It’s not a matter of not being able to see it. Everyone can see the sign, the paradigm is being able to recognize it and that will only happen with training. Sure books can tell you or describe how the author perceives or is able to see the sign but it doesn’t matter much unless the reader goes out and tries to duplicate the “things”. Tracking oneself may seem like a silly effort but it’s an EXCELLENT starting point and isn’t as easy as one might think.
Fully agree. Seeing consciously is more than just seeing visually. We see, but do we really recognize what we are seeing? Likewise, even if we recognize what we are seeing, do we understand what it is telling us? Levels of understanding probably exist I suppose, and therefore (probably) levels of learning should be expected. The question for beginning tracking students may be what happens if we start out trying to understand, before we recognize what we are seeing? Does it improve the learning effort or cause confusion and lack of clarity in the learning? Hummmm…..
Composite tracking list; Each group of ten (10) involves more time in the field.
1. Pad of paper, footprint cards, pencils.
2. Small (6-12 foot) tape measure
3. Flashlight (cheap, 3 D-cell is best IMO)
4. Marking tape (to mark the back of each sequential sign – biodegradable plz)
5. Mirror (redirect sunlight to bring out details of sign) Small (3″ X 4″apx.) and unbreakable preferred.
6. Hat (shade the area from the sun to allow a mirror to work better and to protect your head)
7. Tracking stick (30-40 inches, with 2 or 3 o-rings or rubber bands)
8. Appropriate communications/radio (most use FRS but others may be appropriate)
9. GPS and Compass / map of area
10. Personal items (sunshade, snack bar, water)
11- First aid / Survival kit
12- Emergency LED light (just in case you need something to walk out of the woods with in the dark)
13- Small digital camera (still need to draw the track but may come in handy for evidence documentation).
14- Construction chalk, powder (to mark sign that may be on hard surface)
15- Popsicle sticks or skewers (they stick up higher and are sometimes preferred over tape)
16- Rain poncho
17- String. – Kite string or dental floss will work.
18- Magnifying Glass. – 5X is plenty. A dual lens 5X & 10X is great
19- Tweezers – For removing litter from tracks.
20- Knife
21-Food and Water (Water purifier system)
22-Second pair of Socks.
23-50 feet of Para-cord
24- Whistle
25- Bic Lighter
26- Toilet paper / Baby wipes
27-Monocular / Binocular
28-Space Blanket
Tracks are set for training in the morning at the Wildcat WMA. Great scenario to come work on with Bobby Denton and I. Call me on my cell or text me at 770-560-4553 if you can make it. We will be leaving the Huddle house at Steve Tate highway and 53 by 8:30 to head into the woods.
How can someone really see things that others don’t see?
It’s not a matter of not being able to see it. Everyone can see the sign, the paradigm is being able to recognize it and that will only happen with training. Sure books can tell you or describe how the author perceives or is able to see the sign but it doesn’t matter much unless the reader goes out and tries to duplicate the “things”. Tracking oneself may seem like a silly effort but it’s an EXCELLENT starting point and isn’t as easy as one might think.
Fully agree. Seeing consciously is more than just seeing visually. We see, but do we really recognize what we are seeing? Likewise, even if we recognize what we are seeing, do we understand what it is telling us? Levels of understanding probably exist I suppose, and therefore (probably) levels of learning should be expected. The question for beginning tracking students may be what happens if we start out trying to understand, before we recognize what we are seeing? Does it improve the learning effort or cause confusion and lack of clarity in the learning? Hummmm…..
What about this list?
Composite tracking list; Each group of ten (10) involves more time in the field.
1. Pad of paper, footprint cards, pencils.
2. Small (6-12 foot) tape measure
3. Flashlight (cheap, 3 D-cell is best IMO)
4. Marking tape (to mark the back of each sequential sign – biodegradable plz)
5. Mirror (redirect sunlight to bring out details of sign) Small (3″ X 4″apx.) and unbreakable preferred.
6. Hat (shade the area from the sun to allow a mirror to work better and to protect your head)
7. Tracking stick (30-40 inches, with 2 or 3 o-rings or rubber bands)
8. Appropriate communications/radio (most use FRS but others may be appropriate)
9. GPS and Compass / map of area
10. Personal items (sunshade, snack bar, water)
11- First aid / Survival kit
12- Emergency LED light (just in case you need something to walk out of the woods with in the dark)
13- Small digital camera (still need to draw the track but may come in handy for evidence documentation).
14- Construction chalk, powder (to mark sign that may be on hard surface)
15- Popsicle sticks or skewers (they stick up higher and are sometimes preferred over tape)
16- Rain poncho
17- String. – Kite string or dental floss will work.
18- Magnifying Glass. – 5X is plenty. A dual lens 5X & 10X is great
19- Tweezers – For removing litter from tracks.
20- Knife
21-Food and Water (Water purifier system)
22-Second pair of Socks.
23-50 feet of Para-cord
24- Whistle
25- Bic Lighter
26- Toilet paper / Baby wipes
27-Monocular / Binocular
28-Space Blanket
Re-posted with permission from Bob Brady:
Statement: Trackers….Are the greatest asset to any search??
Comment: The greatest asset? My answer might be biased. Helicopters, hasty teams, tracking, all are great resources and need to be used wisely.
Trackers are a very valuable resource. As a resource, it can succeed or fail, depending on how it is used.
Tracks are set for training in the morning at the Wildcat WMA. Great scenario to come work on with Bobby Denton and I. Call me on my cell or text me at 770-560-4553 if you can make it. We will be leaving the Huddle house at Steve Tate highway and 53 by 8:30 to head into the woods.
Hope to see some of you there!
i love binoculars that are made by Bushnell, they are really very high quality*:,