Seasonal Acres Watching in a Winter Wonderland
How to Get Started
Interested in giving wildlife tracking a try, but don’ t know where to begin?
Walk your land and observe. Simply tour your perimeter. All you need is some trusty outdoor gear and your smartphone to take the first step.
Take pictures of anything of interest, such as:
• Animal prints.
• Scat.
• Areas of disturbance in the snow.
• Missing bark on trees
• Pockets of stashed food.
Try to walk in areas with natural resources, such as by a body of water or dense thicket. Just remember not to get too close or disturb the areas. You never want to risk being bitten by a wild animal. When in doubt, adhere to the hiking principle of“ leave no trace.”
When you get home, you can use the pictures to identify the wildlife sharing your space. From there, you can explore natural deterrents for any nuisances or provide them with food, water and shelter— such as shrubs, bushes or waterholes— away from your crops and livestock.
Utilize wildlife tracking apps. You can use apps such as iNaturalist for general information about wildlife. Apps such as iTrack Wildlife can help you identify local animals in your area. There are also a variety of apps for those interested in birding.
Chat with neighbors. If you’ ve owned your property for some time, you know just how invaluable it
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is to know your neighbors. Not only can you support one another during extreme winter weather, but you can also trade information on what wildlife they’ ve observed.
Invest in some gear. As you get more comfortable with your new hobby, you may want to invest in some tools, such as:
• Binoculars. A good pair of binoculars lets you observe wildlife up close without disturbing the animals or putting yourself at risk. For tracking, 8-by-42 binoculars are recommended because they provide a steady view and a wide field of vision.
• Trail cams. These handy recorders are built to withstand the elements. Place them in high-traffic areas to get some amazing shots.
• Drones. If you own a large property, consider investing in a drone. It can help you monitor wildlife efficiently while also keeping an eye on your livestock.
Tracking Your Local Wildlife: Fun for the Whole Family
For many acreage owners, the love of their land is a legacy they hope to share with their children. Exploring wildlife together as a family not only strengthens bonds but also helps kids discover and connect with the land that will one day be theirs.
Tracking helps kids learn patience and sharpens their powers of observation. In a world filled with screens and nonstop entertainment, there’ s a special kind of magic in seeing them light up as they discover how thrilling and refreshing the natural world can be.
December 2025 AcreageLife 35