Yeah, I went to a lot of Tom's courses, and though I was slightly sceptic at first, I found Tom is as true as his words. A lot of Tom's more recent history (Last 25 years or so) is actually quite proven by newspaper articles over the years. He is indeed a brilliant tracker. On the Standard Class (A prerequisite to nearly every other class) Tom challenges everybody to go out at night, camo up, and then stalk to ultimately touch a deer. If anyone managed to touch a deer, they would get a class for free. There were many people who claimed they managed. But Tom just followed these folks tracks, and was able to tell exactly how close they got, and that nobody truly did touch any deer that week. The good thing, is that he doesn't just tell you where are track is, he actually helps everyone patiently to see what he sees. Even on gravel and concrete!
I believe one of Toms best skills is the skill to teach. There is no way you can sit in a course and drift off while he is talking. You can only be totally engrossed.
One important thing, which sometimes dissapoints people who go to his courses:
Tom is a human being, and has his difficulties in life just like the rest of us. He is in no way perfect, and he's the first one to point that out to people attending his courses. He smokes like a chimney, has been divorced and remarried, dries a big car (As all Americans do), etc,...
The tracker was his first (And most famous) book. As soon as you get into the first course, Tom states: "The tracker you read about in that book is dead. I don't live that ideal life anymore. I now live to teach! If you came here to see "the Tracker" as described in this first book, you can leave now, and I'll give you all your money back!"
Tom also says regularly: " I am not a guru. Do not follow what I tell you, just because I tell you!! Try everything I teach you for yourself, and prove me right, or prove me wrong! I am not a leader, I am but a signpost and a tattered one at that, pointing you in a direction. You have to find your own path in life!"
Now, sorry about blabbing on,... but I'd like to reply to one of the earlier posts:
Stalking Wolf is indeed not Tom's grandfather. In Apache custom, Elders, or teachers were refered to as Grandfather. This is purely a respectfull title.
Stalking Wolf, is however, Ricks blood grandfather. Rick was Tom's best friend. (Till he died of a horseriding accident in Spain) Grandfather NEVER lived on a reservation. He roamed the land and never lived in a house. When he was not teaching Tom and Rick, he would be roaming over the land, visiting old friends, or visiting people that needed a natural healer.
Hope this clarifies things a bit!
I am always available for more questions, and I will monitor this post to answer any replies.
Many regards,
Anthonio
P.S. Tom has been over here a few times by invitation of the BBC. He was here October 2002 to track wild cats in Wales for the BBC (Turned out to be a puma, which to date, is still roaming free)