Tom Brown's Science and Art of Tracking

1. Master trackers see the world through the "eye of the tracker"

Grandfather often stated that awareness is the doorway to the spirit, and I believe he felt that before passing through that doorway one had to be extremely aware on a physical level first.

Questioning awareness. Master trackers develop a unique perspective on the world, constantly asking "What happened here?" and "What is this telling me?" This questioning consciousness drives them to observe and analyze every detail in their environment, from the smallest disturbance in the soil to the subtle behaviors of animals and humans.

Concentric rings of action. Trackers view the world as a series of interconnected events, where each action creates ripples that affect everything around it. This holistic perspective allows them to piece together complex stories from seemingly unrelated clues, understanding not just what happened, but why and how.

Key components of the "eye of the tracker":

• Constant questioning and observation
• Attention to minute details
• Understanding of interconnectedness
• Ability to interpret subtle signs and patterns

2. Pressure releases reveal an animal's every movement and intention

Each track tells us everything about that animal: its actions, reactions, its condition, whether it is full or hungry, thirsty or tired, healthy or sick, even what it is thinking or feeling.

Reading the landscape. Pressure releases are the key to understanding an animal's movements, intentions, and physical state. These subtle disturbances in the soil or tracking medium provide a wealth of information about the animal's weight distribution, direction of travel, speed, and even emotional state.

Types of pressure releases. Trackers learn to identify and interpret various types of pressure releases, including:

Wall pressure releases:

• Cliffs, ridges, peaks, crests, caves, plates, and explosions
  Forward motion pressure releases:
• Waves, disks, dishes, and explode-offs

Each type of pressure release corresponds to specific movements or conditions, allowing trackers to build a detailed picture of the animal's behavior and state of mind.

3. Digital, lobular, and toe ridge pressure releases offer deeper insights

To the master tracker, the tracks were not just a string of lifeless depressions strewn across the ground, but a window to an animal's very soul.

Micro-level analysis. Digital, lobular, and toe ridge pressure releases provide even more detailed information about an animal's movements and internal state. These smaller, more subtle pressure releases can reveal:

Digital pressure releases:

• Precise direction changes
• Head position and gaze direction
  Lobular pressure releases:
• Internal organ conditions (e.g., stomach fullness, bladder state)
• Soft external movements (e.g., ear cocking, tail wagging)
  Toe ridge pressure releases:
• Emotions and thoughts
• Finest internal movements (e.g., swallowing, grimacing)

By studying these micro-level pressure releases, trackers can gain an incredibly detailed understanding of an animal's physical and mental state, allowing them to reconstruct its experiences with remarkable accuracy.

4. Tracking is both a science and an art, requiring passion and practice

If you are going to be a master tracker then you need a passion that borders on obsession. And that passion needs to be fed with relentless experimentation and keen observation and awareness.

Scientific approach. Tracking requires a systematic and analytical approach to observing and interpreting signs in nature. Trackers must understand the mechanics of how tracks are formed, how different soil types and weather conditions affect track appearance, and how to measure and analyze various pressure releases.

Artistic intuition. At the same time, tracking demands creativity and intuition to piece together disparate clues and envision the bigger picture. Master trackers develop a sense of "oneness" with nature, allowing them to interpret tracks not just as physical evidence, but as a narrative of the animal's experiences.

Key elements for developing tracking skills:

• Constant practice and experimentation
• Keen observation and awareness
• Passion for learning and discovery
• Ability to synthesize information creatively

5. Soil personalities and weather conditions affect track interpretation

To simplify all the above variables in soil personality, remember these two factors: First, at the base of all soil personalities are the three soils of the tracking box's three compartments. Second is the distortion factor—the influences and impurities in the soil that distort a pressure release.

Soil personalities. Different types of soil and tracking mediums react differently to pressure, affecting how tracks and pressure releases appear. Trackers must understand these "soil personalities" to accurately interpret what they see.

Key soil characteristics to consider:

• Adhesive quality
• Water content
• Density
• Mixture quality
• Pressure personality
• Building capacity
• Shape identity

Weather effects. Weather conditions can significantly alter the appearance and preservation of tracks. Trackers must account for factors such as rain, wind, and temperature changes when interpreting tracks and estimating their age.

6. Night tracking and advanced techniques enhance tracking abilities

In night tracking with a flashlight, you may find that you become a better tracker, contrary to what logic would tell you. After all, you control the angle of the source of light, thus the shadow and depth of the tracks.

Light manipulation. Night tracking using flashlights allows trackers to control the angle and intensity of light, revealing subtle details that might be invisible in daylight. Different colored lights can be used to enhance visibility in various environments.

Advanced techniques:

Blind tracking:

• Developing touch sensitivity to pressure releases
• Tracking without relying on visual cues
  Canvas tracking:
• Practicing track prediction and location
  Layer cake analysis:
• Understanding subsurface track effects

These advanced techniques help trackers develop a more comprehensive understanding of tracks and pressure releases, improving their ability to interpret signs in challenging conditions.

7. Understanding track aging is crucial for accurate interpretation

Aging characteristics. The personality of any given soil will greatly influence how the pressure releases break down during the aging process. Each soil personality has its own aging personality also, which, of course, must also be taken into consideration during experimental exercises.

Track degradation. Tracks change over time due to weather conditions and natural soil processes. Understanding how tracks age in different soil types and weather conditions is essential for accurately estimating when an animal passed through an area.

Aging experiments. Trackers can improve their ability to age tracks by conducting experiments:

• Creating track series at regular intervals
• Observing and documenting changes over time
• Comparing fresh tracks to older ones in various conditions

By developing a keen sense of track aging, trackers can more accurately reconstruct the timeline of an animal's movements and activities, providing valuable insights into its behavior and patterns.

Last updated: July 28, 2024