Jody, thanks for the 'Wow'. While technique is important, knowing where to go and how the subjects behave is equally (if not more) important. You have some excellent refuges near you, and winter is a great time to be there. I believe Bear Valley has an auto tour route. If you don't have a bean bag for shooting from your vehicle, that is one of the first things I would get.
If I remember correctly, you shoot Canon. The Canon 100-400 lens that Andy mentions is an affordable and excellent lens for wildlife photography.
Have fun, but be careful... It's addictive