Summer 2023
NEAL SMITH NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
9981 Pacific Street, Prairie City, IA
“The Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge is a federal national wildlife refuge located in Jasper County, Iowa, United States. The refuge, formerly known as Walnut Creek, is named after Congressman Neal Edward Smith, who championed its creation.” - Wikipedia
Another one of my “Go-To” places to try to photograph wildlife is the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge. I try to go about twice a month when I’m in the Des Moines area. Quite often the wildlife are no where near the one road through the refuge and you leave without getting any photos.
April 24, 2023
Felt lucky to see both bison and elk on this trip.
May 5, 2023
Good evening for photographing both bison and elk. Was disappointed by the guy not following the posted warnings about staying in your vehicle.
On my first trip through the wildlife area I thought this might be as close to an elk as I'd get.
Also on my first trip through, I figured this was going to be as good as the photos were going to get.
But as I drove around by the Visitors Center and approached the area again I group of bison were close to the road.
The group then hurried up the hill.
Not far from the bison were three elk trying to stay camouflaged by the trees.
Venturing into the wildlife area for a second time this bull was grazing by himself...
...until he was joined by a bird.
Signs at the entrance to the wildlife area specifically say, "Stay in your vehicle."
Moving a little further along a large herd of bison close to the road.
This girl noticed the visitor get out of his vehicle again...
...even turning around and leaning to look around my truck to check the visitor out.
July 6, 2023
Not many bison on this trip, but the elk were close to the road.
Almost missed this cow laying in the grass near the road. I wonder how many elk I have missed in the past.
A bull and a young calf.
I saw three young ones all together.
This was the only bison I saw...he was content blocking the road for this Jeep.
