Wildlife Trailing Evaluation with Nate Harvey

CyberTracker Trailing Evaluations

From the CyberTracker North America Website:

At a CyberTracker Trailing Evaluation, every participant takes a turn as lead tracker. The goal is to follow an animal’s fresh spoor to locate it on the landscape, guide the group to approach and observe it, and, finally, to exit the area without alerting the animal to any human presence. Every tracking situation is different, so we are always in the position of having to “figure it out.” This uniqueness also results in variations to the exact experience of each participant, dictated by field conditions and animal behavior.

We assess every participant’s ability to follow spoor, recognize and interpret tracks & sign, anticipate where the trail is going, read the trail for danger, interpret the ecological context of the trail, and approach the animal, if the occasion arises.

The Trailing Evaluation is internationally recognized as a professional certification. For those who are not yet ready for certification as Professionals, the Evaluation is a field training in “test” form with the goal simply to strengthen our ability to read sign efficiently, accurately, and to progress along a trail. Trailing puts into play our skill at Track & Sign interpretation, and the need to “figure it out” intensifies our level of attention and focus, as well as our ability to absorb and retain information. Combined with a supportive group-learning experience, this becomes a uniquely powerful, skill-changing experience.

Each participant receives individualized feedback at the conclusion of the evaluation based on what the Evaluator observed during the Evaluation with suggestions for continued development. We recommend that participants have prior trailing experience since Evaluators only provide feedback at the end of the two days in the field. Evaluators always emphasize learning and development so every participant leaves with more clarity about how to improve.

At Standard Evaluations, we typically follow any of the ungulates, especially deer, elk, moose, feral hogs, javelina, and bighorn sheep; however, participants should be prepared to follow the trail of any animal large enough to leave sign, e.g., bears. When there are venue or weather constraints, we may use human trails in combination with animal trails. 

Lead trackers must always consider the safety of the group. Certification at the Professional level requires the tracker to manage the group successfully in approaching the animal and exiting the area undetected.

There are many levels of certification. To earn a certificate, participants will have to hit a minimum score threshold of 70%. However, the underlying impetus is not just about attaining a certificate, but rather the rich educational benefit the Evaluation provides. Tracking skill accrues with experience, and Evaluations are an effective tool for rapidly increasing one’s ability and measuring progress over time.

What to Expect at a Trailing Evaluation

The Trailing Evaluation is an opportunity for each tracker to follow a trail so we can observe the animal who is leaving it, while it is relaxed. Here are some specifics of what you can expect while in the field during a Trailing Evaluation:

• Trailing Evaluations are entirely outside in the field. Bring appropriate clothing for the weather, as well as enough food and water for each day. You should be prepared for a full day in the woods or desert.
• Participants are assessed on their ability to move through the landscape without disturbing wildlife. Natural colored clothing and other appropriate attire and equipment is recommended.
• Each Evaluation has two to four participants.
• We follow tracks wherever the animals go, if it is safe: up and down mountains, across creeks, through swamps, into thickets, all of which can be physically challenging.
• The distances walked depend on the density of animals, the species followed, and the skill level of the lead tracker. Expect to walk at least a few miles cross country each day. The pace is often slow, and you may stand for long periods while the lead tracker looks for an unclear trail.
• Participants are on-trail for different lengths of time. The Evaluator watches trackers for as long as necessary to understand what they need to work on next to improve.
• As lead tracker, your goal is to choose a trail, follow it, interpret the animal’s behavior, stay alert to the environment of the trail, show the animal to the Evaluator and the group, and sneak away undetected. Not all of that occurs on every trail, but it is the ultimate goal.
• The Evaluator may ask questions, and some may not have a clear answer: Which way is the wind blowing? What did the animal do here? Where is the animal going? Is the animal aware of us? Is it female or male, adult or young? Answers are not recorded as right or wrong as at a Track & Sign Evaluation, but they reflect the tracker’s understanding of natural history, animal behavior, and spoor interpretation.
• While not on point as lead tracker, you have a chance to observe how other trackers work trails. If a highly skilled tracker is being evaluated, then you will witness excellent tracking. Having the chance to work with peers and share experiences within your crew adds another valuable learning opportunity.
• During the two days, you will see, first-hand, animal behavior as it is reflected in the trail; you may watch animals; you will come away with a clearer sense of how to age tracks and relocate a trail after losing it; an understanding of how to play wind currents to your advantage; and how to move through the woods quietly in order to sneak up on animals.
• The rigors of a Trailing Evaluation will push you to the edge of your tracking abilities and help move you past a wall in your tracking practice.
• At the end of day two, the Evaluator will provide feedback on what you did well and where you can improve. You will receive a score and, if earned, a CyberTracker Certification for Trailing.