WINTER TRACKING Surveys
Tracking surveys are conducted by snowshoe in Mt Hood National Forest.
Season: December through March
Training Sessions: November
Stay up to Date on the Winter 2021-22 Season!
Sign up to receive news about upcoming volunteer opportunities:
Season: December through March
Training Sessions: November
Stay up to Date on the Winter 2021-22 Season!
Sign up to receive news about upcoming volunteer opportunities:
Most wild animals are difficult to observe, even though they are all around us. By interpreting the footprints and other signs wildlife leave behind, tracking provides a way to unravel their mystery. These surveys tell us not only about the presence of animals but also how they are using and interacting with an environment, which in turn can inform us about the health of the ecosystem.
These surveys provide a place for new and experienced trackers alike to strengthen their skills, get together with like-minded people, and participate in a long-term survey to detect signs of rare forest carnivores. Even if you are new to tracking, your observations are valuable, providing more eyes and brain-power to help find tracks.
Read more about the Wolverine Tracking Project.
These surveys provide a place for new and experienced trackers alike to strengthen their skills, get together with like-minded people, and participate in a long-term survey to detect signs of rare forest carnivores. Even if you are new to tracking, your observations are valuable, providing more eyes and brain-power to help find tracks.
Read more about the Wolverine Tracking Project.
Survey goals
Measuring coyote tracks
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Our winter snow tracking surveys have two goals:
Tracking is a skill you can spend your whole lifetime learning and still not know everything. We want to be able to share this ancient art with you, to help you either start or continue down that long road of knowledge. It encompasses knowledge of animal behavior, awareness, ecology, and more. The more you study tracking, the more you realize that everything, in fact, leaves a track of some sort. |
The following information gives an overview of the Tracking Surveys and the role of our Tracking Teams. Some of the information specifically applies to our Winter 2020-21 Tracking Season. Some survey details, such as required equipment, training costs, and survey structure, may change for Winter 2021-22. For example, in typical seasons we will provide snowshoeing equipment and organize carpools, but for the 2020-21 season, we eliminated this to provide a more safe experience for our staff, volunteers, and tracking leaders during the pandemic. Read on for more info, and if you have any questions, let us know.
Group Surveys
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New and Experienced Trackers
Group Tracking Surveys are conducted in teams of three Trackers and one trained and experienced Tracking Leader. These groups are smaller than other years to help minimize the risk of COVID-19. The small group size also helps to encourage group participation while being large enough to have more eyes on the ground to search for tracks! Surveys are typically day-long excursions that arrive to the mountain around 9:00 am, allowing for plenty of time to search for hare, bobcat, coyote, and - if we are lucky - the tracks of some of our Target Species. Most surveys are on Saturdays and Sundays, however we try to schedule at least one weekday trip as well. A three-part Tracker Training is required of all new participants to learn tracking basics and how to conduct a survey. Tracker Training is $35 - the same price as an Annual Membership, and provides you with all the same benefits of membership in addition to learning tracking skills! |
A group survey inspects hare tracks
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Self-organized Surveys
Trackers follow a ridge as they search for tracks
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Experienced and Returning Trackers
Self-organized tracking surveys are conducted by Trackers who have attended Tracker Training and at least two Group Tracking Surveys, who have passed a Tracking Evaluation, and who feel confident in their winter tracking abilities. Self-Organized Trackers are welcome to go out tracking whenever they like, although we have certain transects that must be surveyed. We also ask that these trackers do not survey alone - you must be accompanied by at least one other person. One online training on survey protocols is also be provided. |
Requirements
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Tracker Requirements - Group Surveys
Everyone is welcome to apply, no experience is necessary. However, you must:
Children under 18 years of age are welcome as long as they can meet the physical requirements and are accompanied by a Parent/Guardian.
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Additional Requirements for Self-Organized Trackers:
*The person(s) accompanying the Tracker on surveys does not need to meet the above qualifications and does not need to apply, but does need to sign a liability waiver. |
All volunteers have the option to receive the Cascadia Wildlife Weekly Newsletter - which includes all the week's best wildlife photos and news - and have access to all of the season's camera photos.
Volunteers also have access to the data collected throughout the season and receive discounts on select classes, events, and workshops.
Volunteers also have access to the data collected throughout the season and receive discounts on select classes, events, and workshops.
Equipment required
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All Trackers must supply their own equipment, including:
Trackers must supply their own snowshoes this season
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All Self-Organized Trackers must also supply:
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Common winter tracking locations
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Not sure what to bring? See our packing list for some recommendations!
Looking at Mt Hood from Surveyor's Ridge
