Mountain Lion vs Mule Deer: A Rare Predator-Prey Encounter

A once-in-a-lifetime predator-prey moment captured in Montana

I spend a lot of time in wild places, but nothing could have prepared me for what unfolded on that cold October evening in western Montana.

The day had been a disappointment. Hours of driving, glassing, waiting—nothing. I decided to take a back road home that evening, a route that passed through the mountains. The light was fading fast, the kind of quiet, unproductive day that every nature and wildlife photographer knows all too well. Snow had begun to spit from a dull, gray sky, dusting the ground just enough to soften the edges of the landscape. Autumn was at its peak—golden grasses, rusted hillsides, the last color clinging to the trees.

That’s when I saw them.

A small group of mule deer stood partway up a hillside just off the road, their coats already flecked with snow. I eased to a stop, rolled the window down, and slowly lifted my camera. The snowflakes were quite large, making for some beautiful atmosphere. For a moment, it seemed like the day might offer something after all.

Then everything unraveled.

The herd tensed all at once and bolted toward the timber. Before I could react, a piercing sound cut through the air—a scream so sharp and desperate it froze me in place. I caught movement out of the corner of my eye and turned just in time to see a mule deer tumbling down the embankment and into the road only yards from my truck.

At first, the screams didn’t make sense.

Then I saw it—a long tail rising and snapping into view.

The doe had a mountain lion on her back!

Instinct took over. I quickly leaned out the window and began shooting as the deer struggled to regain her footing, hooves scrambling for traction on the gravel surface. She lunged forward, trying to escape, but the cat launched again, clamping onto her back. Its front legs wrapped around her neck, tight and deliberate, like a chokehold.

They crashed back to the ground together.

What followed was chaos. The deer fought with everything she had—kicking, twisting, refusing to give up. The mountain lion held on, muscles coiled, focused on one thing: survival. Blood, dirt, and hair filled the air as the two thrashed in the middle of the road. It felt endless, though in reality it was no more than thirty or forty seconds.

Finally, the cat secured its grip and began dragging the doe toward the edge of the road.

I knew what lay below—a steep, unforgiving slope. When they disappeared from sight, I jumped out of the truck and ran to the edge, heart pounding. What I saw next was almost impossible to process: the two animals tumbling head over tail down the hillside, locked together as they fell.

When they finally came to rest at the bottom, they lay just a few feet apart.

Both were motionless.

I remember thinking, there’s no way that deer is alive.

I was wrong.

Without warning, the doe sprang to her feet and bounded into the trees, vanishing as quickly as she had appeared. Not even a second later, the mountain lion followed—leaping after her, relentless, determined.

Then everything went quiet.

I stood there alone, staring into the timber, waiting for another scream, another sound—anything. But the forest offered nothing. Just silence.

I returned the next day and searched the area, looking for some sign of the doe. I found none. Whether she survived or the cat eventually caught up to her, I’ll never know.

What I do know is this: resilience in the wild is absolute, and mercy is rare. There are no villains and there are no heroes—only the hunter and the hunted, locked in a struggle as old as the landscape itself.

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In this comprehensive video tutorial, you will learn how to effectively process your camera trap wildlife images, or any wildlife images for that matter, from start to finish, transforming RAW captures into stunning visual narratives. The tutorial covers essential photography software tools and techniques, guiding you through the complete process of editing your images from the RAW capture to the final, developed photograph. I also provide insight on what makes a photograph successful, and different artistic approaches that you can implement that will ignite emotion and invite viewers to explore your images on a more intimate level.

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What Is A DSLR Camera Trap & How Does It Work?

If you follow me on any of the social media channels, you have likely heard me talk about DSLR camera traps. I use them extensively to capture extraordinary images of wildlife in their natural habitats. So, what exactly is a DSLR camera trap you ask? In this blog, I’ll answer that question and explain the differences between camera traps and trail cameras.

Trail cameras (sometimes referred to as game cams) and DSLR camera traps are both valuable tools in wildlife research and photography, but they have distinct differences both in their functionality and design. A trail camera is typically a standalone unit that is motion-activated and primarily used for capturing wildlife in its natural habitat without direct human intervention. These cameras are often used for wildlife monitoring and research, and they are designed to be durable and weatherproof for long-term outdoor use. On the other hand, a DSLR camera trap involves the use of a DSLR camera paired with additional equipment such as motion sensors, remote triggers, and off-camera flashes, to capture images in a more controlled setting. A DSLR setup gives photographers much more creative control over the composition and settings of the images, making it ideal for capturing high-quality photographs of elusive or nocturnal wildlife. While both types of cameras serve the purpose of capturing wildlife images, their differences lie in their level of automation, versatility, and the degree of control they offer to photographers.

Your basic trail camera, useful for documenting wildlife, whether in be in your backyard or your local forest preserve

When I talk about “remote camera trapping”, many folks (wrongly) assume I am using just your average, off-the-shelf trail camera. I assure you, that is certainly not the case! A basic trail camera is simply not capable of achieving the level of resolution and detail a DSLR camera can, no matter what the manufacturer claims in terms of megapixels. Many trail camera companies are now touting “18 megapixel” cameras, and some even claim “22 megapixels” or higher. Sounds good, right? Not even close! Trail camera companies use a process called interpolation to achieve these inflated, unrealistic megapixel numbers. Interpolation uses software to enlarge from the native resolution of the camera, which, in most basic trail cameras is actually closer to 4-5 megapixels at best, hardly enough to produce a print, let alone a quality print. When images of such low quality are blown up via software, the final result is a highly pixelated, blurry image. You could simply not create an image worthy of printing using one of these off-the-shelf trail cameras. With that being said, trail cameras are a valuable tool for wildlife research projects as they are inexpensive and can record video, which can be more valuable to researchers than stills alone.

