Wyman Meinzer
The predator safari will be a three day event here in the rolling plains. It is open to photographers and non-photographers alike. Photographers will need to be very proficient with a big lens and able to hike at least some distance carrying his or her equipment. Typical when dealing with predators, these animals are extremely wary and do not bait well thus there will be no use of blinds. We will walk to calling locations and set up for 20 minute sessions at each stop. We will start at daylight and call until the good light is gone and then resume later in the afternoon. Chances of encountering other species of game to photograph such as rattlesnakes and whitetail is good as the land we will be working on is perhaps the finest and most picturesque range land in the rolling plains of Texas.
Equipment needed will be camo clothing but no netting as predators are VERY unforgiving toward anything out of context with the land. Lens selection should include a wide angle and short telephoto lenses for landscape or rattlesnake work and a long lens of no less than 400mm for predators or deer. If you cannot handhold a long lens then a tripod or monopod is absolutely essential. Remember that predators are unbelievably aware of anything out of the ordinary and we will be working mostly in open grassland country where we and the predator can see for long distances. Any one who is proficient in hunting skills will have a hand up in the deal.
Location will be in the finest rolling plains range land in the panhandle plains. Arrival for the safari should be on the evening of the 28th of October in Benjamin, Texas at my home. We will shoot on the 28th and finish on the evening of the 30th. Anyone wanting to stay over for a full day of driving homeward on Monday can do so.
This safari will be a taste of photographing in the “Big Empty” or “Cowboy Alley” of the rolling plains, a region encompassing historical ranches such as the Pitchfork, 6666 and the mammoth Waggoner Estate. I am one for the “experience” so ambiance is important. Participants will be staying in the Old Knox County jail, a structure that I renovated 28 years ago and lived in for 18 years. Constructed in 1887 it housed many local characters including the late country singer Ernest Tubb’s sister in 1926 for running contraband whiskey (see HG TV and the video “Building Character”. Tubb spent seven years as a boy here in Benjamin. I am in possession of the original jail records showing the first inmates dating back to October 1887.
I will provide all meals but participants should bring the beverage of their choice for the stay. We do have a beer joint here in Benjamin for those needing to purchase the drink but wine and liquor is only available 18 miles distance at the “Ranch House Liquor Beer and Wine”. We will have lunch “on site” as I used to do during my tenure as a professional predator hunter. We will eat and have some respite on the open range beside a good mesquite fire or over a fireplace in a dugout owned by the rancher.
The ranch where we will be shooting is a 55,000 acre spread where no commercial activities have ever been allowed. It is the center of the old battlegrounds where the last cattle killer Lobo wolves were trapped and destroyed around the turn of the 20th century. In fact, two of the old Lobo traps have been found on the ranch, having lay untouched for a century or more. I cannot emphasize enough how rare the chance is to have this ranch as our photo studio. No high fences and no feeding…all game is free ranging and as it has been since the buffalo hunters and wolf hunters say it many generations ago.
At some time during the three day period I will offer a drawing for one of my custom made coyote calls. I have made my own calls from mesquite, Osage orange and cedar for over 40 years and will even make one on site if time allows.
Those wishing to fly commercial should book into Lubbock and rent a car to make the two hour drive to Benjamin. The route is simple by leaving Lubbock International and driving the three miles or so south to Hwy 114/82, turn onto the Hwy and head east straight to Benjamin. I will furnish transportation on the ranch for the duration.
Price of the Safari is $1,950 per person for the three days – this includes food, fee to ranchers, and lodging. This is not only going to be a photography treat but also a historical tour through a country of endless miles. It is an immense land with miles of rolling grassland, rough canyons, cattle, whitetail, wild hogs and coyotes. This is the first commercial venture allowed on this spread of land and is the ONLY opportunity to experience it.
Wow, Wyman. I am so impressed with your site and all you have achieved. Your photographs are amazing and the stories are vast. Please give me a call if you ever come to Houston. I would love to see you.
Paige
Never knew you did these expeditions, would love to join this but have both of those weekends booked. I will look forward to another time. I am a lessee on the X’s ranch that the Everitt Brothers own, just north of the Hendricks and NW of the Lambshead. Would welcome you in our camp sometime to see this incredible property, where the flat land falls into the Paint Creek…. you took photos for a magazine article on the brothers… do you remember? Look forward to meeting you sometime and learning about your craft, which you are clearly a master. Bravo!
I sure hope you do another one of these, I would absolutely love to go! I will keep an eye out!
Patti and I arrived at Wyman and Sylinda’s on Sunday, December 5, and were greeted by two young wolves, Sam and Sue. In their energetic welcome one slightly nicked my hand. I kind of wish it were a large wound so there was something tangible to show my grandchildren when I tell them of my encounter with wolves and our first visit to Benjamin.
Two full days were spent in the field on a 55,000 acre ranch followed by good food,interesting conversation and cozy nights in the wood-heated jail.
We are amateur photgraphers, but Wyman was patient in giving instruction in the use of our new camera and the conduct of tracking white tail, coyote and wild hogs.
The lore of his background and the Big Empty were fascinating, and timely in just having read Empire of the Summer Moon about the Comanche.
On two occasions Wyman called in coyote, but the first was sent running by a few calf and a sudden movement by me sent the other away. Later that day we drove up behind a coyote sauntering down the road who turned to scoop up a mouse, allowing me to take a few frontal images. Innumerable images of white tail and wild hogs were taken.
The ranch owners and their sons came to dinner in their dug out where Sylinda had prepared a table with candle light and food warming in the fire place. In a state of awe over the expanse and atmosphere of the surroundings it felt a bit lame saying, “we really like your place”, although graciously accepted by the ranch owners.
