Midsummer Tracking Expedition

As the days grow longest and the sun barely seems to set, animal activity at Blackridge shifts into its most active summer patterns — making mid-June the single best window all year to read fresh sign on the ground. This seven-day expedition, led by tracking specialist Maria Torres, runs June 15–22, 2026, and consistently ranks among the most requested weeks of the entire Rugged season.

Why This Time of Year

Longer daylight hours mean more usable time in the field each day without racing the sunset, and the height of summer brings out feeding, watering, and movement patterns that simply aren't visible during the shorter, cooler months earlier or later in the year. Students who return year after year consistently tell us this specific week produces the clearest, most abundant tracking opportunities of any Rugged season, and Maria structures the itinerary specifically around taking advantage of that seasonal peak.

What to Expect

Days are spent moving quietly through varied terrain, reading sign at a pace that rewards patience over speed, and identifying wild edibles at their absolute summer peak, with evenings around camp spent reviewing the day's finds and comparing notes as a group. Group size stays intentionally small so everyone gets real, individual one-on-one time with Maria in the field rather than watching from the back of a crowd, which makes a genuine difference in how quickly the skills actually sink in.

Blackridge's mix of forest, meadow, and creek terrain is especially rich in midsummer, giving this expedition access to a wider range of wildlife sign and plant life than almost any other point in the calendar, which is exactly why this particular week fills up faster than any other Hunter Gatherer date we run throughout the year.

All tracking and foraging gear provided
Meals included throughout the expedition
Certificate of completion
Small group instruction, capped at 10 students
Peak-season wildlife activity for maximum tracking opportunities

Booking Info

All 10 seats are currently open for this June 15 departure, though early registration is strongly encouraged since this week tends to fill up well before the actual start date. Bring your own hunting boots — everything else, from tools to meals, is provided as part of the course.