Where do our Photo Safaris take place?
Our photo safaris are all in Western Colorado or Eastern Utah. We search for wildlife on Federal lands where we have Federal operational permits. These unique Federal lands are some of the most wild and scenic places left in the Southwestern U.S.
Are all of your Photo Safaris of truly wild animals?
Yes, these safaris are true, western, eco-safaris focused on conserving both big game and non-game wild species. You will be spotting and stalking all species besides lions/bears in their natural habitat. Mountain lions, black bears, and bobcats require the use of hounds in order to create an interaction with these elusive individuals.
Isn't pursuing these carnivores with hounds harmful to the animal?
No. All of the carnivores we pursue have been evolving with Grey Wolves for thousands of years, and even though wolves do not inhabit these areas currently, these carnivores still posses a behavioral adaptation to deal with being pursued by packs of dogs...climb a tree. Numerous scientific studies have utilized the use of hounds to capture these carnivores and have documented no significant effects on their survival rates from being pursued and treed.
Is the carnivore going to attack me?
The carnivores species we pursue are evolutionarily non-aggressive and after hundreds of captures of these species there has never been a case of any carnivore becoming aggressive and attacking.
How does pursuing these carnivores contribute to their conservation?
There are 3 main ways that these photo safaris will contribute to each species conservation. First, each client will be required to purchase a habitat stamp from the State Wildlife Agency in order to create an alternative monetary value to each species beyond hunting licenses. Second, when a local hounds man is hired to catch these carnivores for photo opportunities they have an alternative method of employment besides being paid to hunt these carnivores. Lastly, and most important, when you have the mind-blowing experience of safely interacting with any species (especially the large carnivores) your appreciation increases and the conservation of this species becomes of personal importance.
How many people will be on each photo safari?
Mountain Lion, Black Bear, and Bobcat
All BODHI Expedition Carnivore photo safaris deliver the optimal guide to client ratios of 2 guides per 3 clients. There will never be more than 3 photographers on any expeditions of the same species that you are on. We pride ourselves in providing you, the photo hunter, the personal attention you deserve.
Rocky Mountain Elk, Mule Deer and Desert Bighorn Sheep
All BODHI Expedition Elk photo safaris deliver the optimal guide to client ratios of 1 guide per 2 clients. There will never be more than 2 photographers on expeditions of the same species you are. We pride ourselves in providing you, the photographer, the personal attention you deserve.
Eagles, Falcons, Owls, and Song Birds
All BODHI Expedition Bird photo safaris deliver the optimal guide to client ratios of 1 guide per 3 clients. There will never be more than 3 photographers on expeditions of the same species you are. We pride ourselves in providing you, the photographer, the personal attention you deserve.
Note: Those individuals that prefer privately guided expeditions with their own personal guide require differing pricing packages for the special attention.
Do I need my own lodging and transportation or will you pick me up at the airport?
BODHI Expeditions does provide transportation to or from our expedition locations, but not lodging or personal transportation outside the expeditions. We recommend that the clients acquire their own lodging and rental vehicle for personal use.
Do I have to bring my own camera or can I use yours?
It is recommended that you bring your own camera equipment, although the guides will have cameras on hand as well. So if the experience is what you are after basic photographs can be provided at a cost.
How far should I be prepared to take photos from?
Taking pictures of western big game animals is inherently difficult depending on the target species. You must be prepared to shoot photos on uneven ground and in all weather conditions. The distances vary between species, for example: mountain lions can be as close as 25 feet away while bull elk may require lens that shoot up to 200 yards.
What size lenses should I bring?
Once again, this depends on the target species. For example: mountain lions can be as close as 25 feet away while bull elk may require lens that shoot up to 200 yards.
What is the minimum age for an expeditioner?
There is no minimum age for most of the photo safaris, but those that are physically demanding may not be a good fit for children under 12 years of age.
When can I arrive for my expedition?
Clientele and their party may arrive in their motel after 3:00 pm on the day prior to the beginning of the photo safari. Our guides will want to set up a short meeting with you the evening before so we can brief you on the plans for the safari.
What is your cancellation policy?
All deposits are nonrefundable. Due to the very limited number of photographers we book, once you sign a contract and pay your deposit of 50% of the safari, your deposit will not be refunded. If an emergency arises and you are unable to attend your safari, you must notify us immediately and every reasonable effort will be done to fill your spot. Our cancellation policies are described in more detail in our photo safari packages.
How much do I tip my guide?
How much you tip is a personal decision and should be based upon your criteria for someone doing a good job. With that said, we still get questions about tipping. Your guide will have spent months prior to the safari scouting, tracking, and doing everything possible to make your safari "an experience of a lifetime." They also use their own vehicles and equipment while guiding. Since we strictly limit the number of photographers, we recommend tipping guides a minimum of fifteen percent (15%) of the cost of the safari, and more if you feel your guide did everything within his control to provide you an enjoyable experience.
What should I bring?
Our photo safaris are all in Western Colorado or Eastern Utah. We search for wildlife on Federal lands where we have Federal operational permits. These unique Federal lands are some of the most wild and scenic places left in the Southwestern U.S.
Are all of your Photo Safaris of truly wild animals?