Just some of the equipment necessary for a DSLR camera trap — Perfect for capturing high-quality images of wildlife in their natural habitat

For the type of fine art photography that I do, I use native high-megapixel DSLR (or digital single-lens reflex) cameras, the same cameras most photographers are using these days to capture high-quality imagery. Because the cameras are often deployed in the field for extended periods of time, I construct weatherproof enclosures for the cameras. The camera is then connected, often wirelessly, to an infrared sensor capable of detecting heat and/or movement. When an animal walks past and the sensor detects movement, for example, a signal is sent to the camera to take a picture, or several pictures, depending on how I have set it up. To capture images of animals at night, remote flashes must also be incorporated into the setup. Now when the sensor detects either motion or a heat signature, the signal is sent to both the camera and the flashes to trigger simultaneously. The goal is not to just light up your subject using flash but to light it in the most natural and creative way possible. There are far too many camera trap images out there that simply scream “flash photo!”. If all you are trying to do is document a species, that may be completely fine, but if you’re trying to create art, this isn’t the way to go about it. One of the fundamentals of being a photographer is being able to not only understand but also “see” light, and that goes for flash photography as well. I want my images to appear as natural as possible, and this requires a lot of foresight and thought when setting up the camera trap. Often times you will only get one shot at an image, so it’s important to pay attention to every single detail. When I’m setting up a camera in the wild, I may spend 6-7 hours, sometimes longer, getting everything positioned perfectly.

A DSLR camera trap in the field

As you can see, there is far more that goes into creating one-of-a-kind images of wild animals using DSLR camera traps. To me, though, the extra effort is worth the reward. There is simply no better way of capturing images of rare and elusive wildlife. Along with the equipment, being a good naturalist can be an invaluable skill in a camera trapper’s toolkit. Being able to read tracks and signs left behind by animals can help you locate the best areas to place a camera. Understanding animal behavior is another very important skill one must learn to be truly successful. Once you find that perfect location in the wild, the next thing you’ll need to have, as in all wildlife photography, is a lot of patience! There have been times when my cameras have been out for months and months before they ever captured my target species, and sometimes it just doesn’t work out. Over time, you will learn not only from your successes but also from your mistakes. That will not only make you a better photographer but a better naturalist as well.

Below you will find some examples of what is possible when using these sophisticated remote camera traps! If you’re a wildlife/nature photographer or enthusiast, and you’d like to learn more about DSLR camera trapping, my eBook is the most comprehensive guide out there on the subject. It’s packed with everything you need to know not only to get you started, but also to help you succeed in the art of DSLR camera trap photography. The tips and techniques I share are designed to fast-track your success and save you from years of costly mistakes. From the novice to the veteran camera trapper, everyone will benefit from the wealth of information that is included in this guide. I’ll put a link down below if you’re interested in elevating your wildlife photography to the next level!

Visit the link below to learn more about my eBook, “The Ultimate Guide to DSLR Camera Trapping” ⤵

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO DSLR CAMERA TRAPPING - (lEARN MORE HERE)

Best of 2023 Part II: America The Wild

Part II of my “Best Of” blog piece focuses on my most memorable wildlife encounters of 2023. I’m blessed here in Montana to not have to travel very far to photograph a wide variety of wildlife species. This past year, however, I really focused my efforts on elusive cats, mainly the mountain lion, or cougar. I have dedicated the past several years to building a portfolio of these majestic, yet seldom observed cats. Over the past few years, I have been able to narrow down specific areas where my odds of capturing these big cats are almost guaranteed. Finding these areas meant putting in hundreds of hours, both in the field and also by using Google Earth to scout out potentially viable areas. That’s where my DSLR camera traps (not to be confused with “trail cameras”) come into play. I can leave these cameras out in the field, essentially working for me 24/7, for extended periods of time. As a result, a majority of the images that you will see here took considerable amounts of both time and effort to achieve. I hope that you will enjoy them as much as I do!

“MOUNTAIN KING” | PURCHASE ARTWORK

I picked up my first camera at a very young age, but it wasn't because I wanted to become a photographer when I grew up, at least not at first. As a young boy, one of my favorite hobbies was tracking animals. I would set off into the woods alone with nothing but a small pack containing everything I needed to document the wild animals that lived in my neighborhood: a ruler, a pencil, a notebook, and a can full of plaster of paris so that I could make castings of the footprints I found. As time went on, I found myself wanting more than just measurements and casts of tracks. I started carrying inexpensive, one-time-use disposable 35mm cameras to capture photographs to go along with my records. By the time I reached my early teens, I purchased my first 35mm SLR camera.

At first, I was strictly documenting tracks and sign with the camera, but soon I found myself purchasing a small telephoto lens, hoping to capture animals that I encountered in the woods: foxes, deer, coyotes, skunks, raccoons, whatever I came across. It was easier said than done! Not only was I carrying a camera in hand, but I was also building basic remote camera "traps" to capture images of nocturnal wildlife. These crude designs made use of sensors found in motion-activated lights, vehicle door lock actuators (to trigger the camera's shutter button), and heavy metal boxes to keep everything waterproof. The light source was the flash on the 35mm camera. Talk about an unflattering look!

As I grew older, my passion took the back burner as the rigors of everyday life at times got in the way. In the back of my mind, however, I was quietly plotting my career path as an artist. I knew the road would be long and not even close to easy. Making a living as a photographer is not easy or guaranteed, not in any way. Sure, I get to travel and take "pretty pictures" for a living, but what you don't see is all of the countless hours spent in wild places to capture a singular, special moment in time. Along with that, there is also the skill and dedication that goes into crafting meaningful imagery. Lastly, you must have an undeniable passion for nature and the outdoors.

That brings me back to the image that you see here of a large male mountain lion checking out a rocky outcropping on a late winter morning in Montana. It is a combination of several of my passions. Tracking, wildlife, and photography all wrapped up into a single image. Technology has come a long way since I first started building my own remote cameras back in the early 2000s. Nowadays, I build much more sophisticated camera traps using DSLR cameras, infrared sensors, and off-camera flashes so that I can get creative with the light. I spend countless hours scouting in the wild to find just the right place for a camera trap. Unlike with traditional wildlife photography, where you are often reacting to the conditions and behavior in real-time, with camera trapping, you are only limited by your own imagination. The photographer is able to control nearly the entire process. Everything from the composition to the lighting, and to some extent, even where the animal is captured within the frame.

