Exploring Arizona’s White Mountains: A Search for Mexican Wolves
Every time I venture into Arizona’s White Mountains, I hold onto the hope that I might catch a glimpse of a Mexican gray wolf. This time, I was joined by fellow YouTuber and landscape photographer Jason Yoder as we explored the area where I saw my first wild Mexican wolves years ago. If you haven’t seen that episode yet, check out the link in the description for that incredible experience.
A Campfire Breakfast in the Wild
Normally, when I’m out filming, breakfast is a quick, simple affair—usually just oatmeal. But on this morning, Jason brought chorizo and eggs to cook up, and I wasn’t going to complain. Sitting out in the crisp mountain air with good food and even better coffee was a perfect way to start the day.
Jason is an adventure photographer with a great YouTube channel, and we thought it would be fun to collaborate and create a series for all of you to enjoy. Be sure to check out his channel and his video from this adventure.
Tracking the Elusive Wolves
After breakfast, we loaded up our trucks and hit the trail, following reports of recent wolf activity. The White Mountains are breathtaking, especially in autumn when the aspen trees turn brilliant shades of gold, red, and orange. However, the roads can get quite dusty depending on the last rainfall.
We spent the morning searching for tracks, scat, or any other signs of wolves, but luck wasn’t on our side. Still, the journey itself was rewarding—we spotted several healthy elk and took in the stunning landscapes. Wildlife filmmaking often requires patience and adaptability, as animals rarely stick to a schedule.
A Change of Plans: Photographing Waterfowl
Since the wolves remained elusive, we decided to shift gears and visit a nearby lake to film and photograph waterfowl. Sitting quietly by the lake, blending into the environment, is one of my favorite techniques for wildlife photography. Over time, birds and animals begin to see you as part of the landscape, allowing for more natural encounters.
We watched as a pair of pied-billed grebes dove for food, a female northern harrier soared overhead, and ducks jostled for position in a playful display. The tranquility of the lake was mesmerizing—an experience I highly recommend to anyone who loves nature.
An Unexpected Encounter with Coyotes
As we sat by the water, something caught our eye—a pair of coyotes moving through the grass. They eventually bedded down not far from us, occasionally lifting their heads to survey the area. Watching them from a distance, we observed one get up and begin stalking something in the grass. It’s always incredible to witness a predator’s keen sense of hearing and precision, though this particular attempt at a hunt came up short.
Then, a surprising twist—a black dog wandered into the scene, walking right past the coyotes. We held our breath, expecting some kind of reaction, but the coyotes remained calm. It was a surreal moment, a reminder of how unpredictable wildlife encounters can be.
Wrapping Up the Day
As the sun began to set, we made our way back to camp. While we didn’t find the wolves this time, the day was filled with incredible moments—from tracking animals to enjoying the peaceful solitude of the mountains. That’s the beauty of wildlife filmmaking and exploration—you never know what you’ll encounter, but there’s always something extraordinary waiting just around the corner.
Back at camp, we settled in for the night, ready to set out again the next morning in hopes of spotting the elusive Mexican gray wolves. If you love these kinds of adventures, be sure to follow along, and don’t forget to check out Jason’s perspective on his channel. Until next time—stay wild!
