Wildlife Tracking Apprenticeship
Enrollment: Application will open mid July.
Where: Various locations within 30 miles of Brattleboro, VT.
When: the following Saturdays & Sundays in 2026-2027. Program hours may vary slightly but will generally follow a 8/9 am – 3/4 pm pattern.
- October 17 & 18, 2026
- December 19 & 20, 2026
- January 16 & 17, 2027
- February 6 & 7, 2027
- March 13 & 14, 2027
- April 10 & 11, 2027
- June 12 & 13, 2027
Who: Adults (Age 18+). Open to both novice and experienced trackers. Maximum 6 participants.
Cost: Access Price $1,400 / Sustainer Price $1,600 / Supporter Price $1,800. Sliding Scale Pricing
Access Price: Program enrollees that may struggle to fund their basic needs and that would not be able to access this program without a discounted payment option should consider paying at this level. Participants that experience a financial barrier to enrollment at this price can and should apply for our scholarship and reparations tuition aid.
Sustainer Price: Program enrollees that are able to meet their needs with relative ease and prioritize investment in education and entertainment should consider paying at this level, which will ensure the viability and stability of our programs moving forwards.
Supporter Price: Program enrollees that move through the world with financial ease and have access to family and community resource abundance should consider paying at this level, which will ensure the viability and stability of our programs.
Scholarship and Reparations Funds available.
Program Overview
Vermont Wilderness School’s Wildlife Tracking Apprenticeship provides quality instruction in wildlife tracking in a wide variety of conditions, over seven weekends spread out across three seasons.
Tracking is an invitation to slow down, look more closely, and question what we’re seeing. It’s a chance to get to know our “more than human” neighbors more deeply and intimately. It’s a journey to seeing our relationship and connection with the natural world more clearly.
Tracking can seem inaccessible, a skillset with which it’s hard to make headway. Working with a skilled tracking teacher can dramatically flatten the learning curve, bring results more quickly, and be a rewarding and fun experience. The teaching approach will be to “build it from the ground up.” The apprenticeship will include field time, presentations, and optional “homework.” Topics to be covered:
- Tools for clear track identification
- Wildlife “sign” identification
- Body mechanics, gaits, and track patterns
- Trailing
- Wildlife interactions with the landscape
- General naturalist knowledge related to tracking
- Tracker field conduct
* The apprenticeship will provide excellent preparation for anyone interested in taking Wildlife Track & Sign Evaluations.
Note: each participant has the option to meet with the instructor to customize your learning goals and the level of challenge you desire.
Meet the Instructor
Bob Etzweiler is a longtime teacher at the Vermont Wilderness School, leading both youth and adult programs. He runs our Lynx Tracking Expedition, Hunting Apprenticeship and Summer Tracking Intensive. Bob has over a decade of experience in Wildlife Tracking, has been hired on wildlife track surveys, and is Track & Sign Specialist certified by Tracker Certifications of North America. He’s a skilled and passionate tracker and teacher.
To Apply
Complete the application below and click submit. We will respond to your application as soon as possible, likely within 3 weeks.
Review our scholarship and cancellation policies for more information.
Upon acceptance to the program, please complete the “VWS Medical Form” via the tab at the bottom right of this page.
Questions? Email office@vermontwildernessschool.org.
To receive email notifications about this program (save the dates, opening of registration, etc.), fill out our short Interest Form.