I left New York City for San Antonio in that auspicious year, 1976, our Country’s bicentennial when the tall ships were in the harbor. There was a sense of the diversity and magnitude of Texas gained from books, but not a true feel of it. I got that feel for it in Benjamin last week.
Oh, and one must not forget Sylinda’s boutique where Patti acquired a unique and stunning duster.
Evan & Patti Simmons
I just want to let you know how beautiful these pictures are. God gave you such a wonderful gift and you are using it for all that it is worth. This is the true beauty of Texas. Your work is more than what words can describe, stay the course so we can appreciate what you have.
I love the site and photos. I would love to know about the next safari
My niece, Kelly Waggoner was married to Gary Waggoner 13 years. Jean Waggoner was my good friend. I have many treasures that were given to me when she died, & I love all of them; especially a ring, & a tennis racquet with custom made cover, plus sofa table, pots, phone, etc.
Love your work.
Your work is wonderful. My wife loves photography and does all her work with a simple point and click. She has a very creative eye and does beautiful work with simple equipment. Would like to know about future photo safari’s that you plan.
Wyman, I have just viewed some of your videos and love them all. I grew up in Odessa but have been living in Chicago for a long time but you and your work have made me want to return. I will buy the book ‘The Waggoner Legacy’ ASAP…Thanks for the look….Sandy W.
A friend sent me your website so I could view your West Texas video – exquisite shots, engaging music! I was born and reared in Texas, lived in Alaska for 12 years (also fabulous scenery to shoot) and returned home. Missed what you have captured so clearly and honestly. I have worked cattle myself, have farmers in my family, am a lover of wildlife, and getting better with my camera and eye for a shot. Have you thought of venturing along the coastal region of Texas? You would be amazed at the shots the fish, fowl and mammals will afford you! Thanks for sharing your work!
Victoria
Hello Sir ! I grew up in Goree and my folks are still there, Bob and Peggy Presnall. It was great seeing “home”; you have done so much for your small community. Good Job.
That Predator Safari sounds awesome !!!
I love you books and videos. The photography is amazing.
I am the daughter of the late O.R. Stark from Quitaque.
I am very interested in a workshop or photo safari with you.
What is upcoming on the books?
Thanks, and keep up the good work.
Both Gwebn & I come from McCamey and Brackettville Texas. The area is covered with wild game. We attended Sul Ross College back in the !957 era. Antlope came onto campus for water. Red & Grey fox also watered at the water trough behind Hancock Hall. Hunting season brought car after car to Whites the resturant across the road of the south campus. Often huge blacktail bucks were strapped on top of these vehicles. Field trips took us to different huge ranches. Sheep, dairy cattle, beef cattle were judged by our classes. Javilina were in abundance. Hundreds of wild birds were always present.
Please send future dates of photo expeditions or one-day workshops. Would love to know more about your work.
I would like information on future events like workshops or photographic safaris. It would be a “bucket list” opportunity to spend time on such a magnificent expanse of land that is obviously loved and well cared for. We have a small piece of the Texas Hill Country that has responded to our efforts and returned to a healthy natural ecosystem. Few people would be excited to see rattlesnakes return but for me it was a sign of going in the right direction – I had food for them.
I enjoyed reading about your safari and wondered if you might be visiting the dugout house where my ancestors lived north of Benjamin on a ranch. My great grandfather Glover lived in a dugout where he had fenced off a bend in the river to hold his horses. My grandfather, Thomas F. Glover, grew up in Benjamin, became a court reporter and eventually an attorney, moved to Seymour in 1933, and later was the County Attorney there and the District Attorney at one time. He died in 1976. Just today I have been looking oat old photos of Banjamin that I recently inherited,including some of a camp meeting and some of cowboys.
My father used to make homemade coyote calls and take me coyote hunting during the night. His name was Joe Ed Glover.
Thanks.
So interesting Judy! You know we found the old dugout on Glover’s bend last summer. Was really cool just standing there and imagining the wildness of the land back then. So neat!
I would like to know if you are planning additional Predator Safaris and if so what those dates might be.
My husband & I would enjoy going on one of your safaris. We have some of these same splendid animals in our neighborhood in Austin but would like to see them in the wild! So please put us on your e-mail list. Your photography is spectacular! Thank you.
My cousin sent me an email with your beautiful work. Please keep me informed if you have another photography safari. Would love to attend. Macro (close-up) photography is a love of mine. Many of my neighbors have often considered calling the little men in white suits because I was crawling around on my hands and knees in the yard photographing things most people never see. But, life only comes around once and we must see and do as much as we can to appreciate God’s many wonderful gifts.
Hello Mr. Meinzer,
I grew up hunting in Texas with my father and two younger brothers. I have loved it all of my life. It was not just the hunting I enjoyed; I loved the piece and serenity of the quiet open country and watching nature at its best.
When I was younger, I used to enjoy dressing in full camo and hunting scents perched in a home made ground blind and filming wildlife as they went about there business. Some even joined me in the blind.
My son and daughter now share these same interests. Having worked so much the last few years I have not had the time to introduce my kids to the beauty of having wild animals come so close.
I was intrigued by your videos and I am very interested in finding out more about your Safari. I would be very grateful if you would please send me more information by email?
Best Regards,
Tony Cangelosi
Will there be other expeditions in the future? They sound like the chance of a lifetime and something not to be missed. How many people can you accommodate on each one ? The pictures are magnificent and must be shared with friends. Please add my e-mail to your list. Thank You Ron King
Terrific stuff. Blown away by your West Texas video – just gorgeous.Live in NW Oklahoma and appreciate your take on the land and the animals surrounding us. Thanks for a great trip.
Interested in your predator safari. If you are going again any time soon, both my wife and I shoot long lenses.