In order to capture this image, I spent several winters tracking and studying the habits and movements of these big cats. During that time, while out checking on camera traps one morning, I was even fortunate enough to witness a cougar successfully hunting a whitetail deer at very close range. Then one day, while I was out scouting for sign, I located a single, partial imprint in the snow beneath this overhanging rock. Based on that single impression and behavioral knowledge of the animals themselves, I decided it was worth setting up a camera in hopes the cat would eventually return to this location. After several long months of patiently waiting, this large male finally returned to this rocky overhang and triggered my camera early one morning as winter was coming to a close. The location was so specific that this cat and a few passing elk were the only animals that I captured over a three-month period of time!

“HIGH COUNTRY” | PURCHASE ARTWORK

I first came across this location over a year ago and made note of it. Having spent so much time in the field learning the habits of mountain lions, this rocky outcropping looked like the perfect haunt for a cat. I monitored the area for several months and began to see a pattern of activity emerging. This past year, I was able to finally get one of my DSLR camera traps in place. Both the camera setup and the lighting proved to be quite challenging, as the location is literally right on the edge of a small cliff. With a little ingenuity, I was able to make it work. Over the next several months, I captured a few of my favorite images of mountain lions to date, and I missed an even better shot of a female with kittens due to dead batteries. That's just the way it goes sometimes! In the end, though, patience and persistence paid off.

“A TAIL OF TWO LIONS” | PURCHASE ARTWORK

This image, taken in the fall, shows a mother mountain lion and her cub on a dreary, rainy morning in Montana. I captured this unique image using one of my sophisticated DSLR camera traps. It's always exciting to capture more than one animal in a single frame. I particularly liked the natural framing of the youngster by the mother's long, curved tail.

Mountain lions are solitary creatures, typically living and hunting alone. They are rarely seen in groups, except for mothers with their young, and occasionally during mating season, when males will travel with females for short periods of time. They are territorial and often have large home ranges, with males having larger ranges than females. This solitary lifestyle helps them survive in their natural habitat, as they are able to hunt and avoid confrontation with other animals more efficiently, while at the same time reducing the risk of competition for resources.

“GHOST OF THE ROCKIES” | PURCHASE ARTWORK

Here is another photograph I captured at the same location as the image above this one. If you look closely here, you'll see the ghost cat of the Rockies, the mountain lion. In remote camera trapping, "ghosting," as it is often referred to, occurs when the ambient light in a scene competes with the light from the flashes. In this case, a rising full moon was much too powerful of an ambient light source. The instantaneous light from my flashes "froze" the cougar, but as the cat moved out of the frame during the long exposure, the animal became semi-transparent.

A majority of the time, these "ghostly" images do not turn out so well. For some reason, I didn't mind it with this image. Perhaps because of the moody atmosphere created by the full moon. The more I looked at the image, the more I enjoyed it!

Are you a wildlife photographer who is interested in capturing high-quality images of wild animals in their natural habitats? If so, you’ve come to the right place! My extensive eBook: The Ultimate Guide to DSLR Camera Trapping will teach you everything you need to know and more about remote camera traps. Designed not only to be a crash course in camera trapping, this in-depth guide will also teach you the necessary and valuable skills that you need to know so that you too can begin capturing images like the ones you see above. You can check it out at the link below:

“MOOSE POND” | PURCHASE ARTWORK

Sometimes, just being in the right place at the right time can yield the best images. This capture is a prime example of just that!

“BOLD SPIRIT” | PURCHASE ARTWORK

While out tracking Canada lynx over the winter, I had a fleeting moment with this young, inquisitive cat. While the encounter did not last very long, I was able to make this image while lying flat on my stomach in the deep snow. Being that they are such a rarity in Montana, I always cherish the moments I get to spend with these elusive wildcats.

“VIGILANT” | PURCHASE ARTWORK

Another special encounter occurred during the spring. Here, a female great gray owl diligently watches over her young at the nest. If you look carefully, you may spot the beak of one of the tiny newborn chicks. Great gray owls rely heavily on large snags (dead standing trees) such as this one, as they provide these big raptors with an ideal nesting habitat. Of the many great gray nests that I photographed in 2023, this image was one of my favorites.

“LAST LIGHT” | PURCHASE ARTWORK

"Where light and shadow fall on your subject -- that is the essence of expression and art through photography" -- Scott Bourne

To me, this sentiment really rings true. I am reminded just how important light is in photography. Far too often, I see images that are missing this fundamental ingredient. Simply capturing an image of a wild animal, or a scenic landscape, for that matter, doesn't necessarily make it a great image. Light has the power to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. Until one learns to “see” and master light, only then will they discover the key to photography. Take, for example, this image of a ram I photographed in Montana. It turned out be one of my favorite wildlife portraits from last winter. Without the beautiful sidelight from the setting winter sun, this would be nothing more than your average run-of-the-mill portrait of a bighorn ram. When you add in that special light, however, it becomes something far more.

“SHARING THE VIEW” | PURCHASE ARTWORK

A rare combination of conditions lined up perfectly, and this is what led to me capturing this unique image from Glacier National Park. First, a measurable snowfall, followed by no wind (a rarity for this area!), and the road through the valley had to be drivable still. Check, check, and check!

The next morning, I made the 6-hour drive to the east side of the park, arriving at the trailhead a little after 3 p.m. and began the solo 5-mile trek up to the glacier. The plan was to photograph the sunset up there, which at this time of the year was a little after 6 p.m., so I hiked at a relatively fast pace. Not only that, but temps were hovering in the single digits. By moving quickly, I was able to stay somewhat warm throughout the hike. When I arrived, I found the Upper Grinnell Lake to be already frozen solid. With some time left before sunset, I made the decision to descend to this lower vantage point overlooking Grinnell Lake instead. Without much time left before sunset, I managed to find a composition that I liked just before the clouds lit up.

