Tracking 101 with Seaux | Tactical Rifleman

Published on April 1, 2022
Duration: 33:35

This video introduces basic tracking techniques, emphasizing that it's a learned skill requiring patience and observation. Instructor Sue LaRue demonstrates how to use light to your advantage, measure footprints, and identify tracks in various terrains like gravel roads and grass. Key principles include drawing prints, using a tracking stick, and understanding environmental indicators to follow a trail effectively.

Quick Summary

Tracking is a learned skill requiring patience and observation. Utilize low-angle light during early morning or late afternoon to highlight tracks. Draw every print to train your eye for detail and use a tracking stick to maintain direction and measure stride length. Key rules include never advancing without seeing the next print and avoiding destruction of evidence.

Chapters

  1. 00:07Sponsor: Acre Gold
  2. 00:51Introduction to Sue LaRue
  3. 01:43Sue's Tracking Prowess
  4. 02:33Introduction to Tracking
  5. 03:32History of Tracking
  6. 05:36Modern Tracking Users
  7. 05:57What is Tracking?
  8. 06:08Why Track?
  9. 07:13Historical Tracking Manuals
  10. 07:46Learning to Track is Not Hard
  11. 08:07Essential Tracking Tools
  12. 09:35Reference Materials for Tracking
  13. 11:34Commercial Break
  14. 11:47Tracking on a Gravel Road
  15. 11:55Demonstrating Tracking System
  16. 12:12Using Light to Your Advantage
  17. 12:49Worst Time to Track
  18. 13:24Angle of View in Tracking
  19. 13:56Border Patrol Tracking Methods
  20. 14:33ATV for Tracking
  21. 14:53Simple Tracking Tools
  22. 15:01Overall Track Measurements
  23. 16:20Drawing the Print
  24. 18:50Finding the First Two Prints
  25. 19:15Five Indicators of a Print
  26. 20:37Learning from Contamination
  27. 20:45Setting Up the Tracking Stick
  28. 21:27Stride Length Measurement
  29. 21:37Commercial Break
  30. 21:42Continuing Tracking Demonstration
  31. 21:54Setting Up the Tracking Stick
  32. 22:24Stride Length Revisited
  33. 23:09Using the Tracking Stick for Partial Prints
  34. 23:29Looking Over the Tip of the Stick
  35. 24:25Dealing with Contamination
  36. 25:01Factors Causing Track Aging
  37. 25:48Identifying Indicators in Tracks
  38. 25:52Handing Over the Tracking Stick
  39. 26:03Using Light to Your Advantage
  40. 26:10Tracking Arc and Indicators
  41. 26:28Five Indicators of a Print
  42. 27:08Marking the Next Track
  43. 27:36Harder to See Tracks Teach More
  44. 27:50Getting the Hang of Tracking
  45. 28:07Patience and Perseverance
  46. 28:41Identifying Left vs. Right Foot
  47. 29:05Tracking in Grass
  48. 29:22Color Indicators in Grass
  49. 29:36Looking for Grass Compression
  50. 29:47Tracking Rule #2: Don't Destroy Evidence
  51. 29:54Identifying a Track in Grass
  52. 30:08Human Foot Proportion
  53. 30:43Toe Indicator Measurement
  54. 30:56Losing Light
  55. 31:14Learning More Tracking
  56. 31:22Recommended Resources
  57. 32:35Closing Remarks
  58. 33:22Call to Action

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best times of day to practice tracking?

The optimal times for tracking are early morning and late afternoon when the sun is low. This lighting creates shadows that make tracks more visible. It's best to position yourself so the sun is behind you, with the track between you and the sun, to maximize detail.

What are the essential tools for learning to track?

For learning basic tracking, you'll need a tracking stick (about 3 feet long), a measuring tape, skewers and spray paint for marking, a notebook and paper for notes, a low-luminescent light, and potentially ponytail holders for indicators. These simple tools are effective for observation and measurement.

How can I improve my tracking skills?

Improve tracking by practicing patience and perseverance. Draw every print you find to train your eye for detail. Use a tracking stick to maintain direction and measure stride length. Learn to read environmental indicators like compressed grass or displaced rocks, and always follow the rules: don't advance without seeing the next print and don't destroy evidence.

What is the most important rule when learning to track?

The most critical rule when learning to track is to never advance beyond the last known print until you have identified the next one. This ensures you don't lose the trail. Additionally, always strive to avoid destroying the evidence you are trying to follow.

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