Idaho’s backcountry offers some of the most awe-inspiring natural landscapes in the United States. From vast wilderness areas to towering mountain ranges, the state is a sanctuary for various wildlife species, including elk, deer, wolves, and eagles. For nature enthusiasts, one of the most enriching ways to experience Idaho’s wilderness is through wildlife tracking—a pursuit that combines exploration, patience, and an understanding of animal behavior. Whether adventurers are experienced trackers or newcomers to the world of wildlife, here are a few things adventurers may want to consider about wildlife tracking in Idaho’s pristine backcountry.
What Is Wildlife Tracking?
Wildlife tracking is the art of following and interpreting the signs that animals leave behind in the wild. These signs include footprints, scat, claw marks, fur, and disturbances in the vegetation. By learning to recognize and understand these signs, trackers can gain valuable insights into wildlife’s movements, habits, and behaviors.
Tracking offers a unique way to connect with nature on a deeper level, enabling you to understand the world of wildlife from their perspective. It allows you to uncover the stories the landscape tells, from where animals rest, feed, and travel to where they might be headed. This immersive experience deeply respects the natural world and its inhabitants.
Ideal Locations for Wildlife Tracking in Idaho
Idaho is home to countless wilderness areas that provide ideal conditions for wildlife tracking. Here are a few remarkable spots where you can explore and encounter the state’s diverse wildlife:
- Frank Church—River of No Return Wilderness: This vast and remote wilderness area is home to wolves, elk, mountain lions, and bears. It offers an unmatched experience for those seeking to connect with Idaho’s wild heart.
- Sawtooth National Recreation Area: Known for its rugged beauty, this area is a sanctuary for deer, elk, and occasional wolves and bears. The terrain is perfect for combining tracking with hiking, offering a dynamic and immersive adventure.
- Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness: This pristine wilderness is inhabited by moose, elk, black bears, and other species. Its lush forests and rivers create ideal conditions for discovering animal tracks and other signs of wildlife.
- Boise National Forest: Located just a short drive from Boise, this area is easily accessible and offers diverse wildlife and serene landscapes, perfect for those looking for a more relaxed tracking experience.
Essential Tools for Wildlife Tracking
While wildlife tracking doesn’t require an extensive array of tools, there are a few essentials that can make the experience more enriching and enjoyable:
- Field Guide: A comprehensive guide will help you identify various animal tracks and signs. Some guides focus specifically on Idaho’s wildlife, making them invaluable for learning about local species.
- Notebook and Pencil: Recording your findings is a beautiful way to track your progress. Document the tracks you encounter, location, and any notable observations to deepen your understanding of the animals you’re tracking.
- Binoculars: Once you’ve tracked an animal, binoculars allow you to observe from a safe distance without disturbing it, providing an up-close view of its behavior.
- Tracking Stick: A simple stick can help measure the size and depth of tracks, offering clues about the animal’s size and movement. Some trackers customize their sticks with notches for quick measurements.
- Camera: Capturing images of tracks and wildlife sightings adds to the experience, allowing you to reflect on your adventures and share your discoveries.
Identifying Common Tracks of Idaho’s Wildlife
Part of the thrill of wildlife tracking lies in learning to recognize the tracks left by various species. Here are some of the typical wildlife tracks you may encounter in Idaho’s backcountry:
- Elk: Elk tracks are larger and heart-shaped, with two distinct hoof marks. Their scat is also more enormous, often found in pellet form during winter or clumped together in summer.
- Wolves: Wolf tracks are similar to those of dogs but more significant, with oval-shaped prints and visible claw marks. Wolves often walk in straight lines, and their tracks are closely grouped.
- Black Bears: Black bear tracks show five toes and large claws. The front paw is smaller than the back paw, and their prints are commonly found near water as they forage for food.
- Mountain Lions: Mountain lion tracks are large, with four toes and no visible claws. They are rounder than those of wolves or dogs and tend to be solitary, making a single set of tracks more common.
Respecting Wildlife and Nature
When tracking wildlife, it is crucial to maintain a respectful distance from the animals and their natural habitat. Always observe wildlife quietly from afar and avoid disturbing their natural activities. By respecting their space, enthusiasts ensure these creatures can continue thriving undisturbed.
It’s also important to follow “Leave No Trace” principles, including staying on established trails and packing out everything you bring. Wildlife tracking is an opportunity to connect with nature, not to interfere with it. Adventurers can help preserve these wild places for future generations by respecting the environment.
Guided Tracking Adventures
If you’re new to wildlife tracking, consider joining a group or hiring a local guide. Expert guides can provide valuable insights into animal behavior and the best tracking techniques. Several outdoor programs and wilderness schools in Idaho offer guided tracking experiences, allowing you to deepen your understanding of the environment while gaining the skills needed to track safely and effectively.
Local wildlife organizations and conservation groups often organize tracking events and workshops, offering opportunities to connect with like-minded adventurers and share experiences. Monitoring with a group increases the chances of spotting wildlife and provides a supportive learning environment where you can exchange knowledge with others.
What to Expect on a Tracking Adventure
Wildlife tracking is as much about the journey as the destination. Some days, enthusiasts might follow tracks for miles without encountering the animal, while other days, fresh signs might lead to an unforgettable wildlife sighting.
Patience and attention to detail are essential. Tracking requires focus, quiet observation, and the ability to remain still for long periods. But the reward—whether witnessing a majestic elk grazing in the distance or spotting a wolf moving through the forest—is an experience that fosters a deep connection with nature.
Wildlife tracking in Idaho’s backcountry offers a unique and enriching way to experience the state’s diverse ecosystems. Whether you are exploring the Sawtooth Wilderness or tracking animals near Boise, this activity allows you to engage with the natural world meaningfully and respectfully. So gather the field guide, sharpen the senses, and embark on an unforgettable wildlife-tracking adventure in Idaho’s wild landscapes.
