Since you have lots of alone and/or family time right now, it’s a perfect time to start learning and looking for animal tracks!
I LOVE tracking and to me, it’s about learning about wild animals and ecosystems, not necessarily about hunting. Identifying new animal tracks, discovering where animals go in the forest, where they sleep, and what the eat, is all very interesting and fun for me. It’s the journey of discovery that I love the most!
After some time tracking animals, you’ll likely also start to see wild creatures more while you’re out following their trails! One of the most exciting times of my early 20’s was when I was tracking a wild bear. I drew the tracks carefully and studies them in the dimming light of the day. Suddenly, I felt a prickle of sensation on the back of my neck. When I turned, there was the same adolescent bear I was tracking about 50 feet away! It stood on its hind legs, sniffed the air, then ran in the other direction.
I’ve had similar experiences with mink, river otters, beavers, deer, raccoons, and opossums!
To start your tracking journey, all you need to is find a muddy or sandy location that hasn’t been trampled over too much by people. Wait 2 – 3 days after a rain event and then go look for fresh animal tracks. You may be surprised by what you find!
Happy Tracking!
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