Mowdy Ranch is located 12 miles NE of Coalgate, OK, approximately two hours from McKinney. The ranch is one of four wild horse sanctuaries designated as a public off-range pasture for the Bureau of Land Management. Mowdy Ranch comprises 4,000 acres of wooded hills and open valleys in southeastern Oklahoma. The ranch offers photographic tours for photographers who want to be out at sunrise and sunset. Touring is in an open-air UTV and can last two to three hours. The ranch website is www.mowdyranch.com.
What will you see at Mowdy Ranch? Wild mustangs in their natural habitat. All tours will be escorted. Some of the horses have become habituated to humans and you can get very close, others will not allow you near them. You will not see any intentional herding or running of the horses for photographic opportunities. Our schedule:
Escorted sunset tour Friday night
Escorted sunrise tour Saturday morning
Escorted shooting at various locations on the ranch Saturday
Photography on your own and depart Sunday
We will make group dinner arrangements later.
Please review the Mowdy Ranch website for other recreational opportunities. For example, they have fishing and horseback riding.
Lodging
There is limited space at the Mowdy Ranch guest lodge. The lodge has a total of 6 guest rooms. Review the ranch lodging options on their website and contact the ranch directly for reservations. Our point of contact is Kit Mowdy. It is best to text her at 580-927-5093. Let her know you are with the Heard Nature Photographers.
There are two RV hookups on the ranch.
Coalgate OK. Located about 20 minutes from the ranch.
HIWay Inn Express – google gives 4 stars
Country Charm Inn – google gives 3 stars
Atoka OK. Located about 30 minutes from the ranch.
Best Western Atoka Inn & Suites – google gives 4.2 stars
Comfort Inn and Suites Atoka – google gives 4 stars
Meals
Meals are not provided by the ranch. Participants may bring food to prepare in the lodge kitchen or outside grill or may drive to Coalgate or Akola.
Gear
Bring it all, including your tripod for night photography.
Cost
The cost for the tours will be $50 per person for the Friday night/Saturday morning/Saturday night combination in addition to lodging.