While we are out hunting we often see tracks and signs from animals that tell us about their behavior. Not all are of the animals we are pursuing but they are no less enjoyable to observe.
Sometimes animal sign leaves us scratching our heads and other times provides hours of entertainment.
This sign shows a bull elk that rubbed his antlers on a tree during rifle season in Montana. Those tracks are fresh!
Deciphering the things we see can be challenging. Like this set of tracks along the continental divide a few weeks ago.
After following these tracks for several minutes the author concluded they must be from wolverine. Although snowed-in, nothing else has feet this big with such a short stride.
Other times we see tracks and we think; Wow that’s awesome!
Cougar tracks in snow are always enjoyable to see, especially for hounds men!
Animal sign is fun to see even when it has nothing to do with the ones we are hunting.
Marten Tracks in Rocky Mountain snow. Studying tracks is a favorite past time of many outdoorsmen and women. Tracks will teach the studious observer a great deal about wildlife.
Large carnivore tacks are always an attention grabber.
What sportsmen doesn’t get excited about finding tracks of big black bears?
And other tracks are most interesting when they are so fresh there is still an animal standing in them!
This wolf watched the author for over an hour while he was bowhunting. After a look around the wolves den was found along with pups.
Whether you are hunting deer, elk or any one of them any prey species big or small, remember to keep your eyes open and read the stories told by nature – found on your next outdoor adventure.
All photo source credit to: Toby L. Walrath.
