About the American Blood Trackers Association

Who We Are

The American Blood Trackers Association (ABTA) is a nationally recognized resource for blood tracking, wounded game recovery, and tracking dog certification, committed to advancing skill, knowledge, and ethical standards in the field.

We are a mission-driven organization — not a club — dedicated to raising the standard of recovery across the country. Our certified teams are tested under real hunting conditions, backed by advanced scent theory, and trained to operate with professionalism, ethics, and skill.

Mission Statement

To raise the standard of wounded game recovery by building a nationwide network of proven trackers- teams who train with purpose, test with integrity, recover ethically, and mentor the next generation.

Built in the Field

Our Founders & The Story Behind ABTA

Kenny Mullins and Ralph Bennett have spent years in the field, completing thousands of wounded game recoveries across every kind of terrain. They’ve waded through swamps, crawled through thickets, and followed faint, challenging trails for miles — all to ensure an animal never went to waste.

Through that work, they began to see problems in the tracking world that no one was fixing:

Too many trackers relying on luck instead of trained and developed skill
No national standard for tracker education
Certification testing that lacked strict consistency in how lines were laid and evaluated
Outdated approaches to scent theory, training, and recovery practices

Both men knew it could be better. They had the knowledge, the field experience, and the drive to change the game.

In 2023, Kenny and Ralph founded the American Blood Trackers Association with a clear mission — set a national standard for tracking teams, ground it in proven science, and ensure every certified team is tested in real hunting conditions with strict, repeatable consistency.

Today, ABTA is more than an association. It’s a movement — raising the bar for recovery, training the next generation of trackers, and advancing community service and conservation.

What Sets Us Apart

National Certification Program – Every ABTA-certified team is evaluated in the field against strict performance standards.
Proven Scent Theory – Our methods are grounded in science, not guesswork.
Hands-On Training – From foundational skills to advanced challenges, we prepare teams for real-world tracks.
Mentorship Network – Experienced trackers guiding new handlers every step of the way.
Ethics First – We promote responsible recovery practices and respect for wildlife.

Our Core Values

At the heart of our community is a shared commitment to responsible practices, teamwork, and the passion for wounded game recovery. These guiding principles define who we are and how we serve.

Ethical Practices

We are committed to responsible and ethical hunting, honoring fair chase traditions and minimizing animal suffering. Our members demonstrate respect for wildlife and the environment, promoting practices that support conservation and stewardship.

Dedication to Recovery

Our mission is to make every reasonable effort to recover wounded game using skilled tracking techniques and well-trained dogs. Every trail is approached with determination, perseverance, and a commitment to responsible recovery.

Community and Camaraderie

We believe in building a strong, supportive network of trackers. Through shared knowledge, mentorship, and collaboration, we foster a welcoming environment where every member can learn, grow, and thrive.

Service Over Profit

Our work prioritizes the mission of blood tracking and community service above personal financial gain. This association serves as a platform to give back, contribute, and support the greater good of the hunting and conservation community.

Lawful and Responsible Conduct

We adhere to all applicable federal, state, and local laws related to hunting, tracking, and wildlife management. Our members remain informed and compliant, upholding the highest standards of legality and responsibility.

Responsible Social Media Use

We value integrity and professionalism in how we represent our community online. Members avoid sharing graphic or harmful content and instead promote positive, educational, and respectful messaging that benefits the blood tracking and hunting communities.

Education and Outreach

We actively raise public awareness about the importance of blood tracking in ethical hunting and conservation. Through education, we help hunters and the public understand the value of trained tracking dogs and responsible recovery practices.

Respect for Land and People

We honor the trust placed in us by landowners, hunters, and the public. Our members demonstrate professionalism, courtesy, and respect in all interactions and maintain positive relationships within the community.

Passion and Dedication

Driven by a passion for blood tracking, our members are committed to continuous learning and skill development. We strive to improve our tracking techniques, dog training methods, and share knowledge freely to strengthen the community.

Why It Matters

Every year, countless animals are lost because recovery efforts rely on chance instead of skill- ABTA exists to change that.

We equip trackers with the training, testing, and resources they need to operate at the highest level, and give hunters access to a trusted network when recovery matters most.

Get Involved

Whether you’re a hunter, a dog handler, or simply someone who believes in ethical game recovery, there’s a place for you in the American Blood Trackers Association.