Wild Black Bear Photography at Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary
Difficulty
easy
Duration
Full day (dawn to dusk) option available
Fitness Level
Moderate walking ability across uneven terrain is beneficial, but no strenuous hiking is required.
Overview
Photograph wild black bears in northern Minnesota with private access at Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary. Capture stunning wildlife moments in a safe, serene setting from dawn to dusk.
Private Photography Sessions
Ages 18+ • Stay all day!
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About This Adventure
Experience the thrill of photographing wild black bears during exclusive hours at the Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary. After a safety briefing, roam the 2.5 acres as these magnificent creatures exhibit their natural behaviors. Capture stunning images from dawn to dusk, making unforgettable memories in a unique, serene environment.
Film and view the bears during closed hours!
Hours
You are welcome to stay all day, from before dawn to just after dusk. We will contact you the week before your booking to confirm feeding times so you can plan your visit. They are based on daylight and bear activity.
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Tuesday through Saturday: Still Photography Fee - $275 per person, per day, regardless of weather conditions, bear activity, or how long you photograph.
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Sunday and Monday: The Sanctuary is closed to visitors on Sundays and Mondays. Photographers wishing to shoot at the Sanctuary on a Sunday or Monday will be charged a fee of $350 per person and need to contact our office for approval.
About
Designed for professional photographers, videographers, moviemakers, or individuals who want to film or view the bears during closed hours.
The Experience After a mandatory bear safety session, private photographers get to roam the open areas by foot in our 2.5 acres as wild bears go about their day. Photo session length varies with the time of year and bear activity. Once you register, a representative will be in touch to give you a start time. Since the bears are on a strict feeding schedule, we do not allow photographers on the grounds any earlier than the time that is communicated to you. Most photographers arrive around first light and stay until sunset. You may bring a lunch with you to eat in the safety of your car, however, you may also leave the property for lunch and then come back to finish your photo session.
The Bears There are numerous individual wild black bears that visit the Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary throughout the summer season. They range in age from females with spring cubs to old males approaching their thirtieth birthday. They vary in color from the deepest black to all shades of brown. They exhibit natural behaviors that even seasoned researchers rarely, if ever get to witness including scent marking, mating, play, dispersal, nursing, and dominance struggles. Some have called the Sanctuary “the best place in North America to photograph wild black bears in their natural habitat”.
Adventure Tips
Follow the Feeding Schedule
Plan your session around the sanctuary’s strict bear feeding times to maximize wildlife activity and photo opportunities.
Bring Weather-Appropriate Gear
Northern Minnesota’s weather can be variable; layer accordingly and prepare for early morning chills and evening dampness.
Respect Bear Safety Protocols
Attend the mandatory safety briefing and stay alert to wildlife behavior to maintain a safe distance and protect both yourself and the bears.
Use Telephoto Lenses
Keep a safe distance while capturing detailed shots by using lenses with a focal length of 300mm or more.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Wild black bears of varying ages and coats
- Northern Minnesota deer and small mammals occasionally visible
History
Established in the 1960s to protect black bears and provide research opportunities, the sanctuary has become a key site for bear conservation.
Conservation
The sanctuary operates under strict guidelines to minimize human impact and maintain natural bear behaviors, promoting sustainable wildlife tourism.
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Adventure Hotspots in Duluth
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Telephoto Zoom Lens (300mm+)
Allows close-up shots of bears while maintaining a safe distance.
Weather-Resistant Clothing
Protects against rain, wind, and insects during variable weather.
spring|summer|fall specific
Tripod or Monopod
Helps stabilize camera for sharp images during low light conditions.
Bug Spray
Keeps mosquitoes and biting insects at bay during warmer months.
spring|summer|fall specific