Gartersnake Workshops
Huse Biological Consulting LLC (HBC) offers 2-Day Introductory and 4-Day Advanced workshops focused on the Mexican and Narrow-headed gartersnakes. These workshops combine classroom instruction with hands-on field training and are recognized by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) as authorized training that may be applied toward recovery permit applications.
Training is led by Logan Huse, a former USFWS Senior Wildlife Biologist with over 13 years of experience in protected species surveys, wildlife handling, and Endangered Species Act compliance. Logan holds federal recovery permits for both gartersnake species and is an authorized trainer in gartersnake survey and handling techniques.
The 4-Day Advanced Workshop will rotate locations annually to provide training opportunities in habitats supporting both gartersnake species.
Additional course information, training dates, and registration details are provided below.
2-Day Introductory Gartersnake Workshop
Course Description
This two-day, in-person workshop provides wildlife biologists, biological monitors, environmental consultants, and agency personnel with foundational training in gartersnake identification, field survey techniques, and regulatory compliance. The course is designed for individuals seeking to develop the knowledge and practical skills necessary to support project-specific biological monitoring of federally protected gartersnakes.
The workshop focuses on the Mexican gartersnake and Narrow-headed gartersnake, emphasizing species identification, habitat requirements, survey methodologies, and applicable federal and state regulations.
Training combines classroom instruction, practical demonstrations, and supervised field exercises. Participants will gain hands-on experience identifying suitable habitat, developing effective search images, conducting visual encounter surveys, and documenting field observations. Field exercises provide an opportunity to apply survey techniques under realistic conditions while emphasizing wildlife safety and minimizing habitat disturbance.
Course Topics
Species Identification
Biology and Ecology
Survey Methodologies
Field Documentation
Regulatory Compliance
Search Image Training
Learning Objectives
Upon completion, participants will have developed the foundational knowledge and practical field skills to identify protected gartersnakes, assess suitable habitat, conduct visual encounter surveys, document observations, and understand regulatory requirements associated with biological monitoring.
Certificate of Completion
Participants will receive a Certificate of Completion documenting their training.
Course completion does not independently authorize the capture, handling, or monitoring of federally or state-protected species. Additional permits or project-specific agency approvals is required.
Training Dates and Location
Dates: TBD – 2027
Location: Parker, Arizona
Duration: 2 Days
Format: In-Person Classroom and Field Training
Future training dates and registration details will be posted as they become available.
Registration Fees
Non-Government Participants: $450 per person
Government Participants: $350 per person
Discounted registration is available to federal, state, and tribal government employees.
4-Day Advanced Gartersnake Workshop
Course Description
This four-day, in-person workshop provides advanced training in gartersnake identification, survey techniques, capture and handling, and regulatory compliance. Designed for wildlife biologists, environmental consultants, and agency personnel, the course supports individuals pursuing U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Section 10(a)(1)(A) recovery permits and authorization to conduct protocol-level surveys for the Mexican gartersnake and Narrow-headed gartersnake.
Building on the two-day introductory course, this workshop combines classroom instruction, demonstrations, and supervised field exercises. Participants will gain practical experience conducting active and passive surveys, deploying and monitoring traps, safely capturing and handling gartersnakes, and collecting standardized biological data. Training emphasizes effective survey techniques, animal welfare, and minimizing impacts to protected species and their habitats.
The workshop also includes Endangered Species Act (ESA) Section 7 training, covering the consultation process, effects analysis, and preparation of Biological Assessments.
Course Topics
The four-day advanced workshop includes all topics covered in the 2-Day Introductory Gartersnake Workshop, plus the following advanced training:
Maximizing Search Image
Collecting Morphological Data
Trapping Experience
Section 7 Training
Learning Objectives
Participants will develop the knowledge and practical skills to conduct gartersnake surveys, safely capture and handle protected species, collect standardized biological data, and understand applicable permitting requirements. Participants will also gain foundational training in ESA Section 7 consultations and Biological Assessment preparation.
Certificate of Completion
Participants will receive a Certificate of Completion documenting their training.
Course completion supports professional development and recovery permit applications but does not independently authorize activities requiring federal or state permits. Additional agency approval is required.
Note: Species encountered during field exercises depend on the training location and field conditions. Live-animal handling opportunities cannot be guaranteed.
Training Dates and Location
Dates: TBD – 2027
Location: Parker, Arizona
Duration: 4 Days
Format: In-Person Classroom and Field Training
Future training dates will be posted as they become available.
Registration Fees
Non-Government Participants: $1,100 per person
Government Participants: $950 per person
Discounted registration is available to federal, state, and tribal government employees.
Questions
For questions regarding the workshop or registration, contact Logan@husebiological.com.