ABTA Mentorship Program
Learning doesn’t end after the seminar — this is where skill becomes instinct.
Why Mentorship Matters
The best trackers aren’t born — they’re built through experience, guidance, and honest feedback. The ABTA Mentorship Program connects aspiring trackers with seasoned handlers and judges who’ve been there, made the mistakes, and learned the hard lessons. Our mentorship isn’t about giving you a shortcut — it’s about giving you the tools, mindset, and field-tested strategies to solve real tracking problems. Along the way, we’re building unity within the tracking community, offering higher-quality support to the hunters who depend on us, and strengthening conservation efforts by increasing recovery rates and reducing loss. Whether you’re preparing for certification, pushing through a training plateau, or just wanting a second set of eyes on a tough track, this program is designed to move you forward — and raise the standard for the entire tracking world.
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.
A Program Built for Growth
This program gives you direct, one-on-one support from a seasoned tracker — the kind of guidance you can only get from someone who’s been there, made the mistakes, and knows how to get results.
Personal Guidance: Private, one-on-one support tailored to your skill level, goals, and challenges.
Field-Based Learning: Training support, scent work challenges, and decision-making drills that mimic the pressure of live calls.
Live Track Support: When you’re called out on a recovery, your mentor can guide you through the process in real time, helping you make the right calls under pressure.
Honest Feedback: Straightforward, constructive evaluations designed to help you improve fast — no sugarcoating.
Testing Prep: Insider guidance on ABTA testing standards and the steps you need to take to be ready.
Ongoing Support: Continued access to your mentor for follow-up questions, troubleshooting, and problem-solving.
WHO IT’S FOR
This program is for trackers who take the work seriously — the ones who care about doing it right and doing it well. It’s for those who see tracking as more than following sign; it’s about making sound decisions, honoring the animal, and supporting the hunters who trust them. Whether you’re starting your journey, rebuilding confidence after tough tracks, chasing higher standards like ABTA certification, or simply looking to sharpen your edge alongside a proven tracker, you belong here.
HOW TO GET STARTED
Every great tracker’s journey begins with a single step — and often, with someone willing to walk beside them. That’s what mentorship is. We’ll connect you with a mentor who knows your terrain, understands your challenges, and sees your potential. Together, you’ll set your path, define your goals, and put in the work that turns effort into instinct. From that first conversation to your next recovery, you won’t just be learning — you’ll become the tracker you were meant to be.
Learn in the Field