Tracking Groups

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Mar 15, 2011
1,118
7
on the heather
Well I finally managed to dig out my copy of "Tracking a Blueprint for learning How" by Jack Kearney, Give me a week for a quick refresher, then if anyone wants to borrow the book for a lone or a Bushcraft trackers passround, just drop me a message on this thread, coincidently I couldn't remember the authors so I had to goggle the author's name and the book and is also available free on line as a PDF download.
Happy Trails.
 
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TeeDee

Full Member
Nov 6, 2008
10,451
3,654
50
Exeter
Just want to bump this a little. I'm was thinking about looking into the possibility of getting a 'tracking camp' set up - so a bushcrafty set up somewhere ( the 1st one that I arrange is most likely to be in the South West somewhere - sorry for Northern interests! ) and maybe a few revision workshops and lecture for those of us with Rusty Skills then some dirt time and tracking ( as best as we can ) - I figure this at least gives a reason to be out in the woods.

Hopefully after this we can generate some more interested people to come forward?

Any ideas or suggestions on this topic appreciated fully ref what is covered at a workshop , things to include , possible locations , etc - I'd suggest we keep all the related comments here on this thread to keep it bumped and 'seen' on the forum
 

janso

Full Member
Dec 31, 2012
611
5
Penwith, Cornwall
Sounds good in theory... are you suggesting a semi permanent set up or a temporary one for SW meets?
Dartmoor or Exmoor springs to mind to catch members from Cornwall to Somerset but 'camp' which isn't treading on 'authorities' toes; hmm...
With a 'place' to descend on, workshops and lectures can be all and sundry dependant on group needs or votes and a relevant lead on the subject?
Would the 'camp' be somewhere that members could use on their own for overnighters or just for group use?

I'm liking the idea TD



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TeeDee

Full Member
Nov 6, 2008
10,451
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50
Exeter
Sounds good in theory... are you suggesting a semi permanent set up or a temporary one for SW meets?
Dartmoor or Exmoor springs to mind to catch members from Cornwall to Somerset but 'camp' which isn't treading on 'authorities' toes; hmm...
With a 'place' to descend on, workshops and lectures can be all and sundry dependant on group needs or votes and a relevant lead on the subject?
Would the 'camp' be somewhere that members could use on their own for overnighters or just for group use?

I'm liking the idea TD



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I'm thinking of approaching somewhere private that have allowed tracking courses to be run on their land previously - its located within the Dartmoor Park.
The idea of workshops or lectures was mainly to bolster numbers and get a few complete newbies to attend - increase the ranks somewhat. Also one of the best ways I've found to learn ( or re-learn ) a subject is to put yourself in a position where you are going to have to 'teach' the theory at least.

I'm thinking a respectful camp ( no loud music and massive amount if tinnies being piled through ) , but equally sensible mature drinking shouldn't upset anyone as its quite secluded.

It would have to be only for the group use and no doubt a small fee would have to be paid.

I'm just spitballing here for the moment , so all suggestions or criticisms are welcome.
 

TeeDee

Full Member
Nov 6, 2008
10,451
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Exeter
Erm , not really in my mind but opinions differ.

Animals don't smoke ( aging discarded cigs ) ,boot size ( straddle-gait-deception-loaded/unloaded ), leave upper sign , leave rubbish, require a tactical understanding , S-A-R Applications etc.
 
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Pterodaktyl

Full Member
Jun 17, 2013
134
1
Devon
Animal tracking is probably a skill I'd use more regularly, but would certainly be up for learning to track humans as well.
 

mick91

Bushcrafter (boy, I've got a lot to say!)
May 13, 2015
2,064
7
Sunderland
Erm , not really in my mind but opinions differ.

Animals don't smoke ( aging discarded cigs ) ,boot size ( straddle-gait-deception-loaded/unloaded ), leave upper sign , leave rubbish, require a tactical understanding , S-A-R Applications etc.

Oh I agree with that but the fundamentals are basically the same
 

Wacker

Full Member
Sep 4, 2015
133
1
East Yorkshire
As a total novice i'd be happy to learn both as long as it establishes a good foundation of knowledge that I can apply to either type of tracking. Maybe once I reach an intermediate level I would lean more toward animal tracking since hunting is something I am looking to get into, but I would find either type very fascinating
 

janso

Full Member
Dec 31, 2012
611
5
Penwith, Cornwall
I think I know the 'place' your thinking of TD; they are a good venue and used by exped medic courses and a national survival course company?
As to the tracking query; isn't man tracking an easier way to step into the subject with able bodies attending? Both animal and man workshops would be great to do. Maybe a run of workshops starting with basics and building up in all areas for novice experience?


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janso

Full Member
Dec 31, 2012
611
5
Penwith, Cornwall
PS, I do know of a venue that's just becoming established in Mid Cornwall which may cater for bushcrafters. The downside is that it's all the way down here for those further afield wishing to take part!


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TeeDee

Full Member
Nov 6, 2008
10,451
3,654
50
Exeter
I think I know the 'place' your thinking of TD; they are a good venue and used by exped medic courses and a national survival course company?
As to the tracking query; isn't man tracking an easier way to step into the subject with able bodies attending? Both animal and man workshops would be great to do. Maybe a run of workshops starting with basics and building up in all areas for novice experience?


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You are following my line of thinking Janso - With bodys in situa it would be easier to teach ( at least I think ) the basics of tracking via Human Spoor and then move onto Various animal sign.
 
Mar 15, 2011
1,118
7
on the heather
Reading from Jack Kearney's book here, human tracking would probably be best at first, if only because it's easier to lay out a track on easy ground, say a beach, sand quarry or dry dusty area for beginners follow, good area to get some nice clear tracks for drawing or measuring, general track description, step interval etc, a tracking stick could also be handy item here.

Perhaps a members suggested reading list of good track ID field guides or tracking books might be handy, feel free to add your reading suggestions.

Tracking Books.
Tracking: A Blueprint for learning How by Jack Kearney, a step by step guide with tracking exercises.

Track ID Field Guides.
Animal Tracks, Trails and Signs by Brown, Lawrence & Pope, a very good UK field guide. Out of print but only a couple of quid on Amazon.
Tracks and Signs of the Birds of Britain and Europe by Brown, Ferguson & Lawrence. If Ornithology is your thing this is the book. A bit big for a field guide but a great reference book.

Military Tracking Books.
Tactical Tracking Operations by David Scott-Donelan, X Rhodesian SAS Selous Scout.
Tracking, Signs of Man, Signs of Hope by David Diaz, SF tracking expert.
The Complete Guide to Tracking by Bob Carss, Ex-22 SAS Tracker.

Further Reading.
The Art of Tracking, The Origin of Science by Louis Liebenberg.
 
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janso

Full Member
Dec 31, 2012
611
5
Penwith, Cornwall
A good stick and some heavy duty elastic bands from memory; the kind used for animal castration...


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