Quail CSI Using a Scent Station Animal tracking skills help wildlife biologists and landowners identify animals that have been in an area. In the past, people tracked animals to help them find food sources and to avoid dangerous animals. Today, scientists, hunters, and landowners track animals to discover the path or route an animal takes. In addition to tracks, wildlife trackers search for animal droppings known as scat, and they may even find clues by looking for scratches in tree bark or in the ground. Another way wildlife biologists and landowners can make discoveries about the land is through the use of scent stations. This is a way to attract animals and have evidence of the animal’s kind to know exactly what animals are in the area. In addition, it provides a way to estimate both predator and prey populations.

The quality of tracks left behind can vary depending on the dirt, sand, or clay imprinted. Imagine that a nearby landowner is having problems with predators catching and eating quail on his land. Before the landowner can put predator management into action, he or she must first identify the predator. Many wild animals, and especially predators are nocturnal, therefore seeing or identifying them during the day may be difficult. Create a scent station as a way to lure animals, with the use of a scent, to obtain samples of their tracks. Think of it as a Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) method to identify the animals for the landowner.

Northern Bobwhite Quail Adult Female QuailAdult Male Quail Quail and many birds that spend the majority of their life on the ground are very susceptible to predators. Quail need a good mixture of both bunchgrass and forbs (weeds and wildflowers) in order to survive. Quail nest amongst the grass, feed on the seeds from the forbs, and use the vegetation as a camouflage from predators. Photo by

Making a Scent Station

The area should be flat and located where animals are likely to travel at night. This could be at the edge of a habitat, or where two paths intersect. It should be about one (1) meter in diameter, and be free of grass, sticks, rocks, and any other material that could obscure tracks. Place the Hula Hoop on top of the chosen location. Pour the flour onto the cleared area inside of the Hula Hoop. Use a ruler to spread and flatten the surface of the flour. Remove the Hula Hoop. It is important to use bait that will attract wildlife. Pour approximately one- half (1/2) inch of water into the container. The water will help keep the ants away from the scent. Place the opened tuna fish can or catfish bait inside the plastic container. Place the container in the center of the circle. Use the ruler to spread the flour so there are no marks. Leave the station in place overnight and check the following day. (If more than 48 hours, it may be difficult to identify tracks.)

Photo by Shaun N. Northern Raccoon Virginia Opossum Photo by Ellie McCray Photo by William Bergman Photo by

Bobcat Photo by Bill Paige Photo by Concrete Supply House Photo by Sheri Amsel Photo by Jay Bernstein Nine-Banded Armadillo

Photo by Michael S. Quentin Photo by Sheri Amsel Coyote Photo by Andrew Keet House Cat Photo by

Photo by Pat Striker Photo by Richard Watson Photo by Angel’s Attic Rubber Stamps Western Diamondback Rattlesnake Red-tailed Hawk

The Landowner and Land Stewardship Land Stewardship is known as responsible planning and management of resources such as land, water, and animals. Why would a landowner want to use a scent station and how is it related to land stewardship?