- Tracking program
- Gray wolf links
Wolf ecology and track training courses
All classes listed below meet training requirements for the Wisconsin Carnivore Tracking program. Trackers are required to take both a Wolf Ecology and a Track Training class or workshop to participate in the tracking program. Returning trackers are encouraged to take a refresher Track Training class every 2 – 3 years to keep their identification skills sharp. New volunteers can sign up for the Wisconsin Volunteer Carnivore Tracking Program at a track training course that they attend.
Carnivore tracking class
Partners
The following partners offer courses and workshops on various topics including wolf ecology and track training. Please contact them for information or to register for their courses.
- Timber Wolf Information Network [exit DNR]
- Timber Wolf Alliance [exit DNR](715-682-1489)
- Treehaven [exit DNR] (715-453-4106)
- Crex Meadows Education and Visitor Center (715-463-2739)
- Beaver Creek Reserve [exit DNR] (715-877-2212)
Course descriptions and details
All classes listed below meet training requirements for the Wisconsin Carnivore Tracking program. Trackers are required to take both a Wolf Ecology and a Track Training class or workshop to participate in the tracking program.
Wolf Ecology Workshop
Date: Saturday, October 27, 2018
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location: Northland College, Larson-Juhl Center for Science; Room 169; Northland College, Ashland, WI
Price: $30
Description: Instructed by Northland College Professor Dr. Erik Olson, Timber Wolf Alliance Chair Adrian Wydeven, and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Technician Sarah Boles, covers the basics of wolf ecology and management, including natural history, identification, monitoring techniques, wolf-human conflicts, predator-prey ecology, and wolf management. This workshop completes one of two qualifications for the DNR Volunteer Carnivore Tracker for winter wolf counts, and the training for Timber Wolf Alliance Speakers Bureau. [exit DNR]. Complete the Volunteer Carnivore Track-Training course [exit DNR] to complete the certificate.
Information & Registration:
Download and print the registration form [PDF] and mail with your payment
Please register by October 16, 2018
Carnivore Tracking Class
Date: Saturday, November 3, 2018
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location: Northland College, Larson-Juhl Center for Science; Room 169; Northland College, Ashland, WI
Price: $30
Description: Instructed by Timber Wolf Alliance Chair Adrian Wydeven and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Technician Sarah Boles, teaches the basics of tracking medium to large size carnivores in Wisconsin, including track identification, gait patterns, and conducting snow track survey. This workshop completes one of two qualifications for the DNR Volunteer Carnivore Tracker for winter wolf counts, and the training for Timber Wolf Alliance Speakers Bureau. [exit DNR]. Complete the Wolf Ecology Workshop to complete the certificate. Lunch is provided.
Information & Registration:
Download and print the registration form. [PDF] and mail with your payment
Please register by October 24, 2018
Carnivore Tracking Class
Date: Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location: Rhinelander DNR Office, 107 Sutliff Ave, Room 1, Rhinelander, WI 54501
Price: Free
Description: Learn to identify tracks of medium to large size carnivores that inhabit Wisconsin, as well as a few other common Wisconsin mammals. Learn how to conduct track surveys as part of the Wisconsin Volunteer Carnivore Tracking Program. Bring a sack lunch.
Information & Registration:
Nate Kluge, 715-401-9073
Please register by November 2, 2018
Wolf Ecology and Management
Date: Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location: Rhinelander DNR Office, 107 Sutliff Ave, Room 1, Rhinelander, WI 54501
Price: Free
Description: Learn about the history of wolves in Wisconsin, wolf biology and ecology, and how wolves are monitored and managed in Wisconsin with DNR Biologists. Come prepared to spend some time outside. Bring a sack lunch.
Information & Registration:
Nate Kluge, 715-401-9073
Please register by November 2, 2018
Carnivore Tracking Class
Date: Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location: Sandhill Outdoor Skills Center [exit DNR], 1715 County Hwy X, Babcock, WI
Price: Free
Description: Learn to identify tracks of medium to large size carnivores that inhabit Wisconsin, as well as a few other common Wisconsin mammals. Learn how to conduct track surveys as part of the Wisconsin Volunteer Carnivore Tracking Program. Bring a sack lunch.
