Come travel with the Friends of Hagerman to Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge! October 2-3 - Your choice of Elk Tour, Historic Tours or On Your Own!
Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge has been described as a jewel in the National Wildlife Refuge System, and this is your opportunity to enjoy a private tour with the Friends of Hagerman.
· Ride a comfy 52-passenger bus from Sherman to Lawton, Friday, Oct. 2. Overnight in Lawton.
· Saturday, October 3, you will have your choice of the Bugling Elk Tour, the Historical Sites Tour, or independent hiking, birding, etc. at the Wichita Mountains Refuge.
· Lunch in quaint cobblestone community, Medicine Park, Oklahoma, and return to Sherman by evening.
The Elk Tour is limited to 26 persons, first come first serve.
Don’t delay in registering for the trip. Bring your friends!! $190 per person, based on double room occupancy. Friday supper & Saturday lunch not included. This is the maximum price; if enough participants register, the final cost will be reduced, depending on the number who have registered by September 15.
Trip Details:
Bugling Elk Tour: The refuge is home to nearly 800 elk; their breeding season begins in September and bulls will be competing for harems, or groups of cows, with the eerie sound of bugling ringing throughout the refuge during this time. The elk, focus of this tour, are grazers and will be quite visible in the open grasslands. In addition the refuge is also home to bison, longhorns, prairie dogs and a host of other wildlife, including the black-capped vireo.
Historical sites Tour: Among the oldest ranges on earth, the Wichita Mountains are rich in historical lore. Spanish traders bartered with several Indian tribes there, and legends of lost mines and buried treasure persist. Comanches used the mountains as a safe retreat from raids into Texas and Mexico, and Quanah Parker called the Wichita Mountains home. Teddy Roosevelt enjoyed a wolf hunt at the Refuge. The Historical Sites Tour participants will visit various sites on the refuge, as well as view wildlife along the route.
· Meet in the parking lot at NW corner Loy Lake Rd. and Taylor St. in Sherman. (It will be safe to leave your car there overnight)
· Depart Sherman, 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, arrive Lawton, OK approx 5 -6 p.m.
· Dinner on your own in designated restaurant
· Overnight, Springhill Suites, spacious studio suites, refrigerator, microwave, and free WIFI, indoor pool with spa
· Early-wake-up call for Oct. 3, complimentary breakfast snack, depart hotel at 6 a.m. for choice of Bugling Elk tour (6:30 a.m. start), OR Historical Sites Tour OR Birding, hiking, etc. on your own at WMWR. Tours will be for our group exclusively, and we will have time to take in the Visitor Center also (Dioramas, exhibits, art, gift shop).
Depart WMWR, Noon, for Medicine Park, OK, Lunch on your own at Bistro in Winery of the Wichitas, and time to explore historic cobblestone community where “Flute Gathering” featuring handmade instruments, arts & crafts, live performances all day, will be in progress.
Depart Medicine Park 3 p.m., arrive Sherman 6 p.m., Oct. 3
Price includes comfortable 52 passenger bus, snacks en route, hotel - double room, light breakfast, Refuge tour, and gratuities. The Friday evening meal and Saturday lunch are on your own. $190. per person, based on double room occupancy (Single supplement - $52.)
The Elk Tour is limited to 26 persons, first come first serve. Don’t delay in registering for the trip. A $50 deposit per person will be required at the time you register, and you will need to specify your tour choice at that time. Balance payable in full by September 15. Major credit cards accepted. All arrangement handled through Travel Partners, Sherman. Make your reservation now with our agent, Dee Lough, 903 892 4666 or toll free 800-878-2776. Those paying by check may mail to Travel Partners, 2002 Loy Rd. Sherman, TX 75090, AFTER registering by phone.
For more information on Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, see http://www.fws.gov/southwest/refuges/oklahoma/wichitamountains/index.html
Photo credits: Elk, Wichita Mountains WR website; Panorama, Michael Haight.