Wild Wolves and Brown Bears of Finland

Deep within the Taiga forests and swamps of eastern Finland, two of Europe's most enigmatic and iconic predators can be found: the Brown bear and the Grey wolf. To even catch a glimpse in the wild would be truly magical, but to be close enough to photograph? Well, I guess you could say that would be on a whole new level! 

For more than 20 years, just a few kilometres from the Russian border, bears and wolves have been fed at a number of very carefully managed sites where, from strategically placed pro-grade photography hides, photographers can make images, safely, of these remarkable animals. Over the course of 6 hide sessions overlooking a swamp and small lake, you will get the opportunity to capture wild wolves and brown bears in their natural environment. Arguably, the best time to photograph Finland's predators, not only does our visit coincide with beautiful autumn colours, but bears (who are feeding voraciously in readiness for hibernation) and wolves are looking particularly handsome while sporting their winter coats. Although bears are almost a certainty and wolves fairly reliable, we have to remember that these are wild animals and they will appear on their terms and not ours. I've said it a thousand times - you've gotta be in it to win it! 

INDIVIDUAL BEDROOMS
We all need some private, quiet time to ourselves, and following a long session in a hide with the other members of the group, having a room to yourself to relax and 'spread out' can make all the difference. 

Although we will be sharing WC/shower facilities, unlike pretty much all other wolf and bear tours where you have to share your bedroom with at least one other (and in a very small one at that!), on this, everyone gets a good-sized bedroom to themselves. 

IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE
Whenever possible, I always endeavour to base the group in the immediate vicinity of the wildlife and/or landscape we are photographing and not in a hotel an hour's drive away, for there is something truly magical about being surrounded by marsh and forest where the only sounds are the calls of ravens and, perhaps, the howl of a wolf pack. Within moments of being in such a quiet and pristine environment, I can feel life's pressures lift. I become more relaxed and in tune with my surroundings and honestly feel that as a result, my photography becomes more sensitive towards the landscape and/or species I am photographing.  

GREY WOLF
Up to 1.5m in length and weighing 20-50 kg, the grey wolf is the world's largest canine and a formidable predator. Hugely social and living in packs, they are tireless hunters who often hunt and take down an animal many times its size. Contrary to Hollywood spin, to humans, wolves are completely harmless. Simply put, we are not on their menu! Ultimately, Finland's grey wolves are incredibly shy and secretive where their presence can only be seen and heard through prints, kill and howl. 

WOLF HIDES
Such is the unpredictable nature of Finland's wolves, to increase our chances of photographing them, three hide sessions have been put aside overlooking a beautiful, remote swamp and, perhaps, also a lake. As we near departure, I will be in touch with the owner and depending on their movements, the appropriate hide and environment will be selected. Hides will be a mix of large 6-person and smaller 3 and 2-person with some having additional low-level lens ports. Each hide has a private dry toilet. Each day, the group will be swapped around, giving everyone equal opportunities.  

With darkness falling from 19.30 until 06.00 and with the vast majority of activity occurring in the evening, there is little point in staying overnight. Pretty much everyone in the surrounding hides also exits at this time. Therefore, we leave at around 19.30 and return to the comfort of our rooms.  

BROWN BEAR
It would be remiss of me to head all the way to eastern Finland and not include the King of the forest - Ursus arctos arctos - the European brown bear. Although they also appear at the wolf location, our first base is renowned for them, in particular big males who, at this time of the year, are piling on the pounds in preparation for hibernation.

SOME TOUR HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE...
Photography in two of Europe's best locations for grey wolf and brown bear
Tuition and briefings from professional photographer, Robert Canis
6 x pro-grade hide sessions
Small group of just 5
Single-room occupancy
All transport during the tour in a 9-seater minibus. 
All-inclusive
Immersive experience

BEAR HIDES
Situated adjacent to a swamp, lake and forest, everyone will experience one session in each of the hides, with some offering both standard and low-level perspectives. Each hide has 4 beds, heating and a private toilet. As with the wolf hides, we will exit around 19.30 hrs.   

