DATES: FEBRUARY 13 – 17, 2026
PRICE: $1,493 | TUITION & LODGING
LOCATION: LAMAR BUFFALO RANCH
GROUP SIZE: 12
ACTIVITY LEVEL: 3
PROGRAM INFORMATION
In this course, students will deepen their connection to the wildlife of Yellowstone by learning to identify and interpret a wide range of tracks and sign. Each day will start with an informational lecture and overview of techniques, and then students will head out into the field to put those techniques into practice. Students will become familiar with track morphology and gait patterns, learning how to measure the stride (length) and straddle (width) between tracks. Students will also study the signs, other than tracks, to be on the lookout for, and gain knowledge of the biology and common behaviors of wild animals. These skills are transferable to any landscape and will enrich future nature walks, exposing all of the wild connections waiting to be uncovered.
DAY 1
WELCOME & ORIENTATION
The program starts with an evening orientation. Participants will get to know one another and be introduced to the program. Throughout the evening, the itinerary and seminar key concepts will be discussed, as well as what to expect to pack for the field each day.
DAY 2
Introduction to Wildlife Tracking: The day will begin with a 1.5-hour introduction to wildlife tracking presentation. Students will learn the gaits, foot morphology, scat, and signs of Yellowstone’s large mammals. After the presentation, students will spend the rest of the day snowshoeing and observing wildlife tracks and sign.
DAY 3
Advanced Wildlife Tracks and Sign: The day will begin with a 1.5-hour presentation covering the tracks and sign of birds and small mammals. After the presentation, students will spend the rest of the day snowshoeing and observing wildlife tracks and sign.
DAY 4
Mortality Site Investigation: The day will begin with a 1.5-hour presentation, where students will learn about approaches to investigating wildlife predation. After the presentation, students will spend the rest of the day snowshoeing and observing wildlife tracks and sign.
DAY 5
CHECKOUT & DEPARTURE
Dates & Times: The program begins at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 13, 2026, and goes through Monday, February 16, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
Lodging Check-in & Check-out: Lodging check-in begins at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, February 13, 2026, and lodging check-out is at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
Meals: This course is catered. Catering begins with dinner on the first evening and goes through breakfast on check-out day.
Optional Airport Shuttle: We provide an optional airport shuttle for those interested. The shuttle service is provided on the first day of the program with a 1:00 p.m. pickup and the last day of the program with a departure from the Lamar Buffalo Ranch at 8:00 a.m.
1st Day of Program | Shuttle Pickup Location: Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport
1st Day of Program | Shuttle Drop off Location: Lamar Buffalo Ranch
Check-out Day | Shuttle Pickup Location: Lamar Buffalo Ranch
Check-out Day | Shuttle Departure Location: Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport
If you opt-in to the shuttle service, please ensure that your flight booking will allow for you to be picked up and dropped off during the above timeframes.
Whom to Contact: For any questions, concerns, or additional information please contact the following:
Program itinerary, health forms, payment, and general program questions please contact Yellowstone Forever at [email protected] or 406-848-2400 extension 3
Road updates, park conditions, and general park information please contact Yellowstone National Park Service at https://www.nps.gov/yell/contacts.htm
If running late for a program, please contact 406-641-2185.
General Information: For general information about the facilities, preparation for classes, what to expect, cancellation policies, and more, please see the Lamar Buffalo Ranch – Winter General Information document.
ACTIVITY LEVEL 3
- Be prepared for brisk hiking, snowshoeing, or skiing up to 5 miles per day with climbs up to 500 feet, including some trail-breaking in snow.
- Most activities will take place at elevations between 7,200 to 8,000 feet. Participants residing at lower elevations may want to arrive a day early to adjust to the altitude.
- To learn more about how specific medical conditions can be affected by Yellowstone’s environment and our activities, please visit our site page on health information.
- All field activities will be conducted as a group. If members of the group cannot participate in the day’s activities, they need to let the educator know in advance.
- To participate in this program, each participant must fill out and sign a health questionnaire and assumption of risk waiver. These forms must be completed and returned at least 30 days prior to the program start date.
- Tape measure
RECOMMENDED READINGS
- Elbroch, M., & McFarland, C. (2019). Mammal Tracks & Sign: A Guide to North American species (Second). Stackpole Books.
Whom to Contact: For any questions, concerns, or additional information please contact the following:
Program itinerary, health forms, payment, and general program questions please contact Yellowstone Forever at [email protected] or 406-848-2400 extension 3
Road updates, park conditions, and general park information please contact Yellowstone National Park Service at https://www.nps.gov/yell/contacts.htm
If running late for a program, please contact 406-641-2185.
General Information: For general information about the facilities, preparation for classes, what to expect, cancellation policies, and more, please see the Lamar Buffalo Ranch – Winter General Information document.
Cancellation & Refund Policy: Review our Cancellation & Refund policy here.
BOOK THIS FIELD SEMINAR NOW
Luke & Sara Lamar, M.A.
Luke Lamar has studied and applied wildlife tracking and trailing for over 15 years.
Sara Lamar is deeply passionate about natural history, wildlife tracking, and connecting people to the natural world. Sara works for a conservation nonprofit in Northwest Montana where she teaches wildlife tracking and other naturalist pursuits. She has studied wildlife tracking and applied this skill in wildlife monitoring for over a decade. Sara holds a Specialist certification in Wildlife Tracks and Sign with Tracker Certification North America.
Skiing along wolf tracks
NPS / Jacob W. Frank
