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First published in the Nov. 1997 Foxprint.
(Editor's note: We discovered this handy little animal tracking guide when reviewing all the past Foxprints for material. It was tucked inthe corner of the back page, but we felt it was worth reprinting...)
Clint's Little Animal Tracking Guide: What to take with you...
These are just a few little tips that I've picked up. While for some they may be old news, for those who haven't been tracking long perhaps they'll be of some help.
A few things to have with you:
1) A good dependable tracking book. There are a few smaller pocket size books that give you a good clear print of most of the animals in your region.
2) A tape measure (again, a small one that is relatively light weight) for determining strides and straddles.
3) Some sticks for marking tracks. I like popsicle sticks sharpened at one end but any stick will do. These will help you in establishing a track trail which will make you search for the hard tracks which will improve your ability to see tracks (completely bypassing the rational part of your mind).
4) Dress for the weather. Though some folks like to pit mind over matter in the tracking club, I find freezing to be a distraction. One of the best investments I ever made were in wool Army Surplus pants. They keep you warm even when wet.
5) Take you camera on occasion!
(See! It's basic, but for a beginner this little animal tracking guide is a gem. We hope to have more basic tracking info posted for you in the future!)
Clint was the Foxprint lay-out artist for several years. He is a passionate cartoonist and tracker.
To learn the basics of tracking, check out the Kamana Naturalist Training Program.
Tracking is also a main part of the Residential Program curicullum. It is the ultimate animal tracking guide.
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