Don „Duck“ Bearer, a well-known wildlife photographer and hunter from Carrolltown, Cambria County, has made a name for himself through his captivating wild animal photography. With a passion for wildlife that dates back to his childhood, Bearer combines his hunting skills with his love for photography to capture stunning images of the local fauna.
Bearer’s journey into wildlife photography began at the age of 12 when he first picked up a camera. Since then, he has honed his skills and developed a keen eye for capturing the beauty and essence of wild animals in their natural habitats. His dedication to the craft is evident in the patience and perseverance he puts into each photo, often spending hours in the gamelands or at his family’s hunting camp in Clinton County to get the perfect shot.
His work is prominently displayed at Bearer Appliances, the family business in Carrolltown, where customers can admire and purchase his prints. Bearer also creates printed cards featuring his photographs, which he uses as thank you notes for customers and donates large prints with custom-made frames to various nonprofit organizations in the area.
One of the keys to Bearer’s success is his ability to get up close and personal with his wild subjects. He prefers to rely on his tracking skills and patience to approach animals without disturbing them, resulting in intimate and captivating photographs. His dedication to his craft is evident in the lengths he goes to capture the perfect shot, whether it’s lying on the ground to photograph a baby red squirrel or spending weeks tracking an elk shedding its velvet.
Bearer’s photography has garnered praise from customers and wildlife enthusiasts alike. His photos, which are displayed at Simple Men Outdoors in nearby Patton, attract attention for their quality and the unique perspective they offer on local wildlife. Bearer’s ability to connect with his subjects and capture their essence in his photographs sets his work apart and makes it highly sought after by collectors and nature lovers.
Despite his success as a wildlife photographer, Bearer remains humble and dedicated to his craft. He continues to venture into the woods alone, seeking out new opportunities to capture the beauty of nature through his lens. With each photograph, he tells a story, whether it’s a chance encounter with a bobcat or a long-awaited moment with an elk shedding its velvet.
As Don „Duck“ Bearer continues to pursue his passion for wildlife photography, his work serves as a testament to the beauty and wonder of the natural world. Through his lens, he invites viewers to see the world through his eyes and experience the magic of the wilderness in a whole new light.
