Course Content

Our Tracking workshops are designed to both introduce a prospective new tracker to the general concepts involved in both interpreting track and sign and in trailing animals. Track and sign workshops can also be developed to target specific species or groups of animals or to focus on specific areas of tracking such as feathers or bone identification.

Track and sign workshops

Duration One – Three Days

These workshops cover the recognition of the track and sign left behind by the passing of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians and even on occasion insects, The course will include foot morphology and identification of tracks, feeding signs, droppings, beds and resting areas. The programmes are aimed at anyone new to tracking wanting to know more about wildlife but can also be used as a refresher for anyone booked on one of our CyberTracker track and sign evaluations. 

The workshops mix theory and practical with enough of the theory covered to explain the sign found in the field. Depending on the length of the course it is very likely we will be visiting several venues to cover as many of species as possible

Although this general programme may serve as an introduction to the subject it is still taught to a deep level with some real and very useful information imparted

Trailing Workshops

Duration Two Days

These workshops cover the techniques needed to trail or follow an animal in the wild, we are aiming this programme at anyone wanting to get closer to wildlife but are also planning this it as preparation for those who may be unsure of what trailing involves and would like to try before signing up for a longer programme. It is also useful for anyone interested in taking a CyberTracker trailing evaluation. The learning outcomes therefore follow the assessment criteria of the evaluation covering in detail the elements of spoor recognition, spoor anticipation, anticipation of dangerous situations, alertness and stealth with each of these main headings further broken down into sub categories leading too what we we believe is a most in-depth and thorough trailing criteria.

The course is not heavily theory based and we will be on the trails as soon as practically possible during the programme.  We will stay on these trails for as long as we can throughout each day with candidates rotating to take a turn at point. Even when not in the lead a great deal can be learned from watching from behind. Tuition is given throughout, towards the end of the second day it is hoped that we will be in a position to put the criteria taught in place and try to approach animals. Essentially we will stop talking and see how close we can get to the quarry.

We prefer to teach trailing in a realistic scenario and so after a fairly brief introduction the course will take place entirely on the trail. We tend to focus on ungulates usually fallow deer, to maximise our chances of trailing to a satisfactory conclusion.  To maximise the success of this course it is limited to a small number of clients.

Advanced Trailing Workshop.

We also run more advanced trailing workshops which are designed around trackers who already understand the principles of trail following. They give a chance for higher level trackers to to take their practice to the next level without having to cover the basic principles. these programmes are aimed at trackers already at level 3 in the Cybertracker evaluation process.

All our workshops are designed to available for booking by groups and individuals and can be held at our venue or one of your choosing. Combinations of track and sign and trailing programmes can also be provided.

Course Dates 2025

Trailing Workshop

• 17-18 February 2025 Donegal Ireland Booking available through Wildawake 

If these courses are full please contact us to be placed on a waiting list for cancellations.

Should enough people express an interest we may run extra dates.

Course Dates