The past three winters, I was the first to befriend and photograph snowy owls in the St. Vallier region (and other locations) - a process that took much time and effort, with help from a couple of fellow photographers. For example, the winter of 2007-8, it wasn't till February 22 before I managed to get close to my first snowy. By that time, almost everyone gave up hope and abandoned St. Vallier.
I will not be the first do so at St. Vallier this year.
Prior to me, a good friend of mine did the same there. He also stopped at this too-well known area for the same reasons, as I will explain below.
Once the work was done for them, photographers from all over came down to photograph these birds.
I didn't mind good friends with me, and most people know that I am good-natured and giving as to snowy owl photography.
Unfortunately, my patience came to an end last winter when a new disturbing element was added to the mix.
Individuals began arriving with paying groups to profit not only from other people's work, but also off the private property owners where the owls were located. Friendly snowy owl visits became frustrating crowd control sessions with guides and high-paying clients harassing the birds.
Towards the end of the season, I abandoned St. Vallier and went elsewhere in private.
This winter, I will not get the ball rolling at St. Vallier. I have rejected several offers from guides for this season.
I will be befriending snowy owls in private and tranquility. It will also be easier to hobble on my poor mangled knees :-)
I don't know how this will affect the profiteers, perhaps they may have to do actual work for their money, but this is not my problem.
I will still occasionally visit St. Vallier, there are snow buntings there that interest me, and of course, I won't pass up the chance encounter with any snowys that I may cross.
And of course, I will maintain confidentiality as requested by friends who share their friendly owls with me.

Cheers,
Mike