Happy New Year 2019 from Mike Jackson at Best of the Tetons!
January 1st, 2019 – Tuesday
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January Notes:
January is a sneaky month. I suppose someone could find all kinds of negative things to say about it, such as “It’s very cold!” or “There’s not much open!” Actually, both statements are correct, but for anyone willing to brave the cold and explore, January can be a great month for photography and touring the area.
Wildlife Notes: Some of the bull Moose have begun to shed their antlers, yet as the month starts out, many still have them. Bison have been staying north during most of December, but should be moving towards the Gros Ventre soon. The Bison hunt usually keeps them on the north side of the river, and with all of the snow on the ground, can offer some great possibilities. Trumpeter Swans winter in Jackson Hole, so they make a good target on some days. I’ve seen a River Otter a few times recently and I’ve heard of others. Bears have gone into hibernation, but I keep hearing of Wolves in the southern and eastern portions of the Park. Foxes usually start becoming more visible in January along with Coyotes. Mountain Goats never seem to be too active near the roads in the Snake River Canyon in January, but of course, each year is different. There are a round 60 Bighorns on the National Elk Refuge. They will still be “in the rut” for another couple of weeks and should be visible on most days through March. Consider a Sleigh Ride on the National Elk Refuge. You’ll be in the thick of them for a relatively low cost. Buy your tickets at the temporary center in the Home Ranch Parking lot (Until the Partial Government Shutdown is over).
Small Treasures: Most people are looking for the big game animals and predators, but keep an eye out for the tiny one’s, too! January and February can offer up an Ermine or Badger, along with the tiny Owls like Pygmy Owls and Saw Whet Owls.
Raptor Notes: The Teton Raptor Center was scheduled to host Feathered Fridays at the Visitor’s Center from late December through the end of March. These events have been postponed until after the Shutdown. Watch their site or here for news. January is often a good month for Raptors “in the field”, such as Owls, Eagles, and Hawks. Bald Eagles seem to be more visible this year than others. I haven’t seen many Rough-legged Hawks this year, but have seen a few Red-tailed Hawks and even an American Kestrel. Don’t expect to see ANY Great Gray Owls, however. They’ve essentially disappeared this year. If you get lucky, you might see a Cooper’s Hawk or Sharp-shinned Hawk in the valley. While not Raptors, watch for lots of Magpies, Ravens and Crows.
Landscape Notes: Many of the roads are closed in Grand Teton National Park, including the recent 2.5 mile winter closure on Antelope Flats Road. Much of the Snake River river bottom is closed to human activity, so even if you considered hiking into Schwabacher Landing or Blacktail Ponds, you can’t! The road into the Chapel of the Transfiguration is closed, but you can hike in. Winter landscapes require a bit more effort and creativity. The best winter spot is often Snake River Overlook. Many of the historic buckrail fences have been removed, eliminating a few of our favorite winter spots. Oxbow Bend is open, but the stream and lake is frozen.
Remember, the first week or two of January will be very similar to the last 10 days or so of December. If you review that page, you should get some ideas and realize Winter is a great time to be in Jackson Hole. December 2018 Daily Journal for GTNP & JH
Government Shutdown Notes
Currently, tours and visitors are allowed to enter and use Grand Teton National Park and the National Elk Refuge. In reality, not much is different than any other Winter, but there are fewer Rangers and there aren’t many people working in the Park Offices. County Sheriffs and Emergency Services are having to fill in. I am not sure if the restrooms are getting serviced, so you might want to bring your own supplies. The privately owned store and gas station at Dornan’s is open.
I could use a few January Photo Tours if you happen to be in town and want a customized One-On-One tour! Click the photo below. The tours allow me to pay bills and keep this site active.
Most Recent Feature Posts!
For the subscribers: Remember this is just the FIRST ENTRY for the month. I’ll be adding photos to the page almost daily throughout the month. Also, the emails arrive with a white background. Go to the site to see everything against the preferred gray background!
If you are not already a subscriber, please take a minute and register to sign up to follow this site. I’d love to have another couple hundred new subscribers from the group visiting the site in January!
I offer year round photo tours in Grand Teton National Park and winter tours in the National Elk Refuge. A winter trip offers opportunities you won’t find in the other three seasons! Book now! Click the image for additional information.
Client Comments: “As a published and passionate photographer, I recognized Michael Jackson’s extraordinary skills as a photographer. Today I learned more about composition and creative technical ideas than I ever could have imagined.” G.S., Jackson Hole
