Join us February 20th for a “Hands On, Boots on the Ground” course entitled, “Animal Tracking and Sign Interpretation.” This class is designed for the citizen scientist, and presented to convey the scientific methodologies and open our awareness to the “Art of Tracking.” An awesome slide show highlighting our instructor’s involvement in Marten, Fisher, Wolverine and Lynx research will cover approximately 70 species of local wildlife, focusing on the mustelid family, including: ermine; mink; marten; fisher; wolverine; lynx; otter; badger; and the subtle differences in the sign and trails these mid size carnivores leave for us in the solitude of winter’s blanket. This workshop can enhance your wolverine hunt, as well as your recreational enjoyment of the season! Participants will measure, track, trail, hypothesize, smell, observe sign and deduce the species of animal and it’s behavior during our field session. Please dress appropriately, and bring lunch, water, snowshoes and a sense of humor! Brian Baxter is a wildlife researcher with over 36 years in the field in the U.S. and Canada.
Start with 2 hours in the class room and then 3 to 4 hours in the field. Round trip 6 ± miles. Elevation gain 400 to 800 feet.
The class is held at Heron Community Center in Heron, Montana, beginning at 9 Pacific, 10 Mountain time. For detailed directions and to sign up for the class, write to b_baxter53@yahoo.com.
The hike and course are free. There is a $5 materials charge for laminated tracking sheets provided by the instructor.
