A. Sax Zim Bog Minnesota Adventure! January 26th-30th, 2026
$2,095 USD Single occupancy - $1,895 USD Shared Occupancy
Led by Donald Quintana
Join me for an unforgettable winter wildlife photography adventure in the world-famous Sax-Zim Bog of northern Minnesota—an iconic destination for birders and photographers alike.
This boutique tour is limited to just 3 participants, allowing for a deeply personalized experience with individual attention and instruction throughout. We’ll explore the frosty backroads of the Bog in my private vehicle, on the lookout for elusive and charismatic northern species such as the Great Gray Owl, Boreal Owl, Northern Hawk Owl, and the ever-curious Peanut Butter Pine Marten (ask me about it—you won’t be disappointed).
As your guide and mentor, I’ll be with you every step of the way, helping you hone your skills, spot wildlife, and make the most of the magical winter light. Whether you’re after a once-in-a-lifetime shot or simply craving the serenity of the snowy northwoods, this tour offers the chance to slow down, see deeply, and connect with nature through your lens.
Don’t miss this opportunity to photograph some of North America’s most sought-after winter wildlife in an intimate, expert-led setting.
To sign up, send me an e-mail letting me know you are interested!
Tour Itinerary:
• Monday, January 26: Participant arrival, orientation, and afternoon shoot
• Tuesday–Thursday, January 27–29: Full days of guided photography
• Friday, January 30: Morning shoot and farewells
With space for only three participants, this small-group adventure ensures plenty of one-on-one time, personalized instruction, and the flexibility to follow wildlife as opportunities arise. We’ll journey through the snow-covered backroads of Sax-Zim Bog in my own vehicle, scanning the frosty landscape for some of the Northland’s most iconic and hard-to-find species—Great Gray Owls, Boreal Owls, Northern Hawk Owls, and yes, the legendary Peanut Butter Pine Marten (curious? You should be!).
Dress warm—really warm—and pack like you’re heading into the Arctic. Layers, insulated boots, hand warmers, and windproof outerwear are essential. This is deep winter in northern Minnesota, and the cold can be as extreme as the wildlife is extraordinary.
Bring both your long lenses for distant subjects and shorter lenses for intimate scenes, environmental portraits, and those surprise moments that happen close to the road.
Sax-Zim Bog in winter is a snow-draped wonderland, where every frosty breath, hoarfrost-covered branch, and silent owl sighting becomes part of the magic. Opportunities abound—not just for rare species, but for powerful, quiet images that truly capture the spirit of the North Woods.
Tour Pricing
We offer two pricing options based on your lodging preference:
• Shared Occupancy: $1,895 per participant
Includes shared lodging, all group transportation, instructor services, and more.
• Single Occupancy: $2,095 per participant
Includes private lodging room for the duration of the tour.all group transportation, instructor services, and more.
What’s Included
• 4 nights’ lodging (Jan 26–29) at local area hotel
• Ground transportation (SUV, winter-equipped)
• Professional guiding and photography instruction
• Support with locating and photographing target species
What’s Not Included
• Your airfare or personal transportation to Duluth, MN
• Meals and snacks
• Cold-weather clothing or camera gear
• Travel insurance or incidental expenses