MORE INFORMATION ABOUT AMERICAN BLOOD TRACKERS ASSOCIATION

American Blood Trackers Association has become one of the most visible national organizations focused on wounded game recovery, blood tracking, tracking dog training, testing, and certification. The organization describes itself as a nationally recognized resource committed to advancing skill, knowledge, and ethical standards in the tracking community.

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ABTA was founded in 2023 by Kenny Mullins and Ralph Bennett with the goal of creating a consistent national standard for tracking teams. The organization states that certified teams are evaluated under real hunting conditions and that its mission is to build a nationwide network of proven trackers who train with purpose, test with integrity, recover ethically, and mentor the next generation.

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Size and Impact

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Some publicly available ABTA information includes:​

• ABTA provides national tracking dog certification, mentorship, training, events, and a “Find A Tracker” resource.

• The organization offers multiple certification levels, including Introductory, Started, Seasoned, Finished, Elite, Multi-Dog Off-Lead, and Wounded Game Drone Recovery Certification.

• ABTA emphasizes consistent, repeatable testing standards across the country so certification carries the same meaning regardless of where a team tests.

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Why ABTA Focuses on National Standards

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ABTA was created to address inconsistency in tracker education and certification testing. The organization states that its testing process is built around repeatable standards, real-world tracking conditions, scent theory, and objective evaluation rather than luck or uneven test setups.

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Certification and Training

ABTA’s certification program includes field-based tests with defined track lengths, scent aging, wound beds, turns, distractions, property-line scenarios, and recovery challenges. The organization also offers mentorship and training resources for handlers who want to improve their dogs, field judgment, and recovery skills.

Interesting Facts About American Blood Trackers Association

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• ABTA describes itself as “not a club” but a mission-driven organization focused on raising the standard of wounded game recovery.

• The organization was established in 2023 and operates nationwide.

• ABTA includes both traditional tracking dog certification and wounded game drone recovery certification.

• The organization’s core values include ethical practices, dedication to recovery, lawful conduct, education, mentorship, respect for landowners, and service over profit.

• Technology such as TRAKR can complement ABTA’s mission by helping hunters quickly connect with available recovery teams while supporting ethical, organized wounded game recovery.