Winter Tracking Surveys

Tracking surveys are conducted by snowshoe in Mt Hood National Forest.
Season: December through March
Training Sessions: November

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.

Survey goals

Measuring coyote tracks

Our winter snow tracking surveys have two goals:

Record data on animal species seen
Teach participants about animal tracking, wildlife, and the natural world

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.

Winter 2022-23 Tracking Season

Group Tracking surveys

A group survey inspects hare tracks

For New and Experienced Trackers

Group Tracking Surveys are conducted in teams of up to 10 Trackers and 1-2 experienced Cascadia Wild Tracking Leaders for a total group size of 3-12 people total. Tracking in a group allows for a better survey - the more eyes on the ground and the more hands to help document tracks improves the data quality and our knowledge of local wildlife. Group Tracking Surveys are an excellent opportunity to gain experience tracking and to learn from Tracking Leaders, Apprentices, and each other all winter long!

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, many other wildlife, 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.

Self-organized Tracking surveys

Trackers follow a ridge as they search for tracks

For Experienced and Returning Trackers

Self-Organized tracking surveys are conducted by experienced Trackers who want to get out and cover some snowy trails in smaller groups and on their own schedule. Self-Organized Trackers have attended Tracker Training and at least two Group Tracking Surveys and 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 - another Tracker, or even just a friend who wants to tag along!

Tracking Apprenticeship

For Returning Trackers

The Tracking Apprenticeship is designed for Trackers looking to further develop their tracking and leadership skills under the mentorship of Tracking Leaders.
Tracking Apprentices are returning Trackers who:

have participated in the Winter Group Tracking Surveys for at least one season and attended two surveys,
have a solid foundational knowledge in identifying and interpreting the track and sign of Mt. Hood National Forest wildlife, and
a passion for sharing this knowledge with others.

Tracking Apprentices help Tracking Leaders on Group Tracking Surveys and are encouraged to use their time in the apprenticeship to their fullest benefit, taking tracking classes and participating in as many surveys as they would like and are able.

Learn more about the Tracking Apprenticeship, and let us know if you are interested!

Apprenticeship

Training

Volunteer Training
Before attending a survey, participants need to attend the online training. This training covers background information on the surveys and survey protocols. The training for returning volunteers differs in that it will focus on what has changed from previous years and will go into more depth on tracks. If you are not able to attend the training, the sessions will be recorded; you will need to watch this at your earliest convenience and prior to helping on a survey.

Tracker Training for New Volunteers: November 3, 6:30-7:30 pm
Tracker Training for Returning Volunteers: November 9, 6:30-7:30 pm

These trainings are online, and will be recorded for those who can't attend.

Introduction to Wildlife Tracking course

In addition, trackers are required to attend the Introduction to Wildlife Tracking course, to learn to identify the tracks and trail patterns of the animals we expect to see during the surveys. We would like even experienced trackers to take this course as well, as it will cover a lot of tracking information specific to tracking in snow around Mt Hood. The class is offered as a sliding scale - pay what you can ($35 recommended).

Introduction to Wildlife Tracking - Online class: November 10, 6:30-8:30 pm

An optional in-person Field Training will also be offered that will provide additional instruction in identifying tracks and trail patterns in real life. If you are new to tracking, this hands-on training will especially be very helpful. It will be held along the Sandy River floodplain in Oxbow Park. There will be three sessions to choose from. There is no additional charge for the field session, however, there is a $5 entry fee to Oxbow Park.

Introduction to Wildlife Tracking - Optional field class:

November 12, 10:00 am-12:00 pm (noon)
November 20, 10:00 am-12:00 pm
November 26, 10:00 am-12:00 pm

group Survey dates

Group Survey Trips happen most weekends from December through mid March. Here are the surveys dates for the 2022-21 season:

December: Sat Dec 3, Sat Dec 10 (for Tracking Leaders and Apprentices), Tue Dec 13, Sun Dec 18, Sat Dec 31
January: Sat Jan 7, Tue Jan 10, Sun Jan 15, Sat Jan 28
February: Sat-Sun Feb 4-5(Overnight snow camping trip), Mon Feb 6, Sat Feb 18, Sat Feb 25, Sun Feb 27
March: Sun Mar 5

Trip sign ups will begin after the online training.

Requirements

Group Tracker Requirements: 

Everyone is welcome to apply, no experience is necessary!
However, you must meet the following qualifications:

be able to snowshoe up to 2 miles. This is the equivalent to hiking around 5 miles. If you have never been on snowshoes before, be aware that it uses different muscles than you might be used to!
be comfortable in various survey conditions for up to 6 hours, which can involve: rain and/or snow; icy surfaces or deep snow; standing in one place for long periods of time to inspect tracks/trails/sign; and some uphill snowshoeing.
provide all required gear and equipment (see below)
provide own transportation
*Drivers must be comfortable driving in winter conditions, and highway regulations require that 2-wheel drive vehicles carry tire chains.
accurately follow survey protocol
attend the training (online) or have participated in the training in a previous season
commit to at least 2 surveys in the season

*Children under 18 years of age are welcome as long as they can meet the physical requirements and are accompanied by a Parent/Guardian.

Self-Organized Trackers - Additional Requirements:

Must have attended Tracker Training with Cascadia Wild in this or a previous season
Participation in at least 2 group tracking surveys

Confidence conducting a tracking survey without the support of a group or Tracking Leader
Ability to accurately and thoroughly document encountered tracks and sign and correctly collect, label, and store genetic samples
Experience navigating using a GPS or mapping application, paper maps, and a compass
Experience and confidence snowshoeing on the mountain in winter conditions
Have a friend, family member, colleague, or other person(s) to participate with you in each survey*

*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.

For the requirements of the Tracking Apprentice, see the Tracking Apprenticeship page.

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 wildlife camera photos.

Volunteers also have access to the data collected throughout the season and receive discounts on select classes, events, and workshops.

Equipment required

All Trackers

*Snowshoes
Personal gear such as boots, clothing, food and water, and guides
*Personal safety gear
*Sno Park permit for each vehicle

Items marked with an *asterisk can be requested from Cascadia Wild. Equipment is reserved on a first-come basis and is subject to availability.

Trackers can borrow snowshoes from Cascadia Wild.

Self-Organized Trackers must also supply...

*GPS or mapping application, with the ability to upload tracks and waypoints
Camera
Ruler
Measuring Tape
*Genetic Sample Collection items: paper bags, disposable gloves, tweezers, lighter, and envelopes
*Data Sheets
*Pencil and clipboard
Access to a computer to upload data sheets, GPS files, and photos.

Not sure what personal gear to bring? See our packing list for some recommendations!

REady to start tracking?

Thank you to everyone who joined the Winter 2022-23 Tracking Team!
If you'd like to receive a notice when we open registration for the next season, sign up for the WTP Mailing List.

WTP Mailing List