EatWild 87 - Wildlife Tracking with David Moskowitz

In this episode of the EatWild Podcast, we are joined David Moskowitz, author of "Wildlife of the Pacific Northwest, Tracking and Identifying Mammals, Birds, Reptiles, Amphibians and Invertebrates." David, a biologist, photographer, and outdoor educator, shares his expertise on wildlife tracking and the importance of understanding animal behavior to connect better with nature. He discusses his tracking workshops, including upcoming ones in BC and the Pacific Northwest, offering insights into his process and storytelling through photography. Podcast photo by Anna Machowicz.  Takeaways Becoming a good wildlife tracker requires knowledge, experience, and a deep understanding of animal behavior. Tracking involves observing and interpreting tracks, signs, and patterns in the landscape to understand the story of animals. Characteristics such as track size, shape, and depth can provide valuable information about the animal being tracked. Having a process for tracking and recovering shot animals is crucial for ethical hunting and efficient recovery. Camera traps are a valuable tool for capturing wildlife behavior and telling powerful stories through photos. Citizen science programs play a vital role in wildlife management and conservation. Quality gear, including footwear, can greatly enhance the tracking experience and ensure safety in the outdoors. Memorable meals in the wilderness can enhance the overall adventure and provide nourishment during outdoor pursuits. Building community around conservation and hunting is essential for fostering a deeper connection with nature and promoting sustainable practices. British Columbia offers a wide range of dream adventures for wildlife tracking and hunting enthusiasts. Chapters   00:28 Becoming a Professional Wildlife Tracker 03:59 Understanding the Story of Animals through Tracking 05:18 The Tenets of Tracking 10:41 Characteristics of Big Buck Tracks 14:19 Understanding Animal Movement in the Snow 20:28 Tracking and Recovering Shot Animals 26:07 The Importance of Having a Process for Tracking 28:04 Capturing and Sorting Patterns in the Landscape 30:31 Using Camera Traps as a Tracking Tool 33:50 The Power of Storytelling through Camera Trap Photos 36:10 The Value of Citizen Science in Wildlife Management 40:17 The Role of Gear in Wildlife Tracking 42:43 Memorable Meals in the Wilderness 45:15 The Importance of Quality Footwear in the Outdoors 47:11 Building Community around Conservation and Hunting 48:26 Dream Adventure in British Columbia 49:55 Where to Find David Moskowitz   The iHunter App supports the Eatwild Podcast and other programs. The app is an essential tool to make you more comfortable in the woods. The mapping layers, navigation tools and hunting regulations are all packed into the app to give you the info you need on your next adventure.  This episode is supported by BC Backcountry Hunters and Anglers (BCBHA). The BCBHA is a young conservation organization dedicated to protecting wild places and critters that live in these wild places. Come out to a local event and get to know the BCBHA community.  As always, Seek Outside brought this podcast to you. They make unique ultralight tents and packs for your next adventure. Use the discount code EATWILD on your next purchase. We also get support from our friends at West Coast Kitchen Canada. So stock up for the adventure season and use the discount code EATWILD. You can stop in at Beere Brewing and take advantage of a 10% discount on the purchase. Use the code EATWILD10 on your next purchase.  Beere makes a great selection of bright, crisp beers perfect for the patio or around the campfire.