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BIG VELVET BUCKS WORKSHOP
Velvet Bucks at Rocky Mountain Arsenal, NWR
Basic Workshop Itinerary
Hotel Check In: Lodging is not included. We recommend checking into your hotel the night before the workshop begins. We will meet each morning and afternoon at the visitor center parking lot as soon as the gates open (30 minutes before sunrise).
Daily Shooting Schedule:
- We'll meet at the visitor center parking lot where you'll load your gear into our vehicle.
- We'll shoot for 4 to 5 hours in the morning then take everyone out to lunch.
- After lunch we'll drop you off at your vehicle at the visitor center.
- At 4 hours before sunset we'll meet back up at the visitor center and shoot until dark.
- We'll drop you back off at your vehicle each day.
All About The Workshop...
Ethics:
All animals photographed will be wild, free range wildlife. We do not use baiting, feeding, or otherwise lure wildlife. This location does have chain link fences to contain bison however there are crossings for deer and other wildlife to migrate as they wish. If you have any concerns about the ethics of shooting in this environment we recommend discussing your concerns with us so you can determine for yourself if you're ok with the environment. We follow, and require our guests to follow, minimum distance regulations maintaining a safe distance from wildlife. We also adhere to any area closures and areas that are off limits to exiting your vehicle. Failure to adhere to ethical photography practices or location regulations is grounds for ending guest participation in the workshop.
Environment:
Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is surrounded by the city. It is a typical high prairie environment that you would find along much of the front range of Colorado. It consists of prairie grasses, some cottonwoods, cattails/wetlands, and other environments that are conducive to growing large deer. During this workshop temps are expected to be pleasant morning and evening and hot during the middle part of the day. There will be limited hiking opportunities so expect to spend extended times inside or immediately adjacent to the vehicle.
Travel and Lodging:
Travel to and from RMA NWR is NOT included and neither is lodging. If you are unable to drive to Estes Park you will most likely fly into Denver International Airport (DIA). From there you can either rent a vehicle from any airport rental locations, uber/lift, or make other arrangements as you see fit. You will be required to get yourself to RMA NWR each morning so you might prefer to rent a vehicle.
Meals:
Each morning we will provide a continental breakfast of assorted baked goods, snacks and bottled water. Immediately after each morning session we will provide lunch at a local restaurant. Dinner is NOT included however there are several restaurants near RMA NWR and Denver is not far away.
Regulatory Issues:
Good Bull Guided Tours is permitted to hold workshops in Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge and we will have a special access permit for the group as well as a commercial use authorizations for each participant to commercially use any content created at the "Arsenal." A signed waiver is required from each participant. We also prohibit alcohol, smoking, and vaping during the workshops.
Experience and Fitness:
This tour is for all levels of experience. We limit these workshops to just 3 participants to ensure each guest has the ability to get photography instruction should they request it. As for fitness level, we will be at high elevation (5,300 ft) but not performing strenuous exercise. To avoid altitude sickness it is recommended that you hydrate before and during the workshop. Good Bull Guided Tours is not responsible for your health during your visit. If you have a health condition consult with your medical provider prior to booking and prior to your departure. Any walking will be less than a mile on trails with relatively little elevation gain or loss.
Monetary Considerations:
We require your deposit to be paid before your seat on the workshop can be held. Once received, your deposit and any subsequent payments are subject to our cancellation policy (link in the footer of every page on our website). Your final payment is due 90 days before the first day of the workshop. Failure to remit this payment 90 days before your workshop will be considered intent to cancel your seat on the workshop and we will try to fill your seat. Finally, tips for your guide are suggested but never required. If you receive good service please tip accordingly.
What to Bring...
Camera Gear
Camera Bodies: Ideally bring two bodies with you - one for wide angle and one for telephoto.
Lenses: If you have large telephoto lenses like a 400mm f2.8 those will take wonderful photographs. A 70-200 f2.8 is also a great choice for wider angles. If you want to shoot scenery as well as wildlife on your trip its up to you if you want an ultra wide angle like a 15-35 or a more normal 24-105 or something similar. If you don't have a prime lens, consider a Canon 100-500mm, Sony 200-600mm or something similar so that you have enough telephoto capability to zoom into your subject. We can expect to be anywhere from 50 to 150 yards from most elk we'll be photographing during this time of year.
Tripods: To ensure steady shots - especially for video - please bring a tripod.
Microphone: Only necessary if shooting video.
Rain Cover: Definitely recommended if you don't want your camera getting wet in a rain storm.
Memory: A good encounter can really burn through the memory and we DO NOT have a camera store here to go grab another SD or CF card. I recommend bringing an external hard drive and laptop to download photos and videos in your hotel room mid-day or at night.
Batteries: Our vehicle has several USB-A ports to plug in battery chargers but I recommend at least two fully charged batteries for each half day session. More if shooting video.
Microfiber Cloths: Bring several to dry and/or clean lenses and camera gear.
Window Pads: We will be shooting a lot from a vehicle. Bean bags for your window is recommended.
Personal Gear
Clothes: Consider the risk of sunburns, rainstorms, and freak cold snaps when considering what clothes to bring. Layers are essential for dealing with changing temperatures. A wide brimmed hat, SPF pants and long sleeved shirt are recommended as is a jacket and gloves.
Footwear: This is personal choice but I recommend waterproof boots with a good tread for hikes up to 1 mile roundtrip but tennis shoes are probably sufficient if the weather is nice. Wicking synthetic or merino wool socks are recommended as well.
Other: Sunglasses, sunscreen, bug repellant, lip balm, antihistamine, NSAIDs and any other medication you need.
Drones
Drones are illegal in the NWR so unless you plan to fly it someone outside the workshop I would recommend leaving your drone at home.
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