Understanding WGT Team Categories
“Clear levels. Proven skills. The right tracker for every trail.”
Wounded Game Tracking (WGT) – Trackers of Texas organizes its members into three distinct categories — Bronze-Novice, Silver-Experienced, and Gold-Veteran — to help hunters quickly identify a team’s experience level and skill set. These categories aren’t about competition; they’re about transparency. By clearly defining a team’s background, experience, and recovery history, we ensure hunters know exactly what to expect when calling for help. Whether you’re reaching out to a developing team building their track record, a seasoned tracker with proven success, or a veteran with years of expertise, these categories make it easy to connect with the right resource for your recovery needs.
Tracking Team Categories
NOVICE TEAM
Novice (Bronze) teams are newer to the tracking community — generally under 2 years of experience as a tracker/handler, with fewer than 40 documented recoveries. Every Novice team has passed WGT's required background check and is committed to ethical recovery practices. Many are still building experience with their current dog team, but they're fully part of the WGT network, with full access to resources, mentorship, and visibility to hunters.
EXPERIENCED TEAM
Experienced (Silver) teams have built a proven track record — generally 2+ years of experience and 40 or more documented recoveries, with an established working relationship with their dog team. Every Silver team has passed WGT's background check and brings consistency, reliability, and field-tested skill to every call.
VETERAN TEAM
Veteran (Gold) teams represent WGT's highest level of recognition — generally 5+ years of experience, 80 or more documented recoveries, and a seasoned partnership with their dog team of 3+ years. Every Gold team has passed WGT's background check, is reviewed annually by the WGT Board, and often mentors newer teams — setting the standard for professionalism across Texas.
All WGT tracking teams, regardless of category, pass a background check before joining and are reviewed annually by the WGT Board to keep these categories accurate and trustworthy.