Getting ready

Wildlife photography starts early in the morning, I mean really early. Before sunrise early. Tomorrow I’m planning a sunrise shoot at Custer State Park in SD. I try to have as much preparation completed today so I’m ready to hit the road early. What does that mean? Well, lets start with my equipment. I need to make sure all my camera batteries are charged. Fresh and formatted SD cards are ready to go in my camera(s). I check to make sure I have all the lenses I plan on using cleaned and in my camera bag. I determine if I will be using a tripod, monopod or ground pod and have them ready to go. I make sure everything is loaded in the truck the night before to save time in the morning.

I review the location I will be going. I have been to Custer State Park several times. I review my notes from my prior trips. I determine when sunrise will be, travel time to park so that I know how early I need to set an alarm. I have been reviewing the weather for a few days but continue to check back to see if there have been any changes in the forecast. If needed, I pack additional clothing and/or rain gear for the trip. If it is a new place, I will review online maps and determine the areas I think will be the best to photograph. If I get the chance, I might even do a scouting trip during the day before to pick out good locations. I make sure to have snacks and hydration ready to grab and go in the morning. The key is to be efficient and not forget anything

Lastly, I review what wildlife I anticipate seeing and/or what wildlife I am targeting for photos. I review my field journals regarding each species behaviors, ideal ecosystems and any other observations I have made in the past or gleaned from other photographers. This is key for me. I want to be able to anticpate what an animal may do so that I cam be positioned to photograph them. Since I’m still learning, I definitely don’t always get this part right but each time out is a learning experience.

I’m excited to get down there. I should definitely see bison, prairie dogs, and pronghorn. The wild burros are fun to photograph if you can find them. I have also observed mule deer and an occasional elk.

Mule deer captured with my Iphone at Custer State Park in 2025

The excitement will make it hard to sleep tonight but it will all be worth it tomorrow.

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