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Wolf-watching
Guide Services
Description Guides Rates |
| Yellowstone
Wolf Tracker arranges custom single and multiple-day wildlife
watching excursions, year-round. The
Wild Side, LLC, guides, Dr. Nathan Varley & Linda Thurston, are wildlife biologists
who have been tracking and observing wolves since reintroduction in 1995.
They combine scientific research, conservation advocacy, film documentary,
and extensive on-the-ground experience, all focused on the wolves of
Yellowstone. The best seasons for wolf viewing
are winter, spring, and fall, which are also quiet
times in the park. Outings originate near the north entrance of
the park where we typically meet groups in the early morning at Gardiner,
Montana; or a nearby location upon
arrangement.
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Your best opportunity
to view and learn about wolves in their natural habitat lies in hiring guides and
spending a day tracking and observing these elusive wild animals.
Along the way guests are also likely to see large herds of elk and bison, as
well as, grizzly bears, eagles, moose, pronghorn
antelope, mountain goat, bighorn sheep, coyotes, black bears, and
others. Possible, too, are sightings of river otters, badgers, pine martens, owls, and other more rare wildlife. Most importantly
about the guiding services is that you will learn about the ecology, history, and current issues of
Yellowstone from local biologist guides with advanced degrees in wildlife study
and 30+ years of combined experience in Yellowstone!
Rates:
$480 for up to 6 people; and $680
for 7-14 people, flat rate per day (6-8 hours). Price includes our
transportation (a comfortable and roomy touring vehicle or our 14-passenger
"Adventure Bus"), park entrance fees, hot drinks &
breakfast, top-of-the-line spotting scopes, and expert
interpretation/guiding services. Inquire about step-on guiding for
7+ people in which we ride along with your group in transportation you
provide.
To
arrange a guide,
email
or
phone/text: 406~223~2152
Description:
Our meeting time and place will be prearranged with the
preferred meeting place being Gardiner, Montana, at the North Entrance to
Yellowstone National Park. Best search times are at sunrise due to
activity patterns of wildlife during the early hours. "Early
morning" varies from 5 AM in the summer to 7 AM in the winter. The outing will last 6-8 hours depending upon
sightings, interest, weather, etc. You will explore
much of the northern portion of the park and many different wildlife areas.
The primary focus will be on finding and observing wolves, bears, or other
wildlife at guests' request. Much of the search will be road-based, but depending upon
guest interests,
we can include short nature walks in spectacular locations. Nathan
& Linda use the top-of-the-line spotting
scopes (Swarovski 80mm HD, Nikon 82mm ED). Wolves, being shy of humans, are often
viewed from a distance. Photographs of wolves are rarely won, though
photographers have been pleased with the variety of scenic and wildlife
images captured during our outings.
Guides:
The husband and wife team
of Nathan
Varley, M.S., Ph.D., and Linda Thurston,
M.S., have been guiding in Yellowstone since prior to wolf reintroduction in 1995.
They have been the heart and soul of Yellowstone Wolf Tracker since its
inception in 1997. A combined 50+ years of
experience in Yellowstone includes scientific research and conservation
efforts on behalf of wolves, bison, elk, otters, bears, and mountain goats. In addition to guiding,
both currently maintain ecological research at major universities, field courses for colleges and
prominent conservation organizations, and on-the-ground efforts that address today's
most pressing wolf
conservation issues. For further biographical information about Nathan & Linda,
see About
Us.
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Policies:
Reservations: Full
payment for trips is due at time of booking.
We accept personal and/or cashier's checks and credit
cards.
Cancellation Penalties:
A full refund minus $45 processing fee will be given for all
cancellations more than 45 days before the trip.
For cancellations less than 45 days prior to departure, the deposit is
non-refundable.
Health and Safety: The trip requires good physical
fitness and mobility. The trip is
suitable for people of all ages, though children below the age of 14 must
receive prior approval. If you have health questions, consult your doctor for
more information. The tour leaders must be advised in advance of any special
health needs. Weather conditions can change without notice and it is the
responsibility of the traveler to have proper clothing and equipment. We will
provide a list for the clothing and gear recommended for the trip.
Responsibilities and Conditions: We act only in the
capacity of agent in all matters of transportation and tour operation. We are
not responsible for delays, inconveniences, accidents, expense or mishap of any
kind whatsoever resulting entirely, or in part, from the negligence of others or
from causes beyond our control. We can accept no responsibility for losses or
additional expenses due to delay or changes in air or other services, sickness,
weather, strike, war, quarantine, or other causes. All such losses or expenses
will have to be borne by the participant, as tour rates provide for arrangements
only for the time stated. The right is reserved to substitute accommodations or
modes of transportation and to make any changes in the itinerary where deemed
necessary or caused by changes in transportation schedules. We take no
responsibility for special arrangements or problems incurred by persons
physically unable to participate in the planned activities. No refund can be
made for absence from the tour unless arrangements are made at the time of the
booking. The right is reserved to decline, to accept or to retain any person as
a tour member for any reason which affects the operation of the tour or the
rights and welfare or enjoyment of the other tour members. We will not
discriminate against any individual because of race, sex, creed or nationality.
Cancelled Trips: We reserve the right to cancel any trip
if conditions arise that are beyond our control and adversely affects the
well-being of the trip members. In such a case, a full refund of the trip cost
is given, but we are not responsible for additional expenses incurred by members
in preparing for the trip including flights and other travel expenses.
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For reservations, phone:
406~223~2152
or email
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