FEBRUARY 2026
WINTER WOLF WORKSHOPS
Immerse yourself amongst Eastern North Carolina wildlife for 3 days! Join me and two other wildlife lovers for this unique tour of Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge.
In winter, there is a lot less bear and reptile activity; however, this is an excellent time of year for red wolves and the potential for elusive bobcats as well as river otters, migratory waterfowl, and other critters.
Dates:
Workshop 1 : Thursday February 19-Saturday February 21 2026
Workshop 2: Thursday February 26-Saturday February 28 2026
With the government shutdown, 2026 guiding permits are still underway so I’m not taking deposits for these spots yet, just interest sign up (see below).
To inquire more, email wildlifewithaspen@gmail.com
Please note the wildlife ethics policy & viewing guarantees below.
* You may notice that I do not have workshops spanning a Saturday and Sunday, which may be more convenient. However, per the guidelines of my guiding permit I am allowed only 1 guide on the weekends. Thanks for understanding!
Thursday February 19-Saturday February 21 2026
Thursday February 26-Saturday February 28 2026
Wildlife ethics are at the forefront of my guiding. We will never harass, chase, or bait animals. Many of the animals on the refuge are somewhat used to people, but if I notice that an animal becomes distressed or we are blocking their path, we will move aside. This is particularly true for the critically endangered red wolf.
Wildlife viewing guarantee- The refuge is not a zoo; these are wild animals living freely. There is no guarantee to see any particular species on your trip although I will do my best to make the experience as animal-filled as possible. It is exceedingly rare for wolves to come particularly close to the roads (and that is good for their safety)- most viewing opportunities of this rare canid are from afar.
Workshop Information
Price: $1000/ person for 2.5 days
(private guides are $800 for a full day)
Inclusions: Introduction dinner (alcohol not included), transport, snacks, water, bug spray, bear spray.
Exclusions: Hotel, other meals, transport from an airport*
Where to stay: I highly recommend that you stay in Manteo, as Hotel Manteo parking lot is where dawn and afternoon pick-ups will be. My top hotel recommendations are the Hotel Manteo or the Scarborough Inn.
What to bring: Camera (highly recommended but not required), long pants, comfortable shoes that can get muddy. You will be required to wear hunter orange during the guide (vest provided).
* If you are flying into Raleigh-Durham and the timing works out, I may be able to pick you up the day BEFORE the workshop begins as I pass by this way on the way to the refuge. This is not at all guaranteed but I am happy to do it if the timing works out. Gratuity is appreciated but not required.
Sign Up!
To sign up for a workshop, email me at wildlifewithaspen@gmail.com and I’ll get you on the roster. A nonrefundable deposit of $500 will be required to book your spot. I am not currently taking deposits at this time as the government shutdown has slowed down permits for 2026, but I am taking inquiry sign ups.
The remaining balance will be due 7 days before the first day of the workshop.
Workshop Itinerary
Day 1
~1pm: Meet in Manteo for introductions and a complimentary intro lunch at Poor Richard’s Sandwich Shop in Manteo
Evening: Wildlife searching and photography, introduction to the red wolf program and biology
After Sunset: Hotel drop-off in Manteo
Day 2:
~Hour before sunrise: Manteo hotel pick-up and coffee run (if needed)
~Morning: Wildlife searching and photography, starting with red wolves and moving onto birds, reptiles, otters
~Noon: Midday break; optional group excursion to refuge visitor center
~3pm: Meet in Manteo to head back to refuge
~Evening: Wildlife searching and photography, focusing on red wolves
~After Sunset: Return to Manteo
Day 3:
~Hour before sunrise: Manteo hotel pick-up and coffee run (if needed)
~Morning: Wildlife searching and photography, with focus on bobcat if red wolves have already been spotted
~Noon: Midday break; optional group excursion to refuge visitor center
~3pm: Meet in Manteo to head back to refuge
~Evening: Wildlife searching and photography, focusing on red wolves
~After Sunset: Return to Manteo
See what people are saying…
FAQs
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If you’re particularly interested in seeing red wolves, I will tailor your experience to do my best to see them. However, this is a critically endangered species of wolf and we will never bait or harass them. Most wolf sightings are from far away and may be brief. There is never a guarantee to see wolves, but we’re most likely to see them at dawn or dusk.
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Yes! I highly recommend the Scarborough Inn in Manteo. It is highly recommended you stay in Manteo as this is where morning and afternoon pick-ups occur.
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Particularly in the summer, weather in coastal North Carolina can be unpredictable. There will likely be rainfall in the afternoon but animals often come out after a brief shower. Workshops will not be re-booked except in cases of hurricanes or tropical storms.
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Likely there will be a short hike (about a mile) in the morning, with more or less if everybody in the group agrees.
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Yes! Children are absolutely allowed. Please keep in mind there may be long periods of time in the car.
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Particularly in the warmer months, North Carolina can be excruciatingly hot. Wildlife is not nearly as active; additionally, since we start at dawn and days are long, it can make for an exhausting day! Clients have chosen to visit local coffee shops, stores, and the super fun North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island. Optional group excursions can include the NC Aquarium or the Refuge Visitor Center, or you can relax alone in your hotel.
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No! However, if you do have a professional camera, absolutely do bring it along. I provide binoculars and wildlife viewing can still be a wonderful experience without a camera. Note that if you have no camera or a short lens, you will not be allowed to approach/ get too close to wildlife.