top of page

WILDLIFE TRACKING INTENSIVE CERTIFICATION 2025-26

Ever wondered what’s happening behind the scenes in the wild? Most animals are elusive, nocturnal, or simply hard to spot—but their tracks and signs leave behind an incredible story. With the right skills, you can unlock a deeper understanding of the animals that call Texas home, and gain insight into their secretive behaviors.

​

Join us for the Wildlife Tracking Intensive, an 8-month course that takes you into the field, one weekend a month, from October to May. Over the course of the program, you’ll gain hands-on experience identifying and interpreting the tracks and signs of Central Texas' diverse wildlife, guided by expert instructors who are passionate about the art and science of wildlife tracking.​

​In this immersive course, you’ll learn to interpret the stories many iconic Texas mammals leave on the landscape, tracks and sign we’re sure to see include things like:

  • Black bear trails through the Chisos Mountains

  • Mountain lion tracks and sign along the Rio Grande

  • Check out Otter and beaver signs along the Colorado River

  • Shorebird and alligator tracks along the Gulf Coast

  • Red foxes traveling the washes of the Caprock Canyons

  • Coyote and badger trails that meander across the Monahans Sandhills

​

Each weekend offers practical, in-the-field experience that will deepen your tracking skills and your connection to the natural world. Whether you're a seasoned wildlife biologist or someone who likes the outdoors and is simply seeking to learn more about the animals that inhabit Texas, this intensive will provide you with invaluable knowledge and expertise.

​

Course Topics Include:

  • Track and Sign Identification: Learn to identify and differentiate the tracks and signs of a wide range of Texas animals.

  • Interpreting Animal Behavior: Use track patterns to understand animal movement and behavior. 

  • Aging Tracks and Sign: Develop the skill to determine how old a track or sign is, offering insight into when the animal was in the area.

  • Trailing Techniques: Learn how to follow animal trails and track animals across many different landscapes.

  • Ecological Tracking: Predict animal movement and behavior based on the landscape and environmental conditions.

  • Behavioral Patterns: Study and observe patterns in animal behavior, enhancing your ability to locate and view wildlife.

  • Bird Feather and Kill Site Identification: Learn to identify feathers, nests, and signs of bird activity, and understand the stories behind animal kill sites.

  • Mammal Skull Identification: Gain skills in identifying mammal skulls, a key tool in understanding animal species and their behaviors.

​

This is one of the most comprehensive wildlife tracking programs in the world. Even those with no prior experience will walk away with a wealth of practical skills and knowledge. By the end of the course, you’ll not only have a deeper understanding of Texas’ wildlife, but also a stronger connection to the natural world around you.

​

The course will culminate in a two day field certification where participants will have the opportunity to certify their Wildlife Tracking Skills through CyberTracker, an international standard for Wildlife Track and Sign Certification.

​

Ready to track the secret lives of Texas’ wild animals? Sign up today! 

​

Location: Earth Native Campus (Bastrop, TX) and various locations across Texas including Big Bend National Park and Monahans Sandhills State Park. Every other year the program rotates location for our third trip of the year between South Texas and Caprock Canyons State Park.

​

INSTRUCTORS: MARCIA KARR & CHARLIE SERRA  read bios

Caprock copy.jpg
Screenshot 2025-01-27 at 11.54.29 AM.png
Screenshot 2025-01-27 at 12.02.33 PM.png

Watch a short film of Earth Native founder, Dave Scott, leading a wolf tracking expedition in Wisconsin in the Winter of 2011.

2025-26 DATES

October 11-12

November 8-11 (Big Bend Trip)

December 6-7

January 10-11

February 7-9 (Monahans Sandhills Trip)

March 7-8

April 11-13 (Caprock Canyons)

May 2-3  CyberTracker Track & Sign Certification​​​

REMAINING 2024-25 DATES

February 8-10 (Monahans Sandhills Trip)

March 8-9

April 19-21 (South Texas Trip)

May 3-4  CyberTracker Track & Sign Certification​​​

REGISTRATION FEE

A $400 registration fee per student is required at the time of enrollment. This fee is non-refundable and non-transferable should you withdraw anytime after enrolling.

For more information about this program give us a call at

512-299-8870 or email us at info@earthnativeschool.com

2025-26 TUITION

INSTALLMENT PLAN

After paying your $400 registration fee, your tuition can be paid in 8 installments of $272 each month from October- May.

Total $2575

​

PAY IN FULL

Tuition is $2095 per student if paying in full at the time of enrollment or by 9/1, PLUS the $400 registration fee per program spot.

Total $2495

Purchase an Earth Native Klean Kanteen Bottle

Available to buy during registration - pick up at class!

Black Earth Native Water Bottle.jpg

Klean Kanteen

27 oz, Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Sports Top $25

Klean Kanteen hot Bev bottle.jpeg

Klean Kanteen

16 oz, TKWide Insulated Hot/Cold Beverage Bottle with Leak-Proof Cafe Cap $25

Chug%20mouth_edited.jpg

Klean Kanteen

32 oz, Insulated Wide Mouth Water Bottle with Chug Cap $45

150927_SDG247687-2.jpg

OUR BASTROP CAMPUS

Click through to learn more about our school's campus

UPDATE LOGO COMPASS ONLY.png
  • Facebook Social Icon
  • X
  • Instagram Social Icon
  • Yelp Social Icon
  • Facebook Social Icon

​

512-299-8870

info@earthnativeschool.com

Contact Us

 

© Copyright 2017 by Earth Native Wilderness School

Find Us

 

WOODVIEW ENTRANCE

137 Woodview Lane

Bastrop, TX 78602

SHILOH 

ENTRANCE

921 Shiloh Rd

Bastrop, TX 78602

bottom of page