BrushBuck Wildlife Tours — Local services in Jackson

Bottom line up front: If you plan to take the Grand Teton / Yellowstone 4 Day / 3 Night Wildlife Adventure excursion expect to incur an additional 2 days time and $600+ additional dollars for hotel for the trip. I booked the tour around 6weeks prior and paid in advance the required 100% of the tour cost. The trip itinerary on the website it showed a 4-6 pm tour departure time on Friday so I booked airline tickets with a Friday 2:37pm arrival time giving me an hour and 20mins to get to the hotel. Somewhere around 5weeks prior to the trip I recieved a text asking for my flight times and hotel booking. I called the office and gave them the information. It was then that I was informed the tour departure was between 3 and 3:30. She expressed concern that I may get delayed and miss the departure time. I was concerned as well but 50 mins to get from airport to 49er lodge is still doable with 30min cushion. Jackson hole airport is extremely small with limited flights in and out there were no earlier flights except the day before. I had work appointments Thursday so I didn't really have good options to change. The day before the trip departure I recieved a text " The tour departs approximately 3:00pm" There was a small delay at the airport but I was in the taxi on the way by 3pm when the tour departed. I arrived to the hotel at 3:25 and was checked in by 3:30. I mistakenly assumed they would wait at least some time. In retrospect this was foolish but It was not said outright that they would leave me if I wasn't there at 3pm. I was very upset to be missing 1 of 7 half days so I requested 1/7 ($667) of the $4,661.88 trip cost refunded. I was texted that she would contact the owner and let me know. She offered me a 4 hour excursion the morning after the trip was over. While this seems equitable it was not. In order for me to take advantage of the offer I would need to change my flight, book another 300+ dollar hotel and miss a day of work. All that would cost more than the 4 hour excursion. I recieved no response on the request for the partial refund so on the last day of the excursion (3days later) I asked again and was told no. I am sure the Veteran owners were told a very different perspective by the employee but they did not contact me. If you look at all the 1 star reviews they are mostly about not refunding money. Their policies are written to that effect so understand that before you put your 100% deposit down. I was also reminded in text of what the email states. "The email confirmation you received advised that pick up time is approximate and subject to change" . In this case it changed to the point of my wife and I missing a part of the trip. While the company doesn't say it, do yourself a favor and plan an additional 2 days time and $600+ additional dollars for hotel for the trip. Now for the GOOD: Our guide Mark B was awesome. His knowledge of Biology, Geology, History and the local Fauna was impressive and he would give informative talks the whole trip during travel. The park views were stunning. We saw alot of the north American Wildlife in its natural habitat which was a great experience. I especially liked seeing the lumbering grizzly traveling through a ravine digging in the ground for roots or bugs. The Buffalo Bill museum was incredible. We only stayed for 1.5 hours but it was a great taste. Overall I recommend the excursion (5 stars) but the companies organizing, communication, and money policies get a 1 star. Changing start times after people have purchased airline tickets to me is poor business but if you do it speak plainly and state that if you are not at the hotel by 3pm you will be left. I believe they hoped as I did that it would work out. When it did not they left me to...

Did a 5 day Alaska tour with BrushBuck. I have mixed feelings about this tour operator, especially in the pre-tour phases. However, our tour guide, Andrew, was amazing and absolutely deserved 5 stars

Great tour guide with in-depth knowledge of Alaska. The weather was not ideal, but Andrew really made the trip enjoyable. He helped us spot SO MUCH wildlife. We saw 4 out of Alaskan Big 5, multiple times throughout the trip. I had done the trip myself, I probably would have left Alaska not seeing any wildlife. His experiences were interesting and his recommendations were very helpful, helping me figure out what to do in the free time during and after the tour. He also helped me fill the time when my chosen activity in Denali was cancelled Provided binoculars, snacks, and drinks Received HD close ups of the animals we saw during the tour. My phone’s 5x zoom lens was not capable of capturing those with such clarity Flexibility to change optional activities. I changed one of my activities 4 days before the tour and they were able to change it without issue +/- Reasonable pacing for the tour, and not too rushed (though this might be because Alaskan itineraries are rather standardized) +/- Our hotel in Denali was rather far away from Denali park entrance and the main block with shops +/- Conflicting guidance (e.g. re. guide gratuity and available optional activities) in different emails Difficulty contacting the tour company before the tour. Don’t even bother sending emails to them. Your best bet is to call them. Every time I had questions, I’d need to call about 2 numbers, left my voicemails and probably would get a call back a few hours to a day later. I booked the tour last minute and already paid so I had to stick with them. This whole charade was NOT a good indicator that you would be well taken of in the case of the unexpected and emergencies. If I was within the refund window, I’d have absolutely cancelled Email confirmation said park entrance fees were included. Some people in our group without a park pass were asked to purchase entrance pass for Denali. Unclear if they would be refunded for it. It’s a tiny dollar amount, especially when comparing to the tour cost, so obviously affordability is not the issue. I just don’t like it when the transparency is questionable and included fees are not actually included Lack of information about the optional activities. Some other folks in my group also mentioned the same issue. I emailed and called to ask for more details about an activity and was given a very generic response. After finishing the activity, I found the activity provider’s website with all the answers to my questions clearly and publicly posted there. If I had seen that, or was sent that information beforehand, I’d not have chosen that activity.

A lot of the issues could be considered nit-picky and might be just one off incident for this tour operator. But personally, I’d be very careful and make sure to verify all information before booking with...

I recently had the pleasure of embarking on a guided trip to Yellowstone National Park woth Ron and Rachel, and I must say, it was an absolutely extraordinary experience. From the moment I arrived, I knew I was in for something special. The expertise and passion of the guides, the breathtaking landscapes, and the awe-inspiring wildlife encounters all combined to create an unforgettable journey. First and foremost, the guides Ron and Rachel were exceptional. Their knowledge of the park was unparalleled, and their enthusiasm for sharing it with us was infectious. They went above and beyond to ensure that every participant had a deep understanding and appreciation of Yellowstone's unique ecosystem. Their ability to spot wildlife from great distances and identify various species was truly remarkable. Moreover, they were friendly, approachable, and always willing to answer any questions we had. The itinerary was thoughtfully planned, encompassing the park's most iconic attractions as well as hidden gems. We explored the geothermal wonders of the Old Faithful area, with its mesmerizing geysers and hot springs. We marveled at the majestic beauty of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and its thundering waterfalls. We witnessed a mesmerizing array of wildlife, including wolves, grizzly bears, bison, and elk. What truly sets this guided trip apart is the deep respect for nature and wildlife that permeated every aspect of the experience. The guides emphasized the importance of responsible and sustainable tourism, ensuring that our interactions with the environment had minimal impact. It was evident that their dedication to conservation was genuine and heartfelt. As a nature lover, I was particularly thrilled by the wildlife encounters. Observing bears in their natural habitat, watching wolves roam the expansive valleys, and witnessing herds of bison grazing freely were moments that will forever be etched in my memory. The guides' commitment to safety was evident throughout, and they always ensured a respectful distance was maintained between us and the wildlife. Overall, this guided trip to Yellowstone National Park surpassed all my expectations. The exceptional guides, Ron and Rachel, the well-planned itinerary, the stunning landscapes, and the remarkable wildlife encounters combined to create a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. Whether you're a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or someone seeking an introduction to the wonders of nature, this trip is an absolute must. I left Yellowstone feeling inspired, rejuvenated, and with a renewed sense of appreciation for our planet's incredible beauty. If you're ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure and create lifelong memories, I wholeheartedly recommend this guided trip to Yellowstone...