As I was waiting for the light to get better, I was paid a surprise visit by a couple of friendly “locals.” A female mountain goat and her youngster! I was framing up a nearby composition when I first noticed the pair. They were about 100 yards below me, moving across a snowy cliff band. As the light in the sky became more and more intense, I found myself glued to the viewfinder. Eventually, I looked up and caught some movement out of the corner of my eye. I looked over and was shocked to see a mountain goat quietly observing me from a few feet away. I remained still, and once the goats were satisfied that I wasn’t a threat, they trotted right up to join me on the rocky perch. Knowing how special the moment was, I carefully moved a few feet to my right and got into position to capture the pair as they took in the grandeur of the scene that was before us. Not only was I able to capture this iconic landscape in unique conditions, but the presence of the goats really elevated this image to another level for me.

Once the sunset was over, I began the long, frigid trek back to the trailhead in the dark. I stopped several times to photograph at a few other locations on the way down, making my way through the night by headlamp until a full moon graced me with its presence. Hiking in grizzly country always comes with a heightened sense of awareness, and when you are hiking in the dark solo, one must be hyper vigilant and aware of their surroundings. While I did not end up encountering any bears that night, just a lot of footprints, I did see one on the road driving out of the park. It was a fitting way to end the day and a reminder that I’m not the only one out there wandering through the wild.

“SECRETIVE BY NATURE” | PURCHASE ARTWORK

Mountain lions are solitary, stealthy predators that roam the extensive landscapes of both North and South America. With their powerful bodies and keen senses, these elusive creatures reign as one of the most skilled hunters in the animal kingdom. Their tawny coats blend seamlessly with their rocky and forested habitats, providing them with excellent camouflage as they stealthily navigate through their large territories. Known for their agility and athleticism, mountain lions are capable of leaping great distances and scaling steep cliffs with remarkable ease. Despite their elusive nature, they play a vital role in maintaining the balance of their ecosystems, contributing to the diversity and resilience of the natural world.

Shortly after returning to Montana from an autumn trip in Colorado, I had an unbelievable encounter with one of these majestic big cats while heading back from checking on one of my remote camera traps (coincidentally set for cougars!). Of the half dozen or so encounters I've had in the wild (two of which I witnessed were cougars taking down prey), this encounter was, without a doubt, the most special. Seemingly unphased by my presence, I was able to spend nearly an hour with this cat as it slowly moved through the forest, occasionally lying down underneath trees and, at one point, right out in the open! The light was fading, but I just happened to have my long lens with me, and I was able to capture several images I was very proud of. I particularly liked this one of the cat peering back at me through the natural framing of the forest.

The final two images that you will see below are from the same encounter…

“CHANCE ENCOUNTER” | PURCHASE ARTWORK

“SHADOW CAT” | PURCHASE ARTWORK

Did you miss Part I of my “Best Of 2023” BLOG? You can check it out here:

If you enjoyed my “Best Of” series, please leave me a comment below and share it with your friends!

Revealing the Secret Lives of Wild Animals through Remote Camera Trap Photography

A grizzly bear, fresh out of a winter slumber, investigates an old elk carcass on an early spring morning in Montana. This image earned me first place in the “Animals in their Environment” category of the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition in 2021.

Nature and wildlife have always been an integral part of my life. Whenever I am photographing wild animals, I am always trying to capture them in a unique and inspiring way. I want the viewer to feel an emotional connection to the animal, just as though they were standing right there when the photograph was being made. One thing that has always fascinated me are the rare and elusive animals that exist in the world but are rarely observed in the wild. Animals like the Canada lynx, or the mountain lion, immediately come to mind for their amazing ability to move across the landscape virtually undetected. It is because of species like the lynx that renewed my interest in remote camera traps. Simply put, a "camera trap" is any stationary camera that is triggered by a change in the environment, such as the presence of an animal, for example. A camera trap can be something as simple as a consumer-grade trail camera, or something as advanced as a DSLR camera setup. Because my goal is to create professional quality images, I use the latter of the two.

A mountain lion captured with a DSLR camera trap prowling a ridgeline on a summer evening in Montana

Camera traps can be a great way to capture wildlife with very minimal disturbance to the animals themselves. For the past several years now I've been largely focused on creating a portfolio of wildlife images captured using these sophisticated remote cameras. I first became interested in camera trap photography in the early 2000s, when I constructed a very basic trail camera that used a 35mm film camera. The camera was then rigged up to a PIR sensor from a set of motion-activated lights and triggered by a solenoid from a vehicle’s automatic door lock. The whole setup was housed in a heavy metal canister. As crude of a contraption as it was, I did get some results with it; foxes, bears, skunks, deer, to name a few. An on-camera flash provided me with the light needed for nighttime subjects. Needless to say, it was a less than flattering look.

A look at just some of the necessary gear required for a camera trap

A DSLR camera trap setup in the field. Look closely, can you spot it?

Fast forward to today. I now build and employ hi-end camera traps that use DSLR and Mirrorless cameras and wide-angle lenses to capture professional quality images of wildlife that tell a story far beyond the typical portrait. Traditionally, most wildlife photography is done using long telephoto lenses, whereas camera trap photography uses wide-angle lenses capable of depicting more of the environment where these creatures thrive. Besides telling a story, these images are great for shedding light on rarely observed animal behavior and for wildlife conservation, especially when they are used to document endangered or threatened species. Not only that, but checking on and maintaining the cameras gets me back into nature, which to me is an added bonus. Equally exciting is when I check a camera and find that it captured exactly what I was hoping for. This does not happen nearly as often as I would like, that’s just the nature of things, which makes it even more rewarding when everything does come together just as I envisioned.

Professional camera traps, despite having similarities in how they are triggered, are in no way comparable to your average off-the-shelf “trail camera”. In fact, they are far from it! Besides being very low-quality, most commercially available trail cameras use infrared LEDs for illumination of nighttime pictures and video. DSLR Camera traps, on the other hand, use a number of off-camera flashes, or “speedlights” as they are known. Speedlights are commonly used in studio settings, where the portrait photographer uses them to add a pleasing light to their models. As a result, camera trapping is often likened to setting up a portrait studio in the forest and hoping that an animal passes by and gets their picture taken. Through the use of off-camera flash, camera traps are capable of capturing nocturnal wildlife that would otherwise be extremely difficult, if not impossible, to photograph otherwise.

Expect the unexpected. Imagine my excitement when I checked the memory card from this camera trap, which was set up for mountain lions, and found this wolverine instead!

