*** Due to COVID-19, This event has been postponed. A new date has not yet been established. ***

This is a repeat of the very popular trip the club went on last year. This experience will be different. The horses are fed in the fall and winter, so they are bunched up waiting for the feed truck. In the spring they will probably be grazing so they will be spread out. Rates have increased from last, but owners are giving us a discount from their published prices.

Wild mustangs in a natural habitat. We have the opportunity to photograph them as they graze (no cowboys, stampedes, branding or intentional running of the horses…..). Some of the horses are semi-friendly, others are very timid. There will be escorted* sunset shooting on Friday night, escorted sunrise shooting Saturday morning, escorted-to-on-site-locations during the day on Saturday, escorted sunset shooting Saturday and free-to-wander-on-your-own photography on Sunday. Departure time Sunday – you decide!

*” Escorted” means they will transport us in small groups to different locations on the Ranch in their vehicles.

The tours are 2 hours each, you are more than welcome to walk back if you choose to stay longer. It is about a mile walk.

Should you wish to schedule private escorted time on Sunday, this should be arranged by the photographer directly with the Ranch for an additional $30/per person (pending availability).

Cost

Cost to us for this date for Heard Nature Photographers (different from the rates shown on their website): $60 per person for the Friday/Saturday/Sunday combination.

The $60/per person is in addition to the room cost should you be staying at the Ranch.

Payment is due upon arrival at the Ranch.

Lodging

Please see the Ranch website for accommodations and contact the Ranch directly for reservations (two night minimum for each room). Please review the photographs on their website (at the bottom of the” Tours” page) to familiarize yourself with their offerings! To contact the Ranch, TEXT Kit Mowdy at 580-927-5093. Leave your name, number and mention you are part of the Heard Nature Photographers group. She will respond as soon as she is free to do so.

Our rate: $150.00 per room for the weekend (NOT per person).

No deposit is required and there is no fee should you need to cancel. The Ranch is not set up to accept credit cards. Cash or checks only. Payment is due upon arrival at the Ranch.

The Ranch also has a large bunk room ideal for room/cost-sharing!

RV Options

City water. 30amp and 50amp electricity. No sewer dump. $50/per weekend (our rate). RV guests get full use of all the lodge common areas: fire pit, kitchen, dining, living, game room, laundry facilities as well as a half bath in the game room.

Other lodging options:

• HiWay Inn Express in Coalgate. Clean, updated. 15 minutes away from the Ranch.

• County Charm Inn – not recommended.

• There are several options in Atoka, OK – a 30-minute drive from the Ranch - Motel 8, Motel 6, Comfort Inn and Best Western.

Amenities at the Ranch

The Ranch has been reserved just for us this weekend. The facilities include a fully equipped kitchen (condiments, coffee, tea, cooking utensils, pots & pans), coined laundry service, large living/game room, spacious dining area, satellite television, picnic table, tire swing, and a fire ring. There is also the possibility of outside grilling should you choose to do this (bring your own charcoal).

We may have one group meal (Saturday evening) in Coalgate (Mexican food).

Meals

Meals are not provided or included. Participants may bring their own food or drive into Coalgate or Atoka for meals. The lodge has a large kitchen – refrigerator, oven, etc.

In Coalgate: Grocery store with a deli (Sonny’s), Daylight Donut Shop, Subway & Sonic.

In Atoka (about 25 miles from the Ranch): Walmart & chain restaurants like Chili’s and KFC/A&W.

Gear Suggested

Short zoom, long telephoto lens, fast wide-angle, camera cleaning air blower bulb (very dusty). Tripod for possible night-time star photography.