Updated at 6:36 p.m. March 11 to correct phone number.

LISBON -- Tom Rausch of Waddington and his blood-tracking dog Luna recently traveled to Griffin, Ga. to attend Trackfest 2016.

Trackfest is held by United Blood Trackers, which is dedicated to promoting resource conservation through the use of trained tracking dogs in the ethical recovery of big game.

Rausch, a retiree from the U.S. Coast Guard and the St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation living in Lisbon, last year publicly offered the services of Luna and himself to track wounded game for hunters, free of charge. Rausch said the team recovered 11 deer and two bear last hunting season.

Trackfest, which attracts trackers from around the country, is a three-day seminar consisting of classroom and field work for the first two days, with field testing for certification conducted on day three.

Rausch and Luna have attained UBT1 certification.

Rausch can be reached at (315) 854-2044.