2026 Membership Dues

2026 TEAM MEMBER RULES & REGULATIONS
 
WHAT IS THE ILLINOIS DEER TRACKERS NETWORK (IDTN)
The IDTN is a self-governing network of dog tracking teams who track deer for hunters within the state of Illinois.  When a hunter calls on a member of the IDTN, the hunter can be assured that the team they are calling is a quality tracking team, has a proven history of recovering deer, has made a commitment to providing  professional service and has agreed to adhere to the by-laws of the IDTN.
 
BACKGROUND
As the popularity of tracking deer with dogs increases, there is a growing need to provide hunters access to quality and ethical tracking teams in their area.  There are a growing number of “trackers” across the country who are less than truthful about their abilities and experience level who also may or may not charge a fee for their services.  Hunters who call on these teams and trust them to provide a quality service are often disappointed with the results.  This disappointment breeds mistrust and prevents them from using a dog in the future.  The IDTN recognizes the growing need for an organization that promotes proficient and ethical tracking teams across the state and sets a standard of performance that hunters can rely on and trust.
 
IDTN teams have made a commitment to provide a quality service to hunters and to improve the craft of tracking deer with their dogs.
 
There also needs to be an efficient way for new tracking teams to have access to Veteran trackers who can teach and mentor them so they can grow their skill sets.
 
OUR GOALS
Provide hunters access to proven tracking teams in their area
Promote hunter confidence in the abilities of our members
Be truthful about our abilities and experience
Grow the number of quality tracking teams within the state
Help all network team members to increase their skill level and effectiveness
Provide hunters with educational tools to maximize their ability to find a harvested animal
 
OUR VALUES & COMMITMENT TO THE HUNTERS WE TRACK FOR
As members of the IDTN, we are committed to providing the hunter with a quality service and operate within a strict set of values.  It should be considered a privilege to be a member of the IDTN.  Members who do not follow the guidelines of the IDTN will be removed from the group.
Follow all state laws pertaining to hunting/tracking deer as outlined by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources 
Be honest and truthful about your experience level and abilities
Never stand up a hunter.  If you commit to meet with a hunter, you are expected to be there or provide adequate communication to the hunter about your status.
Conduct yourself with a high level of integrity.  This includes how you act and present yourself to the hunter or bystanders on the track.  Be respectful and courteous to hunters and landowners
Unprofessional behavior will not be tolerated
Falsifying recoveries will not be tolerated
Teams are expected to work within the level of their abilities.  If the call appears to be outside of your abilities, you should be willing to call a more experienced team to assist you with the track
Treat your dog with a high level of respect.  Mistreating or abusing your dog will result in immediate removal from the group
Treat fellow IDTN members with respect
Do not poach tracks from another tracking team.
We are expected to help one another for the betterment of the tracking team and to give the hunter the best possible chance at recovering their animal
All members must be in good standing with the state.  Any member could be removed from the group who is charged with or convicted of a serious criminal activity.
Unwanted sexual advances to a hunter is strictly forbidden
Pictures taken of recoveries should be respectful of the animal.  Limit the amount of blood shown.  Cut off or tuck the tongue in when possible
Your actions are representative of the entire group.  How you act or perform affects more than just your name and reputation
As a group, we are being watched by hunters, non-hunters, the IDNR and animal rights activists.  Conduct yourself accordingly.
 
The IDTN will use the current United Blood Trackers evaluation protocol to complete the evaluation. This evaluation may be completed by members of the organization to be named by the Network.  Teams being evaluated must be able to demonstrate the dogs ability to actively follow the scent line as laid by the evaluator.  The pass/fail criteria used will be based on if the evaluator would recommend this tracking team to their family or friends.
 
UBT I (Team in Training):
Line will be at least 400 yards in length
8 oz of blood OR Hoof and 3 oz of blood
At least two 90 degree turns
1 wound bed
Aged at least 2 hours
 
UBT II (Veteran Team):
Line will be at least 800 yards long
8 oz of blood OR Hoof and 3 oz of blood
At least three 90 degree turns
2 wound beds
Aged at least 8 hours
 
TEAM CATEGORIES LISTED ON MAP
Team in Training: teams with less than 2 years of experience and/or have less than 40 recoveries
Encouraged to utilize the help of other teams when needed
Team agrees to make hunters aware of their experience level
May or may not have passed a UBT1 or ABTA Started evaluation
Cannot charge a fee for their services, but may accept tips at the hunters discretion
UBT1 or ABTA1 test or equivalent evaluation will be taken into consideration as a qualifier to be placed on the Find a Tracker Map
Teams in Training do not automatically qualify to be placed on the Tracker Map by passing a UBT1 or ABTA Started evaluation. It is up to the Board to determine if they are ready to track for the public.
New tracking teams are expected to actively engage with the group and/or mentor, demonstrating consistent growth and collaboration. New teams that do not show a clear effort to learn, develop, and contribute may be removed from the network at any time within their first 2 years as a member.
 
Veteran Team: veteran teams must have 2 or more of the requirements below   
2+ years of experience
Have a proven history of recoveries with 40+ recoveries in their career
Have passed a UBT2 and/or UBT3 evaluation or ABTA Seasoned, ABTA Finished, and/or ABTA Elite
May charge a fee for their service
Established teams who are bringing a new dog into the mix will remain “veteran teams”. We trust these team members to continue to provide excellence in their service and forego tracking for a fee until they are certain that their dogs are ready.
Ultimately it is up to the Board of Directors to determine who is accepted into the IDTN and at what level.  Their decision is final, and will be made by majority vote.