking photos with and how 'wild" they are. As an example, it's fairly easy to get up close and personal with elk in RMNP or the Estes Area in Colorado where elk are acclimated to lots of people.

It's a lot more relaxing for the wild critters if you are using a large zoom lense or a spotting scope with an Iphone attachment. When I was scouting moose this summer they were super spooky. I didn't want to run them off and it was possible to get decent photos and video with my Iphone/spotting scope.

You may get a lot better quality photos with a high quality zoom or superzoom lense. I also have a couple super zoom cameras that take suprisingly good photos from long distances.

I have a Nikkor 200-500mm zoom lens I'm usually pretty far away as the animals around me arent accustomed to people. I've been to Rocky Mountain National Park it's an absolute gem but it's definitely a bit of a trip.

I'm in New Mexico. My main go to is the National Forests for the solitude.

 

[BAKPAKR]

Good on ya for swinging by and checking! National Parks are excellent during the rut, more animals for sure and obviously zero hunters.

Other than that, I'd say just be mindful of if you see vehicles at trailheads or gates, assume those guys are hunting and give em space.

@Hereforthedeer, Park deer and elk are definitely easier to photograph than “wild” animals. Are there any state parks in your area that have deer or elk?

 

[Hereforthedeer]

@Hereforthedeer, Park deer and elk are definitely easier to photograph than “wild” animals. Are there any state parks in your area that have deer or elk?

Oh I know that for sure. It was very easy the few times I've been to a national park compared to my usual experiences. I've been doing my best to try and learn more from hunting channels and locals. I tracked a pretty nice herd bull in between hunting seasons last year.

I don't plan on going in a ton if I can help it during hunting but I was just seeing if anybody had any general issues hikers tend to do that I could avoid.

Sadly due to the cost and distance most national parks aren't exactly an option. My local state park is very small and gives out a large amount of tags. So people tend to get pushed out towards the main trails. I just tend to avoid it altogether due to overcrowding already being so rough.