WEATHER
Finland in mid/late September is a glorious time of the year when swamp grass turns from green to burnt orange and forests are ablaze with the yellow of birch and aspen. This is their autumn which Finns have a suitably autumnal word for: Ruska! Unsurprisingly, given the season, it can be very unpredictable; we could have glorious wall-to-wall sunshine, fog, mist and even a sprinkling of snow. When you are this far north and east, there's just no telling! Typically, daytime temperatures are between 10 and 15 degrees C and, at night under a clear sky, 0 to -5. 

BLACK GROUSE LEKKING
Although the main lek commences in spring, black grouse also court and display in the autumn. It tends not to be quite as active but there could still be quite a few birds (12-20) that perform and do 'battle' in the hope that a female is keeping watch, nearby. This can be arranged should you wish to take up the opportunity at a cost of around £125. You can either secure your spot before our visit or take a chance and decide while there. Since you will need to be in the grouse hide well before sunrise (06.00), you will need to leave the bear hide the previous evening shortly after sunset. Hide sessions last for around 3 hours.   

WHAT ELSE?
Well, wolverine also visits both the bear and wolf locations and given their elusive nature, should be considered a wonderful bonus. But, as this image shows, they do exist, and indeed, this particular individual ran straight towards me!

Other 'from the hide' subjects might also include goldeneye (as here), hooded crows, golden and white-tailed eagles and ravens. 

HIDE ETIQUETTE
Put simply, no talking, laughing, coughing, sneezing or enjoying yourselves! You're not here for a holiday! :) Seriously, though, hide photography is very much about being as quiet and as fidget-free as possible, and although you may whisper, talking loudly is definitely out of the question, or they will not come!

AURORA BOREALIS
This is a great time of the year for capturing this awesome spectacle and as luck would have it, on one particular night, my hide was facing north! If predictions are for clear skies and strong activity, it might be worth you considering foregoing a night in the hide and, instead, back at base spending your time photographing the northern lights. 

SO, WHY BOOK WITH ROBERT CANIS?
Ah, the million-dollar question! Let me see. Well, for starters, I've been a professional photographer for more than 30 years, and have led tours throughout Europe since the late 1990s when getting through airport security with a bag full of Kodachrome was more of a concern than whether or not the wildlife or landscape cooperated! In all seasons, I've visited Finland more times than I can recall and, without getting too mushy, consider it my spiritual home. Through meticulous planning and pre-tour reconnaissance, nothing other than the appearance of the wildlife itself is left to chance. Everything is taken care of, from transportation to briefings, tuition and meals. And, if you should ever require any help or advice, I am always happy to assist in any way that I can. 

MANAGING EXPECTATIONS AND ATTITUDE
By its very nature, wildlife photography is about as unpredictable as it gets, and although every effort has been made to ensure you return with some incredible images, ultimately, it is down to the wildlife as to whether they appear at all! Isn't this, when all is said and done, one of the main draws of wildlife photography?! If their appearance were 100% certain, it wouldn't be nearly as much fun and rewarding! :)

It's really important that on such a trip you are flexible, jovial and can roll with the dice. Finns are very laid back and even, dare I say, a little too flexible with times so there might be an occasion - or two - where they stipulate that dinner is at 2 and we leave at 3 only to find that dinner's at 2 but we leave at 2.45! I had this a couple of times so it pays to have your kit ready and just go with the flow. If this isn't you, then you might want to think twice about attending!  

While in the hides, there are likely to be sustained periods of very little to no activity, so it is essential that you are of an easy-going nature, mix well with others and not someone who is intense, prefers their own company and 'expects' results! There'll be plenty of opportunities during downtime and over meals for frivolity! :)   

FINALLY...
Thank you very much indeed for considering this tour. Should you have any questions - however small or insignificant you think they might be - do drop me a line. I’m here to help and provide you with an incredible experience!

(Photos by Robert Canis)