Tracking Kit Check List

[TeeDee]

Anyone suggest anything on top of the following , just putting back together a little tracking kit bag - appreciate any suggestions.



Measuring Rule or Square or tape measure.

Plaster of Paris , Bottle or Bag to Mix , Piece of drainpipe to retain Plaster allowing it to set.

Large Bag and Gloves - for handling and taking away any found dead animals ( for skull preservation ).

Hairspray

Lollipop or Marker Flags

Field Guide

Digi Camera or Phone

Torch

Tracking Stick

Fine Sand - for infilling and getting contrast on prints for photos







What else???

 

[forrestdweller]

what's the purpose of the hairspray?

 

[TeeDee]

what's the purpose of the hairspray?

Hi , You spray it onto prints if on a finer/sandy medium which then bonds it a little and allows one to take a plaster print without it losing detail.

 

[sandbender]

Hi , You spray it onto prints if on a finer/sandy medium which then bonds it a little and allows one to take a plaster print without it losing detail.

I never knew that, thanks.

 

[xairbourne]

something to kneel on, foam / inflatable mat ?

 

[sunndog]

Pair of mk1 eyeballs

 

[Firelite]

A mirror can be handy for illuminating impressions from the side, as can a wide brimmed hat, for providing overhead shade. More general advice for those trying their hand: there are a million things that might conceivably be useful, but don't wait until you have them all - get some time in on the ground and remember, you have to carry the kit. Keep it as simple as you can.

 

[MartiniDave]

I was told a green light torch is good for increasing contrast on marginal prints.
I would take a rule of some sort and a hand lens too.

Dave

 

[forrestdweller]

Hi , You spray it onto prints if on a finer/sandy medium which then bonds it a little and allows one to take a plaster print without it losing detail.

did not know it, too-- but it makes sense

 

[21st century pict]

I was told a green light torch is good for increasing contrast on marginal prints.
I would take a rule of some sort and a hand lens too.

Dave

Hi Dave
I small hand lens or Fresnel lens is also a great backup for anyone who "like me" wears glasses.
David Diaz, The acknowledged tracking expert and instructor recommends wearing protective eye wear, protection from brush really, so I carry a pair of Polarised sunglasses in my bag, very handy in the snow.
If you use a ruler, mark off one side with black and orange tape, then it doubles up as a great scale for photographs.

For the above list, I find a 1:25 000 or 1:50 000 scale OS map comes in very handy, just for being out and about as much as anything really, a Tide Table and watch is also good if like me you live near the coast.
A waterproof notebook and pen, and a pencil for sketching tracks, If you study avian tracks, a protractor is also very useful for measuring toe angle.

 

[Firelite]

It had never occurred to me to take a protractor. Good call 21PC.