government shutdown has devastating effect on U.S. nature photography

Here in the US, all of our National Parks, National Monuments, and National Wildlife Refuges are now closed to entry. The timing is particularly devastating because fall color is going to peak throughout the coming weeks. Additionally, most of our large mammals such as deer, elk, and moose rut in the fall, and the rut is the best time in which to photograph these animals.

I just tried to call one of the national wildlife refuges that I frequent, and got nothing but a busy tone. I didn't even get the pre-recorded message telling me which extension to enter! So, the 2-3 day trip I had planned for later this week is not going to happen.

Thousands of people have long-standing vacation plans to visit places like Yellowstone, Rocky Mountain N.P., Cades Cove and the Smokies, Glacier N.P., the Grand Canyon, etc, etc, etc. Now they aren't even allowed to enter the places they were going to vacation in. Many of these folks are nature and/or wildlife photographers.

I was wondering if anyone else here on POTN is having their plans ruined because of the shutdown. If so, how are you handling it? Are you presently making tons of phone calls trying to get your deposit monies back? Are you desperately trying to find someplace else to go, so that you won't waste your valuable vacation time sitting at home? Are you asking your boss if you can reschedule your vacation time, so that you can use it later, when the parks are open once again?

I'm planning on heading up to Glacier in late October, it's a short drive for me. I expect this mess to be over by then, if not...I'll cross the border and do my photography in Canada.

The "It's Already 2 A.M." thread in the Lounge forum has comments about it.

We were going to go to Yosemite . . .

I just googled the news since this is new to me, and all I get is news that all national parks are on shutdown, but no one is saying why? I'm not living in the US at this moment, so I'm out of the loop.

I will still make my way into the parks on foot. The way I see it, it helps me out because I no longer have to deal with the masses getting in the way.

Kolor-Pikker wrote in post #16338347
I just googled the news since this is new to me, and all I get is news that all national parks are on shutdown, but no one is saying why? I'm not living in the US at this moment, so I'm out of the loop.

Our government shut down. Partially at least. As of midnight this morning.

benji25 wrote in post #16338374
Our government shut down. Partially at least. As of midnight this morning.

Oh, and parks are technically government property, so they got shut down by extension. I figured they'd have sold and privatized everything by now.

OhLook wrote in post #16338305
The "It's Already 2 A.M." thread in the Lounge forum has comments about it.

We were going to go to Yosemite . . .

Although I cannot confirm it, I heard that Tioga Pass is still open. Day use folks are being sent home today. Folks with lodging have 2 days to vacate.

Maybe it's time to go over Tioga Pass and visit the Eastern Sierra's. Plenty of excellent fall photo opportunities there.

You should still be able to drive through the parks, but you won't be able to stop.

theextremist04 wrote in post #16338499
You should still be able to drive through the parks, but you won't be able to stop.

I doubt it.

NPS-FAQ.PDF:
Q: Are national parks open?
A: No. If there is a lapse in appropriations, all 401 national parks would be closed.

• All park entrances are closed and secured.
  
• Visitor centers and other facilities are closed.
  
• Education programs and special events are canceled
  
• Permits for special events are rescinded
  
• Guests staying in hotels and campgrounds will be given 48 hours to leave
  
• A small number of National Park Service employees remain to protect park resources
  

i also wanted to say that in some situations, this shut down could be a benefit to wildlife photographers. At least those willing to hop gates and walk to their destination.

on the other hand, the shutdown probably won't last long. The showboat will eventually run out of steam.

What about state parks? Any good wildlife and scenery opportunities there?

OhLook wrote in post #16338656
What about state parks? Any good wildlife and scenery opportunities there?

Not here where I live . . . unless one wants to photograph Mule Deer does and yearling fawns, or chipmunks, squirrels, marmots, etc. Nothing wrong with any of that, but I get to shoot that stuff all the time. I really count on the fall ruts (breeding season) for almost all of my big-game photography.

I do know of some state parks in Colorado that are good for both Whitetail and Mule Deer, and some that are good for Bighorn Sheep. I also know of some state-owned land in both Florida and New York state that is good for Whitetail Deer. And some state land in northern California that is great for elk (unfortunately, the CA elk rut is now over). But these areas are all far from me, and would involve thousands of miles of travel that I can ill afford. All of the good areas within a day's drive of my location are on federally-owned land that is now closed.

Why would the parks be closed. They are open 24 hours a day now. All this means is that any staff there to support the services will not be there. Yosemite and the few other national parks I have been to never had any gates.

gjl711 wrote in post #16338727
Why would the parks be closed. They are open 24 hours a day now.

No, they are not. They used to be open 24 hours, but they are not open at all now that the shutdown is in effect.