{"product_id":"point-reyes-in-season-tule-elk-rut-at-tomales-point","title":"Point Reyes in Season: Tule Elk Rut at Tomales Point (Sep 22)","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cb\u003eA Small-Group Wildlife Photography Field Experience with Jen Waicukauski\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTuesday, September 22, 2026\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e7:00–11:00 a.m.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e$249 per person\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eLimited to eight photographers\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEach fall, the grasslands of Tomales Point become the setting for one of California’s most remarkable wildlife events. Bull tule elk bugle across the landscape, gather and defend harems, watch their rivals, and sometimes meet in dramatic displays of strength.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJoin photographer, instructor, and Certified California Naturalist Jen Waicukauski for a small-group morning exploring the Tomales Point Tule Elk Reserve. Finding and photographing tule elk during the rut will be the group’s primary goal, but the experience will be shaped by whatever the landscape, light and wildlife offer that morning.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is not a formal wildlife photography class with a fixed curriculum. It is an opportunity to spend meaningful time in the field with an experienced photographer and naturalist who can help you recognize possibilities, respond to changing conditions, and make more thoughtful photographs.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJen will begin the morning with a brief orientation before the group sets out along the Tomales Point Trail. As you explore and photograph together, she will offer informal individual guidance and occasionally bring the group together to discuss an animal’s behavior, a photographic opportunity, or something unfolding within the surrounding ecosystem.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDepending on the moment and each participant’s needs, Jen’s advice may touch on autofocus and camera settings for moving wildlife, working effectively with long lenses, anticipating behavior, composition, environmental wildlife portraits, and photographing in fog or changing coastal light. Ethical fieldcraft and maintaining a respectful distance from wildlife will be central throughout the experience.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAs a Certified California Naturalist, Jen will also share insight into tule elk behavior, rut and harem dynamics, the Point Reyes ecosystem, the elk’s conservation history, and the relationships between the animals and the landscape they inhabit. This experience is as much about learning to notice as it is about learning to photograph.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWho This Is For\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePhotographers with a range of experience levels are welcome. You do not need to be an experienced wildlife photographer, but you should be comfortable with the basic operation of your camera. This is not a fundamentals or camera-settings class, although Jen can offer advice on settings and technique as situations arise.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA telephoto lens reaching at least 300mm is highly recommended. Handheld photography will generally be the most practical approach, although participants are welcome to bring a monopod or tripod if preferred.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWalking and Field Conditions\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe morning may involve up to several miles of walking, depending on wildlife activity and where photographic opportunities are found. Participants should be prepared for unpaved, uneven and occasionally rocky trails while carrying their own equipment. The route may include gradual climbs, rutted sections and exposed terrain. A moderate level of fitness is recommended.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePoint Reyes weather is famously changeable. Fog, wind and light rain will not necessarily cancel the experience and can produce beautiful photographic conditions. The outing will only be canceled or rescheduled if weather or park conditions make it unsafe to proceed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlease dress in layers and bring sturdy footwear, water, a snack, rain protection for yourself and your equipment, and any necessary medications. Binoculars are optional but can be helpful when searching for wildlife.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMeeting and Transportation\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe group will meet at the Tomales Point Trailhead beside historic Pierce Point Ranch. Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from the meeting location. Detailed directions and final preparation information will be provided before the experience.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAbout Jen\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJen Waicukauski is a photography instructor, expedition leader, and Certified California Naturalist. She has led photographers through remarkable landscapes and wildlife habitats around the world, combining practical photographic guidance with a deep curiosity about the natural world. Her field experiences are welcoming, collaborative, and grounded in respectful observation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA Note About Wildlife\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTule elk are wild animals moving freely through a large reserve. Locating them will be the morning’s primary objective, but sightings, proximity and particular behaviors cannot be guaranteed. Rut activity may include bugling, harem behavior and sparring, but every morning is different. Other possibilities may include coyotes, raptors, coastal birds and the changing Point Reyes landscape.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCancellation Policy\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBecause these are small-group experiences with limited enrollment, cancellation requests must be submitted in writing by emailing \u003cb\u003e\u003ca href=\"mailto:shop@lookingglassphoto.com\"\u003eshop@lookingglassphoto.com\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e at least 10 calendar days before the scheduled experience. Cancellations received by that deadline will receive a full refund. Cancellations received fewer than 10 days before the experience, as well as no-shows, are nonrefundable.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Looking Glass","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53080557289792,"sku":"PTREYES_ELKRUT_SEP2026","price":249.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0854\/6218\/8352\/files\/Tule-Elk-Point-Reyes-Experience.jpg?v=1788293594","url":"https:\/\/www.lookingglassphoto.com\/products\/point-reyes-in-season-tule-elk-rut-at-tomales-point","provider":"Looking Glass Photographic Outfitters","version":"1.0","type":"link"}