Tracking Techniques: A Guide

At a glance..

This resource explains tracking techniques; the two main techniques include ground spoor and aerial spoor. Tracking techniques are an excellent skill to possess, especially if searching for someone in the wilderness or tracking down a wild animal.

The details..

Tracking Techniques by Eugene Nielsen is an informative guide to the ancient art of tracking. The book explains how to read signs left behind in nature - from footprints on the ground to broken cobwebs above it - so you can determine what has occurred in a certain area. It also provides tips for distinguishing between confirmed and unconfirmed spoor (signs), as well as ways to track into the sun if possible.

The book also discusses how different factors like displacement, staining, littering and weathering can be used to tell which way a group was travelling in addition to their approximate size. Additionally, it details various methods for examining footprints including looking at differences between shoe prints due gender or weight carried; drag marks indicating injury; scuffled foliage showing lighter coloration; mud carrying clues about where people have been; blood stains revealing severity of wounds; overturned rocks displaying darker undersides etc.

The author further advises caution when walking over tracks so they are not disturbed or destroyed unnecessarily before examination. He emphasizes studying maps beforehand too understand terrain better while also suggesting practice exercises with members going off in different directions so one can learn firsthand what needs observing during actual Tracking sessions.

Overall this comprehensive guide offers invaluable insight into understanding Tracking techniques both practically and theoretically.