Moose Velvet Period — The End of the Beginning

Beginning sometime in June, bull Moose begin regrowing the antlers. The bulls would have spent the winter months antlerless. I typically don’t spend a lot of time with the Moose at that time of the year. Their June coats are usually mangy and shaggy—far from photogenic! Gradually, through July, their winter fur is replaced with a sleek, summer coat and their new antlers begin to take shape. Moose Group On numerous occasions, I’ve overheard tour guides telling their clients that Moose are “solitary” animals. Especially during the time they are growing their velvet covered antlers, I’ve found them to be quite social. Normally, a group will consist of two to six bulls, but will occasionally include a cow or a cow and calf. Possibly, this behavior gives them extra security with all the extra eyes and ears—alert for predators or other kinds of danger. I guess the guides read about the solitary nature of Moose in a book, but I find it to be an incorrect statement for our Wyoming Shiras Moose in and around Grand Teton National Park! The guides never like it if I challenge them on the statement even if, at the time, they are looking at four bulls together. Continue reading "Moose Velvet Period — The End of the Beginning"

September 2021 Daily Journal For GTNP & JH

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Welcome to September!

 

Warm Springs Road

September is often considered the “crown jewel” out of the twelve months.

I can tell this is true as my One-On-One Tours are usually booked months in advance. Why September? Well, it the most obvious transitional month. Leaves change from green to yellow, orange, and red. Most of the large mammals are in their yearly rut. Bears begin gorging on berries and other animals are gathering food for the long winter ahead. The large crowds are usually scattered back to their towns. Days are cooler, but usually not miserable. I could go on and on, but you should get the idea. Continue reading "September 2021 Daily Journal For GTNP & JH"

August 2021 Daily Journal For GTNP & JH

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August 1st, 2021 – Sunday

New Mask Requirements in all National Parks

All NPS owned / concessioner operated facilities: Masks must be worn by all NPS employees, visitors, on-site contractors, concessioner staff, commercial use authorization holders, and other partners when inside of federal facilities, regardless of vaccination status. Sunrise

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Welcome to August!

There are three overarching issues affecting Jackson Hole as we enter August. 
  1. Wildfires in the Northwest : They can pump smoke and haze into the area.
  2. Record Numbers of Visitors: They are filling the valley and stressing the infrastructure.
  3. Delta Variant of Covid-19: Mask mandates are in effect inside all GTNP buildings. Teton County cases are on the rise.
Other Tidbits
  • Gasoline prices are breaking records. Currently $4.00 to $4.50 per gallon is common now.
  • Cooler wet weather at the end of July has helped offset some the extremely dry conditions.
  • Hotels are full. Restaurants and most businesses are understaffed.
  • Expect near gridlock in town between 4:30 pm and 7:00 pm daily. 
  • Days are long and hot: Get out early!

Photos Below were taken August 1st

Moose in Willows
Some of the bull Moose are looking good already! I haven’t seen Shoshone or Hoback in a while. I heard a report of a large bull limping but don’t know if “large” means one of them.
Continue reading "August 2021 Daily Journal For GTNP & JH"

July 2021 Daily Journal For GTNP & JH

Welcome to the July Daily Journal!

Record visitation, extreme heat and dry conditions, and the after effects of Covid-19 are reshaping what most of call a “normal summer”. 
  • The 4th of July fireworks displays have been cancelled for 2021 due to dry conditions.
  • The 4th of July Parade will begin at 10:00 am on Sunday, July 4th.
  • Campgrounds are fully booked.
  • Hotels are at capacity.
  • Businesses are struggling to keep employees.
  • The area cell towers can reach 100% capacity at times. 
  • Expect bumper to bumper traffic through town each afternoon.
Those are just a few of the conditions that can affect travelers this summer! Sleeping Indian Sunrise

Quick July Overview

Continue reading "July 2021 Daily Journal For GTNP & JH"