By now you must be wondering, how do I choose where to set up the camera? Good question! Here’s my roundabout answer to that. Camera placement is just as critical as understanding how to set everything up. Think about it this way. The camera’s field of view is only able to cover a very tiny patch of forest, and many animals have vast home ranges. Male cougars, for example, have home ranges that can easily span 150 square miles. For comparison, the city of Seattle is only 92 square miles! This should help you understand why camera placement is so important. When I am attempting to choose a location for my cameras, I often rely on tracks and other sign left behind by the particular species I’m targeting. Once I observe some sign, I then begin to look for areas on the landscape that can be used as natural “funnels” for the wildlife.

Just as camera placement is key, composition is equally important to me, and that is what is so incredible about camera trapping. The photographer is able to control the entire creative process, everything from the composition to the lighting. When camera trapping, you are really only limited by your own imagination. Checking camera traps is one of the most exciting things a photographer can do. It becomes even more rewarding when you find that you captured exactly what you were anticipating, especially after you’ve put in the time and effort to find that perfect location. As good as all of this sounds, camera trapping is not without its fair share of pitfalls, however. With all of the electronics, sooner or later you’re bound to run into problems that will need some troubleshooting. There are numerous mistakes I see beginner camera trappers making. I know, I’ve been there too! I can help you steer clear of, and overcome, these pitfalls, saving you from years of costly mistakes that are easy to avoid once you become aware of them. Don’t leave that once-in-a-lifetime image to chance, learn how to get it right the first time.

Now, this all sounds pretty easy, doesn’t it? Not exactly. Camera trapping requires a high degree of patience and dedication, not to mention the technical know-how to get everything set up and working correctly. On top of all of that, the animals must cooperate. Understanding animal behavior goes a long way in capturing successful images. Simply placing the camera at a random spot in the forest may produce some results, they will most likely not be the results that you’re looking for. That’s where my eBook, “The Ultimate Guide to DSLR Camera Trapping”, comes in. Besides covering the basics of camera trapping, I also discuss scouting techniques, lots of camera trapping tips and tricks, and various other methods to improve your success. I’ve designed the guide as a resource for all levels of photographers, from beginners to professionals. The information is easy to digest and will put you on the right track to start capturing the images you’ve always dreamed of!

Are you interested in learning more about DSLR camera trap photography? Then you’re going to need to pick up a copy of my eBook: “The Ultimate Guide to DSLR Camera Trapping” - Guaranteed to take your wildlife photography to the next level. Think of it as a sort of “crash course” in camera trap photography. At over 200 pages, it’s loaded with information to help you not only get started in, but also succeed, in this unique field of wildlife photography.

Here is just a small sampling of what you can expect to learn from my eBook:

Learn how to set up lighting for camera traps like a pro!

• What is a camera trap?

• A thorough rundown of camera trap components and gear

• DSLR camera, lens, and flash recommendations

• Basic and advanced camera settings

• Working with speedlights to craft studio-style lighting that is as natural looking as possible

• How to power your equipment for extended periods of time

• Instructions for building your own camera traps

• Scouting techniques to aid in choosing the right location for your camera

• Deployment of your camera trap

• Countless wildlife camera trapping tips and techniques to help you succeed

• Real-world examples of actual DSLR camera trap setups in the field, complete with diagrams and the end results from each set

• All of this and much, much more!

So, what are you waiting for? Start exploring the exciting (and highly addictive!) world of remote camera traps by downloading my eBook today!

DOWNLOAD THE EBOOK TODAY!

The Ultimate Guide to DSLR Camera Trapping eBook | Learn Camera Trap Wildlife Photography

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Best Of 2022

I’ve compiled a collection of my favorite images captured in 2022, along with the stories behind them. I hope that you will enjoy them and do let me know what you think in the comments!

“The Lion King” | Purchase Print

In 2022, I continued to expand my DSLR camera trapping efforts in Montana. Specifically, I wanted to capture a collection of images of wildlife within the larger landscape. I wanted to show where these animals live. I spent a lot of time studying maps, searching for locations that coincided with what I had in mind. Once I located these areas on a map, it was time to lace up my boots and go explore these areas on foot. I’ve always believed that there is no substitute for actual time spent in the field. It is a time-consuming process, but one that is absolutely necessary if you want to achieve results. This image comes from one of my most productive locations from the summer. Within just a week of setting up this camera, I captured all three of Montana’s cat species, including this beautiful cougar.

“Frosty” | Purchase Print

A very frosty Bison on a very cold morning in Yellowstone National Park. These magnificent giants are adapted to survive even the harshest of conditions. I absolutely love photographing these giants. They are indeed true symbols of the American West.

“Symbol of the Wilderness” | Purchase Print

In the high mountains of Montana lives a creature with a formidable reputation. A vicious beast rumored to be capable of driving grizzly bears off of carcasses. Gulo gulo, the wolverine, is without a doubt one of Montana's rarest carnivores. A true symbol of the wilderness.

In early spring, I hiked up in the mountains to check on one of my camera traps that was set for mountain lions. A fresh layer of snow had fallen overnight, but by the time I reached my camera it had already melted from the warm afternoon sun. Beneath the tree was a fresh cougar scrape. The odds that one had passed my camera were good. I opened the case and started reviewing the images on the camera's LCD screen. Skunks, a cougar, and then, wait, what?!? A wolverine! I had indeed captured one of Montana's rarest animals on camera, and the conditions could not have been better. Fresh snow, mountains rising above the fog, and early morning sunlight. It was a dream come true for me. It is because of images like this that I continue to spend countless hours in the wild setting up remote camera traps.

“Uprising” | Purchase Print

During an autumn visit to Colorado, my wife and our two pups embarked on a backpacking trip into the San Juan Mountains about midway through our trip. We arrived at our destination in the early afternoon. As it neared sunset, a storm on the horizon threatened us with rain, but fortunately we were treated to this spectacular sunset instead! The light that evening seemed to go on forever. It was one of those rare moments of being in the right place, at just the right time. We were fortunate to have this incredible view all to ourselves that evening.

