Wildlife Tracking Apprenticeship

Expert tracking instructors Jason Knight and Filip Tkaczyk are experienced wildlife biologists and are among the top wildlife trackers in North America. Both have been evaluated by CyberTracker Conservation International and have scored Specialist Level Track & Sign Certificates (100% scores). Jason has also received a Level III Trailing Certificate.

The Tracking Apprenticeship consists of:

• Tracking together as a small group at diverse tracking locations in the Pacific Northwest.
• Reviewing and discussing track & sign photos and recent tracking research.
• Support for individual learning projects.

• Improving track & sign identification skills for difficult species including birds, small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and insects, as well as documenting tracks and sign of species not covered in published tracking guides.
• Practicing efficient trailing skills. Trailing animals in different types of terrain, with the goal of reaching the animal without disturbing it. Species of focus for trailing include elk, deer, black bear, cougar, and human.

• Increasing track interpretation skills such as determining gender, relative age of individual animals, numbers of individuals in groups, and reading specific behaviors from tracks and sign.

The Tracking Apprenticeship At a Glance:

Upcoming Dates:
Winter/Spring Season: Feb 11, Mar 31, Apr 7-8, 2012
Fall Season: Sep 8, Oct 6, Nov 17-18, 2012

Locations: Various field sites in Washington State, with carpooling options from Monroe, WA.

Instructors: Jason Knight and Filip Tkaczyk

Course fee: $750/year or $400/season