Many tales of adventure and intrigue tell how a prisoner, being led away by the enemy, manages to leave little signs behind to show his friends where he has been taken. In tracking it is very important to give close observation of the surround. In this article we will read some guides to do the trailing.



Similarly, scouts investigating a route far in advance of their troops leave certain signs to direct those following them along the right path. When you are marking your own trail through woods or field, don't make it obvious by leaving behind scraps of paper. Any greenhorn could read a trail like that, and forest rangers are not very pleased with people who scatter paper around. Your signs should be completely inconspicuous, blending into the surrounding region, and they should be made of materials found in the immediate vicinity: stones, twigs and so forth.

Of course, following such a trail demands close observation. But then you are also sure that those who are not in on the secret will go by without paying attention.

Trailing animals

You have to know a great deal about animals, about their habits, and about their individual traits if you want to follow their tracks and come upon them unobserved. First, there are certain rules you must obey at all times:

When following the tracks of game, step lightly and learn how to walk silently on twigs and dried leaves. Never look an animal in the eye, or it will run away. Dress inconspicuously so that you do not stand out from the background and make your presence obvious.

Always be careful to sneak up on an animal against the wind. Even when you observe this precaution, don't come too close to an animal if you are sweating a lot. Animals have a very keen sense of smell when it comes to human perspiration. Bathe before going scouting and rub yourself with sorrel leaves to minimize the human scent.

We have talked about animal tracks, but this term is not strictly accurate.

Woodsmen distinguish among traces, tracks and footprints, and only when they have made the distinction do they start to interpret the signs. Tracks are the marks left by big game such as a moose, boar, antelope or a deer, whereas traces are the prints of a small game animal such as a fox or a bird.

When it comes to trail the animals, there are some guidance which we need to follow very closely. As the animals are having instinct to survive in the nature, they can become dangerous if they feel that they are in danger.