The SAS Guide to Tracking

Anyone who has spent even a little time outdoors has come across strange tracks left by animals or people and wondered "what was here?" In this practical guide, ex-SAS member Bob Carss shows how to track any moving thing, in any environment, and under nearly any circumstance. He begins by explaining common terms, such as a "top sign," markings left above ankle height; "pointers," signs that tell the general direction of the quarry; and a "conclusive sign," markings that confirm the quarry's presence. The difference between tracks left by a quarry and false tracks are described, as well as how a pattern of signs builds into the tracking picture - the overall movement, direction, and motivation of the quarry. Included are tips on: tracking in desert, forest, jungle, marsh, and grassy areas; interpreting animal, human, and vehicle signs, how to preserve night vision; using time frames to eliminate misleading signs; detecting quarry when they backtrack or circle around; how time and weather affect signs; how to spot intentionally misleading signs. The SAS Guide to Tracking is a remarkable guide to developing a new awareness of the outdoors and is the perfect companion for naturalists, outdoorspeople, hunters, wildlife photographers, search-and-rescue teams, and law enforcement. (71/2 X 91/2, 272 pages, illustrations, diagrams, charts)