This work is dedicated to those men and women – past, present and future – who have willing volunteered and frequently gave the ultimate sacrifice so that information like this can be readily accessed, learned and disseminated to those hunters, gatherers, woodsmen, huntsmen and students who so crave such skills today. In particular, this work is in remembrance of the estimated 46,286 killed, wounded or missing on those fatal days of 01 – 03 July 1863 during which the Battle of Gettysburg raged 150 years ago.
In this short volume on woodsmen-ship you will find much information that is readily available from a number of Public Domain sources (I used 6 – 7 (See the references page) alone and had to leave some very good information out!) on-line or at your local surplus store. The difference in this work results from combining not only the Training Circulars and Field Manuals from the United States Armed Forces directly relating to TRACKING / COUNTER TRACKING, but also including specific sections focused on Training of Tracking Techniques (Australian Air Cadet Training Notes), Techniques for making Casts of Animal and Human tracks, a virtual encyclopedia of Animal Tracks commonly found in North America, a chapter devoted to Triggers, Traps and Snares wrapped-up with a short discussion of Personal Camouflage and Stalking Techniques for your various prey. The Five Appendixes include standard sample Tracking and Training logs, an examination of common cloud formations and how they effect / effected weather, a wind chill chart and Field Expedient Direction finding – all relating specifically to the fine art of Tracking & Counter Tracking. Finally, you will find an exhaustive list of Recommended Readings all relating to various aspects of tracking and survival.
The information contained herein is not to be packed away in your Bug Out Bag; but to be read, re-read, studied, practiced, learned and re-practiced until it becomes rote. Tracking is a learned skill, which when practiced often enough, can become an almost intuitive art.
Thank you for your interest. God Blesses.
From the book --
This section describes traditional tracking through rural terrain and, to a lesser extent, discusses urban tracking. Understanding the ancient art and science of tracking lays a firm foundation for a variety of activities useful in tracking operations. A person trained in tracking techniques can use deception maneuvers that minimize telltale signs and throw off or confuse poorly trained trackers who do not have the experience to spot the signs of a deception.
Trained and experienced trackers can detect the signs left behind, no matter how small. This is especially true in urban environments through forensic and biometric means, including the electronic tracking of e-mail and financial transactions, both of which leave behind electronic signs called cookies or breadcrumbs.
A successful tracker must—
” Be patient and consistent.
” Move slowly, quietly, and steadily while simultaneously detecting and interpreting signs.
” Avoid fast movement that may cause him to overlook or lose signs, or to walk into an enemy ambush.
” Be persistent and be able to continue the mission when signs are lost or scarce because of bad weather or terrain.
” Be observant and be able to see things not obvious at first glance.
” Use his sense of smell and hearing to augment his sight and intuition.
” Develop his intuition and a feel for things that do not look right. This ability may help him regain a lost trail or discover additional signs.
As a tracker follows a trail, he uses the above-mentioned skills to build a picture of the enemy in his mind while asking himself these questions:
” How many people am I following?
” Are they male or female?
” Are they adults or children?
” What is their state of training?
” How are they equipped?
” Are they healthy?
” What is their state of morale?
” Do they know they are being followed?
” Are they familiar with the area?
- - - - - - - - - -