The mountains that you see here are the Grenadiers, a subrange of the San Juans, and are situated within the Weminuche Wilderness. In the early 1860s prospectors found deposits of gold and silver along the river here, carving its way through the gorge, and large-scale mining operations began in the 1870s.

“Autumn Dreams” | Purchase Print

Wet, dreary mornings make for some incredible conditions for photography, especially during autumn. The rain really makes the colors pop! After coming across this spot while walking through a Colorado forest, I spent over an hour getting soaked to the bone making images like the one that you see here. The fog drifted in and out, it was like a scene from a fairytale.

“Ambush” | Purchase Print

Remote camera trapping has been a passion of mine for a very long time. I made my very first "camera trap" images all the way back in 2001, using a very crude trail camera that I built from scratch. The crude setup used a 35mm film camera and a sensor from a set of motion-activated lights. Fast forward to today and technology has come such a long, long ways. These days I employ sophisticated DSLR cameras and state of the art triggering systems to capture truly unique images of elusive wildlife in their natural habitats.

This ridgeline proved to be one of my most productive locations of 2022. This family group of four lions triggered the set on a summer night. The exposure I previously had dialed in was enough to pick up some stars in the night sky, which was what I had envisioned. The fact that I was able to get two of the four cats in one frame was a miracle. Perhaps what I enjoyed most about this image was not only the pose of the cat on the left, as if poised to pounce on its sibling, but also the playful look in the eyes of the youngster on the right.

“Magic Of Fall” | Purchase Print

While wandering around an aspen grove in Colorado, I came across this beautiful arrangement of trees and autumn color. Forest scenes are often “busy”, making them surprisingly difficult to photograph. I enjoy the challenge and eventually I was able to compose an image that I felt did the forest the justice it deserved. When I look at this photograph, I can almost smell the autumn leaves. How about you?

“Wilderness Nights” | Purchase Print

After one of the most unbelievable encounters of my life with a wild wolverine at a backcountry campsite in the Sawtooth Mountains, I ventured out into the dark of night to a nearby lake to photograph the Milky Way Galaxy. With a little advanced planning, I was able to capture the galaxy in all of its glory, complemented beautifully by the jagged peaks of the Sawtooth Wilderness. A perfect ending to a perfect day in the mountains.

“Song Of Autumn” | Purchase Print

There's nothing quite like enjoying a beautiful Rocky Mountain sunrise, while listening to elk bugle in the distance. While everyone else was clamoring around the larger bull and his harem just up the way, I hung back, not wanting to be part of the crowd. Instead, I focused on this bull that was lying down in the middle of this large meadow. Just as the sun rose, bathing the mountains in a brilliant red glow, the bull rose and began making his way across the meadow. The landscape was really enticing here, so rather than using a telephoto lens, I switched to a wide-angle lens so that I could capture this environmental portrait.

“Moonlit Prowl” | Purchase Print

A personal project for me last winter was to document (with remote camera traps) how mountain lions navigate natural features found on the landscape in order to successfully stalk and ambush their prey. This project required a ton of field time, both for scouting, as well as for setting and maintaining multiple camera traps and numerous trail cameras.

Over the course of the winter, I learned so much more about these elusive big cats and even tracked down several kill sites, scrape areas, latrines, daybeds, among other things. One day, while I was checking on cameras, I even witnessed (for the second time in my life) a lion ambushing a deer in the wild. This all happened less than 70 yards away from where I was standing!

This image depicts a male mountain lion returning to feed on the remains of a deer cached under the snow on a winter night in Montana. There were multiple trails leading to the cache, so I picked the one I thought the cat would most likely use and it turned out that I was correct. The cat returned later than evening and proceeded to travel directly down the trail that led past my camera.

“Autumn Impressions” | Purchase Print

While photographing on a bluebird morning in Colorado, I noticed a small puddle of rainwater filled with some decaying autumn aspen leaves. Taking a closer look at the arrangement of leaves, glistening with raindrops, I realized that it was just too good to pass up. The early morning sunlight that was streaming through the forest enhanced the subtle textures of the leaves.

“Cougar Country” | Purchase Print

A mountain lion pauses beneath an old Douglas fir in the mountains of Montana, at sunrise. I captured this image using a sophisticated DSLR camera trap system. This tree serves as a territorial marker for the cats. The dominant tom, pictured here, returns often to leave his scent. This not only warns other toms that they are trespassing, but it's also a way for the male to communicate with females whose territories may overlap.

“Hidden Gem” | Purchase Print

For my birthday in August, my wife and our huskies embarked on an adventurous backpacking trip into the Sawtooth Wilderness. Our destination was an alpine lake situated high in a remote cirque, surrounded by towering peaks. The rugged nature of this wilderness makes it one of my favorite places for backpacking. Perhaps the best part about this trip was the insane wolverine encounter we had the evening before I captured this image.

After hiking for a few hours, we finally made it to the lake. After setting up camp, I set off to hike up to the upper lake to check it out. While searching for compositions for sunset, I discovered this small waterfall just as the clouds began to glow. I really enjoyed how the warm light on the mountains contrasted so nicely with the cooler tones of the water. I found this entire area to be very promising for landscape photography, so when I arrived back at camp that night, I talked my wife into packing up the next morning and trekking to the lake above. I woke the next morning, a year older. Bluebird skies greeted me as I crawled out of the tent to photograph the sun rise. After breakfast, we packed up our campsite, loaded our heavy packs, and began climbing steeply up to the next lake. We set up camp yet again, beneath massive, craggy peaks and went for a swim in the icy waters. We spent a relaxing evening just enjoying the views from our campsite. That's when it happened.

I was knelt down taking pictures of our pups with my camera phone, when I heard my wife yell out, “Wolverine!” Shock immediately set in! A wolverine was in fact loping right through our camp, less than 15 feet from us!! Our pups were even closer than I was and when they saw it, they began chasing after it. They nearly snatched the animal by the tail before reaching the end of their leads, narrowly escaping what would have likely been a disastrous confrontation for us all! As for me, I was too busy picking my jaw up off the ground to do anything but gawk at this magnificent creature. Once I was able to compose myself, I ran over to the edge of the cliff it ran down to see if I could see it again. I was able to get one more glimpse before it disappeared into a small stand of trees, never to be seen again.

