- A tracker at this level will display:
- Perseverance: By having earned the WTI Associate Tracker Designation and displaying the motivation to
attain the Advanced Tracker Designation and Cybertracker certification. - Track and Sign Competency: By demonstrating a high degree of proficiency in wildlife track and sign
identification. - Field Competency: Will operate in the field in a low impact way demonstrating extraordinary awareness
capability and minimizing affects on wildlife while capable of accomplishing surveys, trailing or similar field
tasks. - Trailing Competency: Be capable of trailing and finding a mule deer.
- Gait Recognition Competency: Display competency in identifying wildlife movement peculiarities via gait
patterns and variations. - Scouting Competency: Be versed in finding and identifying tracks and sign in a variety of ecosystem
settings. - Interpretation Competency: Display a high level of natural history and ecological knowledge to make
animal behavior interpretations via tracks and sign leading to producing reasonable predictions.
- To achieve a WTI Advanced Tracker designation you must successfully complete the following
minimum requirements:
- Track and Sign Dirt Time Sessions: Complete 15, includes Associate Tracker total*
- Trailing Dirt Time Sessions: Complete 15*
- Trailing Workshop with Brian McConnell: Complete 1*
- SDTT Advanced Tracker/Naturalist Class: Complete 1*
- Complete SDTT Apprentice Program: This is coordinated and run concurrent with the WTI Advanced
Tracker program* - Monthly Assignments: Complete 12, includes Associate Tracker total*
- Focused Species Evening Sessions: Complete 10, includes Associate Tracker total*
- Raptors of San Diego Class: Complete 1*
- Journals: Complete 30, includes Associate Tracker total*
- Independent Project: Details to be agreed upon between you and WTI staff who will assist monthly with
calls and advice* - SDTT Quarterly Transect Volunteer: In line with SDTT Apprentice requirement*
- Practice Evaluations: Successfully complete track and sign and trailing practice evaluations.
- Recommendation for Certification Evaluations: Upon satisfactory completion of the full course and
practice evaluations (track and sign and trailing).** - Certification: Under the Cybertracker evaluation protocol you receive “Tracker” status when you have
received certification in a track and sign evaluation and a trailing evaluation (two separate events). These
are your “final exams.”
* Course completion can be accomplished within 18 months; WTI encourages Advanced Tracker Designation
candidates to make course completion a priority by endeavoring to finish within a two-year maximum time constraint. You
are free to take as long as you need beyond two years if that is unavoidable though.
** Evaluations are charged separately.
Advanced Tracker Program Tuition: $1785 (Does not include Associate Tracker Costs). See “Payment Options”
below for Pay-In-Advance Discount price.
Evaluation costs: TBA ranging $275-$350 for the Track and Sign and $400-$475 for Trailing.
WTI Tracker Program Payment Options
Pay-In-Advance Discounts: Advanced Designation (AT2) $1600 (Go to Class Sign-up page)
Pay-As-You Go: Advanced Designation, full price $1785 (Pay prior to each class)
Evaluations: No discounts. You must pay to reserve your spot.
Enrollment Steps: Please follow these simple steps to begin your journey on the path to becoming an
expert tracker.
- Contact WTI to declare your intent to enroll in the Wildlife Tracker Curriculum Programs and get
answers to any questions. WTI will start a student file for you.
- Pay tuition using PayPal via the WTI website Class Sign-up page or by check. If you wish to pay-as-you
go, you must pay before each class begins, either by PayPal or by check or cash. Arrive early if you
plan to pay the day of the class. You can ask about payment or financing arrangements in step 1.
- Confirm your class schedule with WTI: you will be slotted into the curriculum and your class dates and
times will be confirmed prior to starting the program.
- Show up with a good attitude, prepared, and ready to learn!