Information & Registration:
Nate Kluge, 715-401-9073
Please register by November 23, 2018
Carnivore Tracking Class
Date: Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location: Crex Meadows State Wildlife Area [exit DNR], 102 East Crex Avenue, Grantsburg, WI 54840
Price: Free
Description: Learn to identify tracks of medium to large size carnivores that inhabit Wisconsin, as well as a few other common Wisconsin mammals. Learn how to conduct track surveys as part of the Wisconsin Volunteer Carnivore Tracking Program. Lunch provided.
Information & Registration:
Lauren Finch, 715-463-2739
Please register by November 30, 2018
Wolf Ecology and Management
Date: Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location: Crex Meadows State Wildlife Area [exit DNR], 102 East Crex Avenue, Grantsburg, WI 54840
Price: Free
Description: Learn about the history of wolves in Wisconsin, wolf biology and ecology, and how wolves are monitored and managed in Wisconsin with DNR Biologists. Come prepared to spend some time outside. Lunch provided.
Information & Registration:
Lauren Finch, 715-463-2739
Please register by November 30, 2018
Winter Wolf Ecology Workshop
Date: January 26th and 27th, 2019
Time: 9:00 a.m. Saturday to 12:00 p.m. Sunday
Location: Beaver Creek Reserve [exit DNR] – S1 County Hwy K, Fall Creek, WI 54742
Price: $70 ($65 for Beaver Creek Reserve members)
Description: This workshop will cover wolf ecology, history, monitoring, and management, and includes a field trip in wolf country. Bring clothing for outdoors.
Information & Registration: TWIN [exit DNR]
Limited to 25 people
Visit the Beaver Creek Reserve website [exit DNR] or call 715-877-2212
Please Register by January 18th, 2019
Winter Wolf Ecology Workshop
Date: January 26th and 27th, 2019
Time: 9:00 a.m. Saturday to 12:00 p.m. Sunday
Location: Treehaven, W2540 Pickerel Creek Road Tomahawk, WI 54487
Price: $135 for workshop w/ lodging, $85 for commuters
Description: This workshop will cover wolf ecology, history, monitoring, and management, and includes a field trip in wolf country. Bring clothing for outdoors.
Registration and Information: TWIN [exit DNR]
Treehaven, 715-453-4106
Please register by January 16, 2018
Winter Wolf Ecology Workshop
Date: February 2nd and 3rd, 2019
Time: 9:00 a.m. Saturday to 12:00 p.m. Sunday
Location: Sandhill Outdoor Skills Center [exit DNR], 1715 County Hwy X, Babcock, WI
Price: $90
Description: This workshop will cover wolf ecology, history, monitoring, and management, and includes a field trip in wolf country. Bring clothing for outdoors.
Information and Registration: TWIN [exit DNR]
Timber Wolf Information Network 715-254-5817
Register by January 26th, 2019
Carnivore Tracker Training
Date: Friday, January 18, 2019 – Sunday, January 20, 2019
Time: 6pm Friday – noon on Sunday.
Location: Forest Lodge, 22230 Garmisch Rd, Cable, WI 54821
Price: $175
Description: Lace up your boots, grab your gloves, and join Timber Wolf Alliance (TWA) for a weekend with wolves. Learn about wolf ecology, wolf monitoring techniques, and how to track carnivores on the snowy Wisconsin landscape.
Time will be spent in the classroom and in the field surveying carnivore track patterns. Participants will assist with tracking surveys and learn techniques in tracking and wolf radio telemetry. This workshop meets the tracker training qualifications for both DNR Volunteer Carnivore Tracker for winter wolf counts and the training for Timber Wolf Alliance Speakers Bureau. The workshop is open to any student or adult interested in wolves and experiencing them in the wild.
Workshop fees include meals, bunkhouse accommodations, and all workshop materials. The program takes place at Forest Lodge, a unique and historic estate nestled among 872 acres of majestic forest in the heart of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest and situated along the pristine shores of Lake Namekagon.
Information & Registration:
Online Registration and Payment
Please register by December 14, 2018