In all of my time spent in the mountains, I've never spotted a wolverine in the wild, until now. I could not have asked for a better birthday gift and although I wasn’t able to capture a photograph, it is a moment that will forever live in my memory. It is these wild experiences in life that are by far the most rewarding. And honestly, how many people can say that their fur kids spotted one of the rarest critters on the planet!

“Great Gray Catbird” | Purchase Print

On a winter day in Montana, while snowshoeing through a forest in search of Canada lynx, I heard what sounded like a cat crying out. I decided to follow the sound to see where it might lead me. As I got closer, the sound became louder and louder, but at the same time, it was difficult to pinpoint. I moved slowly and carefully, hoping to catch a glimpse of whatever was making the noises. The forest was dense, and I could not see farther than a few feet in front of me at times. Eventually the noises led me to a small clearing in the forest. When I looked up, I saw this young lynx perched at the top of a very tall tree with a broken top. The sound I was hearing was a female lynx calling out to her kitten. I'm not sure how this lynx ended up in the tree, but fresh coyote tracks in the area could have been the reason. It was interesting to observe this behavior in the wild. Eventually the lynx descended down the tree, reuniting with its mom and the two of them moved off deeper into the forest.

“Mountain Spirit” | Purchase Print

This was the very last image captured by one of my cameras in 2022. It was taken on December 29th. I actually came across this fantastic location back in 2021, while I was scouting for mountain lion sign. I finally decided to set a camera here and I’m certainly glad I did! This large tom appeared to be on the hunt on this particular evening, scanning for deer from the rocky outcropping. It’s hard to put into words what it feels like to find an image like this on the memory card. I look forward to capturing more images like this one in 2023.

2021 International Wildlife Photographer of the Year | "Grizzly Remains"

Hard work, determination, patience, and even a little luck all played a role in the capturing of this image. While out cross-country skiing near my home in Montana I stumbled upon the remains of a bull elk. Based on tracks and other sign nearby, I determined that a wolf had been regularly feeding upon the carcass. Knowing the potential for a unique photograph I returned later that afternoon to set up a custom DSLR camera trap. Wolves are intelligent and wary animals, so I placed the camera down into a tree well and camouflaged it using branches and snow. Over the next two months I returned once to change out batteries and check on the camera. The wolf never returned. Instead, I captured a variety of other scavengers; foxes, martens, ravens, and even snowshoe hares were all regular visitors to the carcass.

As winter transitioned into spring it became increasingly difficult to access the camera due to deteriorating snow conditions. I stayed away from the area for as long as I could before needing to return to change out batteries. I waited for a cold day due to a creek that had to be navigated along the way. I loaded up my skis and decided to throw in my snowshoes as well, just in case. After a week of unseasonably warm early spring temperatures, I arrived at the creek only to discover that the ice had completely melted, turning what was once a small stream into a raging torrent. I spent the next two hours constructing a makeshift bridge using downed timber. Once safely across I snowshoed the rest of the way to the camera. As I approached the area I immediately noticed a set of very large, and very fresh tracks heading in the direction of my camera. It was a grizzly. Not knowing if the bear was still on the carcass, I decided to check a nearby trail camera that I had set up a few hundred yards away. The last thing I wanted to do was walk into a bear feeding on the carcass. Trail camera footage revealed that the bear had passed through the area that morning. Before approaching the camera I made lots of noise to hopefully spook anything that might be on the carcass away.

As I approached the area I immediately noticed that the carcass had been moved away from the camera. The nearby creek was flowing high above it's banks, and the water had flooded the area where my camera and PIR sensor were positioned. The camera case was pointing up into the trees and the lens was covered in slobber, courtesy of the bear, but thankfully my tripod helped to keep it above the water line. There were numerous bear tracks in the remaining snow surrounding the elk. I did not have high expectations when I opened the case to check the images captured by the camera. In my many years of camera trapping, one thing I've learned is that bears have a way of "disabling" a camera while at the same time never having their picture taken! Reviewing the images, I found plenty of snowshoe hares, a pine marten, and a red fox had all paid the fallen bull a visit. My jaw literally dropped when I came across this chilling image of a very large Grizzly Bear staring directly into the camera. This was the last frame that was captured before the bear lunged at the camera, completely altering the careful composition that I had spent hours setting up just a few months prior.

I am pleased to announce that this image took 1st place in the “Animals In Their Environments” category in the coveted 2021 international Wildlife Photographer Of The Year competition!

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"Hey Bear!"

I've had a few close encounters with bears over the years, but nothing like the encounter I had this past spring while out for a walk in the woods. I hiked into an area where I, with the help of trail cameras, had been monitoring the movements of a black bear sow with two coy. The previous day I was able to photograph this small sow, a beautiful cinnamon-colored bear, but unfortunately she had her cubs stashed somewhere else. My wife and I never did see the cubs that day but did have a fairly close encounter with the sow as she approached, unaware of our presence.

I decided to return to the location the next day, in hopes of locating her and the cubs. I moved quietly and cautiously, stopping to scan the woods with each step. I continued up a sparsely forested hillside until I reached the edge of a small meadow where we had spotted the bears the day before. I found a cluster of trees where I would be concealed in case they were to show up.

From my slightly elevated perch, I had a complete 360 degree view of the surrounding terrain. After only a few minutes had gone by, I turned around and noticed a light brown-colored bear about 150 yards downwind of me. The bear was moving through the trees at a steady pace, nose to the ground. Assuming it was the cinnamon sow from the previous day, I sat there quietly behind the tree and readied my camera. When I slowly rose again, hoping to see the cubs in tow, I got a chilling surprise. Less than 25 yards away and with its nose still to the ground, the bear was clearly following my scent trail. When the bear finally raised its head I caught a glimpse of the distinctive hump on its back, my heart skipped a beat. This was no black bear.

