Tracking Step by Step...

Joel Hardin Professional Tracking Services 

Novice - Finding Sign

Everywhere People Go… There Is Sign

This introductory course uses classroom and field exercises to presents the basics of tracking, terminology and general concepts for finding and following footprint evidence.

For Basic (Level 1) Tracking certification students must complete two or more courses for 60 accumulative hours of training. Hours recorded on Novice Training Logs from “in-house” courses by recognized training agencies may apply.

Level 1 certification as a Basic Tracker shows the student has put in “ground time” and can demonstrate tracking knowledge and ability.

· Has an awareness of sign as physical evidence that must be preserved and protected.

· Can properly mark and preserve prime sign.

· Understands that everyone leaves unique sign and that trained trackers locate, read, interpret and follow sign to find a specific person.

· Uses glossary terms and definitions correctly and recognizes basic indications of sign in a field training area.

· Make acceptable drawings of footprints, notes characteristics, takes proper measurements and provide adequate sign descriptions to team members and search officials.

· Demonstrate the proper method for set-up and use of a tracking stick on a line of sign.

· Can identify simple examples of sign aging and see continuity in the entire line.

· Work efficiently in all tracking team positions.

· Be a compatible, contributing and cooperative team member using proper procedure and techniques to follow a simple line of sign from a known beginning point to end.

· Recognize and locate in vegetation and open dirt areas specific footprints and their particular characteristics as described by instructors.