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locations to actually set cameras must be selected. CWMP's leadership team works with each volunteer
camera team to provide them with all of the available information which has contributed to selected the
general location, including suggestions from local biologists and citizens about specific locations or
landscape features that might be productive, specific location of recent putative wolf sightings from the
area. Ideally, each field team will have several specific locations to target for installation when they head
out in the field. Along with materials to set the camera trap, they will also have maps of the area, notes
and coordinates of recent sightings (if applicable) as well as notes, and coordinates of specific locations
in the field that appear to be promising locations to set camera traps.
Once in the field volunteer camera teams must select the specific microhabitat features to locate their
camera trap. This step is key, as without very careful site selection the chances of capturing photos of a
wolf on a remote camera are very low. Because of this, it is suggested that field teams allot a reasonable
amount of time to explore the general location they have been assigned to assess multiple potential
locations for their camera trap before they install. This may be a full day or even several days of scouting
depending on the size and accessibility of the location.
Scouting: Guidelines for finding the best specific location to set a camera
trap
Preparation for the Field
Prior to heading into the field, review maps of the area, material on wolf tracks and signs, and guidelines
for various methods for setting a camera trap (see below). Be sure to plan enough time for your trip to
allow for getting to the general location, an appropriate amount of time to scout for setting camera traps
and then actually setting cameras. Successful camera traps often require several days of scouting in order
to locate the specific location to set them and up to an hour to sort out and prepare the specific location
for actually setting the camera.
Collect all of the field equipment needed for the trip (see list below). Test remote cameras, ensure that
memory cards are empty and batteries are full. Ensure that you know how to use the cameras and set
cameras to the projects recommended settings. If there have been specific locations to target for scouting
or setting your cameras, enter these coordinates into the GPS unit.
In the Field
Wolves often use roads, human trails, and game trails along streams, wetlands, through mountain
passes or along ridgelines to travel through their home range. Roads that are used infrequently by
people are often particularly sought out by wolves (Fritts et al 2003). Wolves leave recognizable tracks
and scats along these travel routes. Walk, bike, or drive as much of the road and trail system within the
targeted area as possible, focusing specifically on areas that had been identified as promising based on
