DETECTING, READING AND FOLLOWING TRACKS: A SKILL FOR KIDS!

 

 

 

by Kyt Lyn Walken

 

Imagine a reunion between children and Nature

The primitive art of reading and interpreting man made tracks (“Mantracking”) has all the characteristics to be considered as an almost occult science. Yet, based exclusively on the careful reading and analysing what the different terrains offer us, it turns out to be a real science.

We, as adults, tend to see this skill as hard to master, especially in such a frenetic world and people forever in a rush.

Nonetheless, some human beings don't. And, more than that, they excel in gaining the fundamentals of such a complex Art which deals with botany, geology and even forensics.  This special niche of people are.. kids and teenagers.

This Art, which has tens of thousands of enthusiasts all over the world (including biologists, conservationists and/or simply curious people), preserves the few, simple rules that have distinguished it and kept it from oblivion over the centuries.

The observation of man as well animal behaviour, the knowledge of  nature’s principles and the systematic application of them represents the first step in entering this discipline.

My personal experience in working with kids (from 5 years old to 14 years old) gives me the constant confirmation that their attitude, curiosity and, above all, strong common sense (which, sad but true! Many adults lack of) turn them into amazing detectives. Which, “tout court” ie simply, turns them into brilliant young Trackers.

As one of my instructors wisely said, Tracking is certainly not Voodoo, nor does it require any particular skills other than patience, self-discipline, honesty and concentration. Kids and teenagers prove it magnificently.

This art is in fact based on three phases:

• observation
• reading
• interpretation

The so-called "tricks of the trade", which can be acquired thanks to hours and hours of experience on different terrains and in different weather conditions, are in fact essential and within everyone's reach.

 

The "Tracker" tools consist of:

• a measuring device
• a flashlight (mostly a hand flashlight)
• note paper, pen and pencil
• tweezers (to remove any debris on the tracks)

Anyone can therefore develop the techniques necessary to achieve good success in this Art.

At the same level, any experienced Tracker can "get rusty if away from Tracking for too long" (Bob Carss, 2009)

As mentioned above, experience plays a vital role in your journey.

Different terrains, varied environments, various weather conditions combined with certain physical and mental conditions are the main factors that influence the growth path in the art of Tracking.

Kids and teenagers are not only eager to learn, but they own the proper, inquisitive mind to deal with the rules of Tracking skills in an amazing way.

It’s important to stay humble and be ready to accept mistakes.

Just like learning any other skill I was amazed by discovering that kids who suffer from autistic disorder have an excellent ability to detect, to read and to follow tracks.

When we follow a trail, we must necessarily use all our senses. Although the eyes perform the main job, the sense of smell and hearing are equally important. 

When on trail, get used to seeing, hearing, smelling everything you are surrounded by.  Sharp observation to detect traces enable the creation of a sort of visual and subsequently mental file.

In order to comprehend, achieve and consolidate Tracking skills here are some simple exercises you can perform with all the members of your family. They are supposed to help you gain more confidence in your sight while on track:

1. While doing any Outdoor activity, get used to raising your eyes often and suddenly. 

Try to focus on the first thing you are looking at. Then ask to yourself why a specific object captured your attention.

2. Stand still in the woods, let your look wander from left to right. Then repeat this action slowly, allowing your mind to catch as many details as possible. Take note of them. Why did they catch your attention? 

3. Restrain your sight into a tunnel. Is there any colour which mostly gains your attention? Can you explain why?

4. When you enter a new area, take no less than five minutes to look around. Then change your spot and repeat several times. Take note of everything you can and record it.

5. Observe the flora surrounding you. Are you able to name any of the trees and the plants?

In the next contributions we will discover how to enhance the other senses (we can call them "natural tools") related to track people and animals.

About the autor:

Kyt Lyn Walken