There have been some disturbing rumors coming from some pros about the "Military State" of the Brooks Camp area. Last summer, two close friends reported that they we're being harassed and threatened (with serious fines) by the rangers. They felt like because they were pros, they were being singled out and that the tourists could get closer to the bears and get away with alot more.
I was there two years ago and had a great time. However, I was there early season when there we're only a handful of bears and very few people. The rangers never said a word to me and I was able to photograph freely.
So, if anyone goes out there this summer, please let us know how your experience was (and post pics of course).
Posted by Carl Donohue on March 28, 2008 at 7:26 PM
hey Carl,
I've been there a few times, and I think the rangers are definitely getting tighter. I know a number of folks who won't go back. I wouldn't say that I saw tourists getting closer or allowed to get away with things pros weren't, but that's just from what I saw. I just think the rangers are tightening up. Shame.
Anyone who is serious about photographing bears needs to apply each year for the McNeil River Lottery. True, the odds are not obese but there are more bears, fewer photographers and better angles at McNeil. You limited to the two levels of the viewing pad, but you also get 7.5-8.0 hours out there. When I was there - a year with mediocre salmon runs - we had 44 bears in sight at one point, and routinely 20-25. So there's a lot more bear-bear interaction.
I won a permit this year! though it is a stand by permit and it's at the end of the run, but honestly, I don't really care if there aren't a ton of bears, I am just glad to go to that part of the state.
I attended a slideshow on Friday by a state biologist who is the head guy at McNeil. He said that there aren't as many people applying for permits these days and they rarely have any pro photographers. It seems every bush pilot and backcountry lodge has a secret bear viewing spot and most of the "pros" are looking for new spots that don't have any restrictions like at Brooks and McNeil.
I will be doing an article on my experience at McNeil and on the decline in visitors, fish and bears that has been taking place.
Congratulations, Carl. Usually there will be a weekend naturalist in the main group who is bored by the fourth day out, and will stay at camp and let you go in their place, so it's likely you will get out to the platform.
I didn't find the restrictions at McNeil all that onerous, although that was back in the Larry Auxmiller days. Most of them were simply sensible. You will be as close or closer to bears as you could possibly want.
The one thing I didn't have on my trip that I wished I had was a functional rain cover for my camera. The weather there owes a lot more to the Alaska Peninsula than to the Kenai Peninsula...
I've been there a couple of times and am going back this summer. I've never had a problem with any of the rangers. However, I've seen rangers get on people for clearly displaying bad judgment. In my opinion, the rangers there have a pretty big responsibility of trying to keep a lot of knuckleheads safe. In my experience, if you do the right thing and exercise common sense, you won't be bothered.
I just returned from Brooks.. Was there last Fri, Sat, Sun. Crawling with bears. Salmon late but we arrived during peak run. Rangers were pleasant but firm. They have to be or people will die.
Still best times for us was 7-12:30 where the platforms are uncrowded. Skip 12-6 when Ghengis Kahn and the horde are there. Then stay till platform closes at 10:00pm.This usually means you get to walk the trail alone or in small groups. We were there at absolute peak. Had Mama w/3 cubs outside our cabin door on several occasions
You don't need $5,000 lenses to come take spectacular pictures of these amazing creatures. In fact, I hate to say this but with the sole exception of the Reverend Paul Blasco, it seemed that the larger the lens, the poorer the attitude of the photographer on the particular days that I was there. My wife is a small woman and found herself rudely treated by bullies moving their 600mm gun platforms a few inches closer. They soon experienced the rage of the Beautiful Margaret in her outdoor persona and retreated to safety.
I delighted in tormenting the bullies whenever I moved by giving up my choice balcony spot to the lady behind me with the smallest camera. We took a couple thousand photos and some HD video. Amazing place still.
Discussion
7 repliesI was there two years ago and had a great time. However, I was there early season when there we're only a handful of bears and very few people. The rangers never said a word to me and I was able to photograph freely.
So, if anyone goes out there this summer, please let us know how your experience was (and post pics of course).
I've been there a few times, and I think the rangers are definitely getting tighter. I know a number of folks who won't go back. I wouldn't say that I saw tourists getting closer or allowed to get away with things pros weren't, but that's just from what I saw. I just think the rangers are tightening up. Shame.
Cheers
Carl
I attended a slideshow on Friday by a state biologist who is the head guy at McNeil. He said that there aren't as many people applying for permits these days and they rarely have any pro photographers. It seems every bush pilot and backcountry lodge has a secret bear viewing spot and most of the "pros" are looking for new spots that don't have any restrictions like at Brooks and McNeil.
I will be doing an article on my experience at McNeil and on the decline in visitors, fish and bears that has been taking place.
I didn't find the restrictions at McNeil all that onerous, although that was back in the Larry Auxmiller days. Most of them were simply sensible. You will be as close or closer to bears as you could possibly want.
The one thing I didn't have on my trip that I wished I had was a functional rain cover for my camera. The weather there owes a lot more to the Alaska Peninsula than to the Kenai Peninsula...
Still best times for us was 7-12:30 where the platforms are uncrowded. Skip 12-6 when Ghengis Kahn and the horde are there. Then stay till platform closes at 10:00pm.This usually means you get to walk the trail alone or in small groups. We were there at absolute peak. Had Mama w/3 cubs outside our cabin door on several occasions
You don't need $5,000 lenses to come take spectacular pictures of these amazing creatures. In fact, I hate to say this but with the sole exception of the Reverend Paul Blasco, it seemed that the larger the lens, the poorer the attitude of the photographer on the particular days that I was there. My wife is a small woman and found herself rudely treated by bullies moving their 600mm gun platforms a few inches closer. They soon experienced the rage of the Beautiful Margaret in her outdoor persona and retreated to safety.
I delighted in tormenting the bullies whenever I moved by giving up my choice balcony spot to the lady behind me with the smallest camera. We took a couple thousand photos and some HD video. Amazing place still.