Wolf Tracking
January 8th - 14th, 2025 * Advanced Level Course
Enter the mind of a wolf pack
This immersive winter tracking course is a unique opportunity to enter the mind of a wolf pack by following their tracks for a full week in the coast mountain range. Who are these wild creatures who still occupy our mythic imagination? How do wolves work as a family unit? What are their relationships like with one another and other species? What are the hunting strategies of wolves to catch their prey? Where do wolves travel in the winter? Why are wolves so important for the ecological health of the larger landscape? What can wolves teach us about how to be human? During this course you will learn many answers to these questions, revealing intimate details about the lives of wolves, by studying the track and sign that wolves leave behind in the snow.
GUEST INSTRUCTOR ABEL BEAN
The lead guide for this course is Abel Bean, a highly experienced wolf-tracking instructor with over 20 years of guiding expertise, primarily through the Teaching Drum Outdoor School. He began his journey in wilderness education in 2001, completing the school’s intensive Wilderness Guide Program under the mentorship of renowned guide Tamarack Song. Since then, Abel has developed into a Master Guide specializing in wilderness living and wildlife tracking, with a unique focus on wolves. Certified professional level tracker through the CyberTracker Track and Sign evaluation and serving as a volunteer tracker for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Wolf Population Survey, Abel brings both a scientific and intuitive approach to understanding these elusive animals.
As an instructor, Abel guides participants through immersive, hands-on experiences in Wisconsin’s Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, where they learn to read and interpret wolf tracks and signs, understand pack dynamics, and observe wolf behavior within their natural habitat. His courses emphasize a deep connection to the landscape and a respect for the complex role wolves play in the ecosystem. Known for his patient and insightful teaching style, Abel’s wolf tracking courses offer participants technical tracking skills and an enriched understanding of wilderness ecology, making each experience both educational and transformative.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FOR THE WEEKEND?
Location: The wolf pack we will be following is centered in the mule deer winter range around Carpenter Lake, located 1 hour driving north of Anderson Lake. Carpenter Lake freezes from early winter until mid spring. The area around it has a high density of megafauna including California bighorn sheep, otter, bobcat, cougar, and of course, mule deer. Wolf activity and kill sites are reliably found in this area.
Winter Camping: In order to trail the wolves consistently, we will be winter camping for the entire duration of the course. We will use a canvas tent with a lightweight wood stove as a cozy space for cooking and gathering. We will also have outdoor fires each evening to stay warm and dry off any gear and clothing. A detailed winter packing list can be sent to any inquiring participants and will also be sent out upon registration for the course.
Trailing Wolves: Each day we will pick up the freshest wolf tracks in the area and follow them, interpreting behaviour along the way. Sometimes we will travel with overnight gear, to allow us to overnight on a fresh trail and continue following its story the next day.
Food: Like a wolf pack, we will share potluck group dinners in the evening. These group dinners will be coordinated two weeks before the course start date. Participants are responsible for bringing their own breakfasts, lunches, and snacks.
Campfire Sessions: In the evenings we will gather around the campfire to share tracking stories from the day and to reflect as a group on aspects of a wolf's life.
Interested in joining?
DETAILS
Arrival: Wednesday evening January 8th
Departure: Tuesday morning January 14th
Where: Anderson Lake, BC (for arrival) & Carpenter Lake, BC (for the rest of the course)
Prerequisite: As an advanced level course participants need to have taken a previous tracking course through Earthkin or another organization. Consider taking Track the Winter Feast before taking Wolf Tracking
Tuition:
Early bird price$550 (by Dec 15th)
Regular price $600 (after Dec 15th)
*Non-refundable deposit of $100
Sign-up with a buddy and receive a 10% discount!
Refund Policy: No refunds will be issued 30 days before the beginning of the program.
Instructors: Abel Bean & Fern Yip & Canis Lupis