The grizzly was covering ground fast and there was not a doubt in my mind that we were on a collision course if I did not do something, and quickly! I clenched my bear spray, ready to discharge it at a moments notice. Camera in the other hand, I fired off a handful of frames, at the same time yelling "HEY BEAR!". The expression on the bear's face was one of utter shock and confusion, and a few seconds later the bear was high-tailing it as fast as it could go through the trees and deeper into the forest. PHEW! That was CLOSE!

Despite being less than 10 yards away, the bear never did see me concealed in the trees. I was able to remain calm and focused throughout the entire encounter. The last thing you want to do is panic, or worse yet, run from a bear! While hiking in bear country it is absolutely imperative to always carry bear spray, have it readily accessible, and know how to use it. It also pays to be extremely alert and aware of your surroundings at all times. You must never become complacent in the woods, bears can show up in the unlikeliest of places. This encounter took place in the middle of the day.

If I was able go back and do one thing different it would have been to make noise sooner, before the bear closed the gap between us. Those few seconds of hesitation on my part allowed the bear to approach within a very uncomfortable distance. Luckily this encounter ended as it should, with the bear running away. The image you see here was captured during this wild, hair-raising encounter.

Behind The Lens: New Releases

Throughout my travels, I am constantly striving to come up with unique ways to capture the natural world around me. One of my goals as a photographer is to communicate my own unique point of view on the natural world. In turn I hope to invoke an emotional reaction, a sense of wonder, in those who view my imagery. I’ve recently released a large collection of work from this past Spring/Summer. Most of my new work is concentrated on western Montana, including Glacier National Park.

Within this new collection there is a variety of subjects. Everything from big, bold scenics, to wildlife, and my personal favorite, owls! Below I’ll share a few of my favorites from the new collection and talk a little bit about the back story of each.

I believe the best way to enjoy my photographs is not by viewing them on a computer screen, or worse yet, a mobile phone(!), but rather by having a physical print to hang in your home. The level of detail in a large print is truly striking.

“Curiosity”

One of my most memorable wildlife encounters of this past spring was a fox den that I came across in western Montana’s Seeley-Swan Valley. After locating the den, I constructed a small photo blind a safe distance away, and returned several times over a period of two weeks to photograph the kits.

During this time I placed several trail cameras in proximity of the den site, which was underneath a fallen tree. The cameras allowed me to gather valuable insight as to the movements of the foxes, which were most active after nightfall. After reviewing all of the trail cam footage, I started noticing patterns in their behavior. The information gleaned from the trail cam footage was invaluable, and is what allowed me to precisely place my professional trail camera. This camera, which I constructed myself, is much different than the mass produced trail cameras found in many sporting goods stores. It uses a DSLR camera housed in a waterproof Pelican case. The camera is triggered by a passive infrared sensor, and uses several off camera speedlites that supply fill light in tricky exposure situations. I set up the camera beside a log that the kits would use to get back to the den. When I returned about a week later to check the camera, I was pleasantly surprised when this image appeared on the back of the LCD display!

“Crown Jewel”

Earlier this year I had the opportunity to hike up to the famed Grinnell Glacier in Glacier National Park. I’ve hiked this trail many times, but this time I had a specific photograph in mind; a sunset image overlooking Grinnell Lake. This beautiful glacial lake, with its sparkling turquoise-colored water, is nestled in a gorgeous valley beneath the aptly named “Angel Wing”, the rounded peak directly in front of Mount Gould.

Along the way I passed numerous hikers, all headed back to civilization. A few of them made note of my late start, little did they know that I had planned it this way! I really wasn’t looking forward to the hike out in the dark, especially since this is prime grizzly country, but I continued on. I arrived here with plenty of time to scout around for a composition before the day would fade into night. This particular spot is notoriously lacking in strong foreground compositions, so I spent the next several hours searching up and down for a balanced composition.

Hours passed by quickly, and the last hikers passed by me about an hour before sunset. After that I was all alone up there. As the sun was beginning to set I had still not found a composition I was really pleased with. I was beginning to lose hope when I came across this colorful purplish-red rock with some nice diagonal lines. I set up my tripod and carefully framed up the shot, just as the last bit of sunlight painted the clouds above the mountains. The waterfall you see here is Grinnell Falls, tumbling nearly 960ft from the valley’s headwall, draining from the famous Grinnell Glacier. Another waning glacier, The Salamander, can be seen clinging to the Garden Wall directly above the falls.

The hike out was uneventful, and I made sure to make lots of noise to warn any potential bears of my presence. When I arrived back at the Many Glacier hotel, a storm was brewing to the west. For the next half hour or so I watched as the storm raged on over Swiftcurrent Lake, and eventually over the area where I had just come from. I was grateful to be back at the lodge, and not still up there!

“Still”

It was an early summer evening, and I was scouting out new areas to place trail cameras. Following game trails through the forest, I came to a small meadow that looked like an ideal spot to place a camera. As I moved across the meadow, searching for a suitable tree to install a camera, I nearly stepped on this little whitetail fawn resting out in the open. I happened to have my camera in hand, and attached to it was a wide angle lens. I leaned over and took a few photos before quietly backing out of the area.

Each year wildlife officials receive calls from well-intentioned individuals who come across what they perceive to be “orphaned” fawns, when in fact it is a perfectly natural occurrence to find a fawn that appears to be all alone in the woods. The fawn’s primary defense against predators is to stay as quiet and motionless as possible in these situations. The best thing you can do if you find a fawn seemingly alone in the wild is to quietly leave the area. The mother is likely nearby and is fully aware of where she left her young while she is off foraging.

I hope you enjoyed reading this blog post. To view my entire collection of new work, please visit my New Release gallery HERE

A Year In Review: 17 of 17'

A collection of my favorite images from 2017. Enjoy!

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"NORTHERN NIGHTS"

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"FOREST GNOME"

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"ELEMENTS OF NATURE"

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"IN WINTER'S LIGHT"

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"DEFINING MOMENT"

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"RISE"

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"SINUOUS DANCE"

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"DEEP BLUE"

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"THE HUNT IS ON"

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"BETWEEN SEASONS"

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"WICKED"

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"AUTUMN REVEAL"

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"WINTER WINGS"

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"MIDNIGHT HEATHER"

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"FIRESTORM"

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"ICE AGE"

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"WINDS OF CHANGE"