We did a “Dawn to Mid-Day Private Wildlife Tour of Yellowstone with Quinn on Monday, Aug 19th. The experience was an awesome way to begin our visit to Yellowstone National Park! This was our first time in the park, so we wanted our first full day to begin with a guided tour, ensuring we were able to see lots of cool wildlife and get some history and tips for the rest of our visit. Quinn was a very knowledgeable tour guide, and we’d definitely recommend using Yellowstone Wolf Tracker.
To get an early start, we met at 5:30am in the Canyon Village area. Quinn had a strong background in wolf biology, which was a perfect fit for the tour. Many of the animals (bison, elk, mule deer, etc.) in Yellowstone are easy to spot on your own, but we chose a tour company specializing in wolves as we felt this may be one of the more difficult animals to see on our own, and we were happy we made the choice.
Our first stop was on the road down to Slough Creek. Within about 90 seconds of stopping Quinn had the scope on a group of five wolf puppies wrestling and playing under the watchful eye of one adult member of the pack. We were able to watch them for about an hour. Quinn had a wealth of knowledge to share about the pack and its activities, and we got some great video through the scope. After watching the pups, we moved on to the Lamar Valley.
Quinn was informed via radio (another great reason to have a guide for part of your trip, information sharing from other guides/sources!) that a bison carcass was down and more wolves were feeding on it. We set up across the river from the carcass and got to enjoy watching adult wolves (from the same pack the puppies were from) feed on the carcass, including 907F (designated by collar number/gender), the oldest female in the park. There were also coyotes trying to sneak in for a bite, and we watched the wolves keep them away, and later a bull bison chase the coyotes away when they got too close to the bison herd nearby. Later we headed towards the west end of the park and were able to see a mountain goat, the only one we saw on our entire trip.
Throughout the day Quinn was informative and we had good conversation about the park history and dynamics, the animals, environmental tourism, and much more. He also gave us tips and suggestions for the rest of our trip, which were helpful for the next few days we were on our own. The tour was well worth it, the vehicles clean and comfortable, and it was a huge benefit to have the spotting scopes and ability to take pictures and videos through them. We would highly recommend Yellowstone Wolf Tracker to anyone visiting the park. We were especially glad we did it on our first full day, as the information we learned helped us have a successful rest...
Read moreWe recently had the pleasure of embarking on the Yellowstone Wolf Tracker Tour, and it exceeded all my expectations. Led by our guide, Michael, this tour provided an extraordinary wildlife experience that left me in awe of Yellowstone National Park's natural wonders.
One of the standout qualities of this tour was Michael's remarkable ability to spot animals and set up scopes for us instantaneously. His keen eye for wildlife was truly impressive. Whether it was through observing the behavior of bison or utilizing binoculars to spot animals from a mile away, Michael's expertise in locating wildlife was unmatched. It was fascinating to learn from him how to spot animals by reading subtle cues from the environment. This added an educational element to the tour that greatly enhanced the overall experience.
During our excursion, we were fortunate enough to witness a variety of captivating wildlife moments. Among the highlights was observing a Grizzly sow with her two adorable cubs. The sight of these majestic creatures in their natural habitat was a truly awe-inspiring moment. We also had the privilege of witnessing multiple wolves displaying different behaviors. One wolf was seen feasting and playing with a bison carcass, while others were causing stress in the buffalo herd. It was a testament to the intricate dynamics of Yellowstone's ecosystem. Additionally, we were treated to the enchanting sight of Mountain Goats strolling along the cliffside, accompanied by their curious kids. The breathtaking views and the opportunity to witness the nurturing bond between the mothers and their offspring added an extra layer of beauty to our adventure.
Perhaps one of the most impressive aspects of the tour was the sheer number of bison we encountered. Spotting around a thousand bison throughout the trip was a testament to the abundance of wildlife in Yellowstone.
Michael's extensive knowledge and passion for Yellowstone's wildlife were evident throughout the tour. His ability to provide informative commentary and answer our questions added depth and context to our sightings. His enthusiasm and dedication to conservation shone through, making the experience all the more engaging and inspiring.
Based on our exceptional experience, I wholeheartedly recommend the Yellowstone Wolf Tracker Tour to anyone seeking an unforgettable wildlife adventure. Michael's expertise, combined with the incredible sightings and educational opportunities, made for an extraordinary excursion. When I return to Yellowstone National Park, I will undoubtedly choose...
Read moreWe booked a private wildlife tour and it was absolutely worth it! The day began with a 5:30 am meetup and lasted until around noon. Our guide made a real effort to accommodate our interests, focusing on the animals we were most eager to see.
While the guide had solid general knowledge of Yellowstone’s ecosystem, this company stands out for its specialization in tracking wolf packs. They’ve previously implanted trackers on several wolves during reintroduction efforts, which gave us a huge advantage. On the morning of our tour, the guide was in communication with his team to determine the best spots to visit, making the whole experience smoother and more productive.
The breakfast provided was also excellent—plenty of food and very satisfying. Unfortunately, we didn’t spot any bears, but that’s the reality of nature. Wildlife viewing, especially during off-seasons, can be unpredictable, and even on private tours like this, it’s important for guests to understand and...
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