Discover the Basics of Tracking a Person in the Wilderness

Published on November 14, 2023
Duration: 11:49

This video introduces basic wilderness tracking techniques, emphasizing the use of a tracking stick to measure stride length and identify subtle signs of passage. The instructor, with extensive military and search and rescue experience, details how to observe foot impressions, flagging, transference, and wilting. He also provides tips for night tracking using a flashlight to cast shadows effectively.

Quick Summary

Learn basic wilderness tracking by using a tracking stick to measure foot length and stride. Look for subtle signs like flagging (bent vegetation), transference (dirt on leaves), and wilting plants. For night tracking, hold your flashlight low to cast shadows that highlight tracks.

Chapters

  1. 00:08Instructor's Tracking Experience
  2. 00:36Introduction to Basic Tracking
  3. 00:45Sponsor: CCW Safe
  4. 01:06Laying Track and Tracking Stick Setup
  5. 01:41Example of Laid Track
  6. 02:02Documenting Tracks (Photo & Sketch)
  7. 02:22Using Rubber Bands on Tracking Stick
  8. 02:33Measuring Foot Length
  9. 02:50Measuring Stride Length
  10. 03:13Finding Subtle Signs
  11. 03:45Identifying Pushed-Up Earth
  12. 04:02Continuing Step-by-Step Tracking
  13. 04:11The Tedious Nature of Tracking
  14. 04:19Arrow as a Tracking Stick for Deer
  15. 04:47Aging Tracks and Spore Pits
  16. 05:51Environmental Effects: Flagging
  17. 06:25Demonstrating Flagging
  18. 07:02Demonstrating Multiple Signs Together
  19. 07:27Identifying Depressed Rocks
  20. 07:42Demonstrating Transference
  21. 07:53Demonstrating Flagging and Wilting
  22. 08:02Wilting as a Timing Indicator
  23. 08:27Introduction to Cutting for Sign
  24. 08:50Cutting for Sign Strategy
  25. 09:37Night Tracking with a Flashlight
  26. 09:57Flashlight Technique for Shadows
  27. 10:09Military Tracking and Anti-Tracking
  28. 10:35Security of the Tracking Team
  29. 10:55Employing Canine Units
  30. 11:03Recommended Resources (SAR Clubs)
  31. 11:19Video Conclusion and Call to Action

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you use a tracking stick to measure a person's stride?

To measure stride length with a tracking stick, first mark the length of one foot from toe to heel. Then, place the stick's tip at the toe of the first track and move the second marker to the toe of the subsequent track. This distance represents the stride length.

What are the key signs to look for when tracking someone in the wilderness?

Key tracking signs include clear foot impressions, flagging (bent vegetation), transference (dirt on leaves), and wilting of plants. Observing these subtle environmental changes helps determine the direction and recency of passage.

What is the best technique for tracking at night?

For effective night tracking, hold your flashlight at the lowest possible angle to cast long shadows. This technique makes subtle tracks and disturbances on the ground much more visible to the eye compared to using a headlamp.

How can you speed up the tracking process in the wilderness?

To speed up tracking, use 'cutting for sign.' This involves sending teams ahead to known linear features (like roads or creeks) where the subject is likely to pass, allowing them to quickly pick up the trail and relay information.

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