Yes, these safaris are true, western, eco-safaris focused on conserving both big game and non-game wild species. You will be spotting and stalking all species besides lions/bears in their natural habitat. Mountain lions, black bears, and bobcats require the use of hounds in order to create an interaction with these elusive individuals.
Isn't pursuing these carnivores with hounds harmful to the animal?
No. All of the carnivores we pursue have been evolving with Grey Wolves for thousands of years, and even though wolves do not inhabit these areas currently, these carnivores still posses a behavioral adaptation to deal with being pursued by packs of dogs...climb a tree. Numerous scientific studies have utilized the use of hounds to capture these carnivores and have documented no significant effects on their survival rates from being pursued and treed.
Is the carnivore going to attack me?
The carnivores species we pursue are evolutionarily non-aggressive and after hundreds of captures of these species there has never been a case of any carnivore becoming aggressive and attacking.
How does pursuing these carnivores contribute to their conservation?
There are 3 main ways that these photo safaris will contribute to each species conservation. First, each client will be required to purchase a habitat stamp from the State Wildlife Agency in order to create an alternative monetary value to each species beyond hunting licenses. Second, when a local hounds man is hired to catch these carnivores for photo opportunities they have an alternative method of employment besides being paid to hunt these carnivores. Lastly, and most important, when you have the mind-blowing experience of safely interacting with any species (especially the large carnivores) your appreciation increases and the conservation of this species becomes of personal importance.
How many people will be on each photo safari?
Mountain Lion, Black Bear, and Bobcat
All BODHI Expedition Carnivore photo safaris deliver the optimal guide to client ratios of 2 guides per 3 clients. There will never be more than 3 photographers on any expeditions of the same species that you are on. We pride ourselves in providing you, the photo hunter, the personal attention you deserve.
Rocky Mountain Elk, Mule Deer and Desert Bighorn Sheep
All BODHI Expedition Elk photo safaris deliver the optimal guide to client ratios of 1 guide per 2 clients. There will never be more than 2 photographers on expeditions of the same species you are. We pride ourselves in providing you, the photographer, the personal attention you deserve.
Eagles, Falcons, Owls, and Song Birds
All BODHI Expedition Bird photo safaris deliver the optimal guide to client ratios of 1 guide per 3 clients. There will never be more than 3 photographers on expeditions of the same species you are. We pride ourselves in providing you, the photographer, the personal attention you deserve.
Note: Those individuals that prefer privately guided expeditions with their own personal guide require differing pricing packages for the special attention.
Do I need my own lodging and transportation or will you pick me up at the airport?
BODHI Expeditions does provide transportation to or from our expedition locations, but not lodging or personal transportation outside the expeditions. We recommend that the clients acquire their own lodging and rental vehicle for personal use.
Do I have to bring my own camera or can I use yours?
It is recommended that you bring your own camera equipment, although the guides will have cameras on hand as well. So if the experience is what you are after basic photographs can be provided at a cost.
How far should I be prepared to take photos from?
Taking pictures of western big game animals is inherently difficult depending on the target species. You must be prepared to shoot photos on uneven ground and in all weather conditions. The distances vary between species, for example: mountain lions can be as close as 25 feet away while bull elk may require lens that shoot up to 200 yards.
What size lenses should I bring?
Once again, this depends on the target species. For example: mountain lions can be as close as 25 feet away while bull elk may require lens that shoot up to 200 yards.
What is the minimum age for an expeditioner?
There is no minimum age for most of the photo safaris, but those that are physically demanding may not be a good fit for children under 12 years of age.
When can I arrive for my expedition?
Clientele and their party may arrive in their motel after 3:00 pm on the day prior to the beginning of the photo safari. Our guides will want to set up a short meeting with you the evening before so we can brief you on the plans for the safari.
What is your cancellation policy?
All deposits are nonrefundable. Due to the very limited number of photographers we book, once you sign a contract and pay your deposit of 50% of the safari, your deposit will not be refunded. If an emergency arises and you are unable to attend your safari, you must notify us immediately and every reasonable effort will be done to fill your spot. Our cancellation policies are described in more detail in our photo safari packages.
How much do I tip my guide?
How much you tip is a personal decision and should be based upon your criteria for someone doing a good job. With that said, we still get questions about tipping. Your guide will have spent months prior to the safari scouting, tracking, and doing everything possible to make your safari "an experience of a lifetime." They also use their own vehicles and equipment while guiding. Since we strictly limit the number of photographers, we recommend tipping guides a minimum of fifteen percent (15%) of the cost of the safari, and more if you feel your guide did everything within his control to provide you an enjoyable experience.
What should I bring?
- Rain/snow gear
- Weather appropriate clothing
- Quality hiking boots
- Binoculars
- Spotting scope - optional but helpful
- Day pack
- GPS
- Headlamp & flashlight
- Heavy gloves & 3 pairs thin liners
- Bala Clava or warm hat & facemask
- Hand warmers
- Camera, lenses, and extra batteries
- Laptop or tablet
- Personal items
- Water bottle & hydration pack
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Licensing for use can be arranged by contacting us at bodhiexpeditions.com.
Licensing for use can be arranged by contacting us at bodhiexpeditions.com.