Fall Wildlife Hike - September 28, 2024
(The Hike Is Now Full)
A mountain lion at a spring with just enough water to get a drink.
What: Fall Wildlife Hike
Where: Northwest of Fort Collins (details will be sent to participants)
We will meet at Me Oh My Coffee and Pie in Laporte, Colorado at 7:15 am, 3310 WCR 54G, Laporte CO 80535
When: Saturday, September 28, 2024, 7:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Cost: $200 per participant (No Spaces Available - Hike is now full)
Join other wildlife enthusiasts for a wildlife hike and learn how they hunt and navigate across their territory. Many wildlife species are on the move as they prepare for winter, a time to fatten up, mate, care for young and more. Black bears are gorging on green grass and forbs, flipping rocks looking for insects and hopefully finding a few carcasses. Starting in early September, they move into the hyperphagia period, consuming 15,000 - 20,000 calories per day. Once in awhile they are successful in hunting their own prey. Beavers are near the top of their list. Mountain lions have more flexibility in how they hunt with less concern about calorie conservation as the nights and days are still warm. In Colorado, a high percentage of mountain lion kittens are born in early June and mid-August. Deer and elk along with fawns and calves are taking advantage of green grass and forbs before they cure out from the first September frosts. Bull elk are in the prime of the rut and mule deer bucks are preparing for their rut in November.
Black bear eating as much green grass as possible before it cures out and turns brownish yellow from fall frosts. The green grass has more nutrition.
You’ll learn how to identify tracks of mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes, red and grey foxes, Merriam’s turkeys, deer, elk and moose. You’ll also learn the difference between canine and feline tracks and how to identify tracks without any pad marks but simply a dimple in the surface, whether it’s snow, sand or another substrate.
Consider downloading the app iTrack for an excellent overview for mountain lions, coyotes, bobcats, foxes, bears and numerous prey species, beginning with deer and elk.
The goal of this workshop is to help you not only identify sign of different wildlife species but also learn an incredible amount about what results in fantastic wildlife habitat.
WHAT TO BRING
layered clothing
decent footwear for hiking (closed toe footwear)
snacks and lunch
at least two liters of water
camera (cell phone is plenty)
a sauntering spirit
We will be stopping often to discuss the tracks and habitat of the wildlife that call this place home. There are many incredible connections worth learning that will enrich your time afield.
This is a great opportunity to ensure you have the Ten Essentials in your pack. Check out my Ten Essentials Plus system. If you’re just getting started, I highly recommend buying the SOL Bivvy XL first. It will save you from hypothermia and is an incredible shelter to wait out a thunderstorm.
Three bull elk during the fall rut.