Paperback, 8.5 x 11 inches, 268 pages, 110 illustrations,
61 photographs, 50 drawings, 6 color plates. index, references, Glossary
ISBN: 978-0-9817686-0-1
Price: $35, Case of 8, $252 free S&H (USA)
Publication date: 2009 |
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This tracking textbook prepares the reader in
the basic principles of visual human tracking as they apply to a SAR
mission. For anyone who needs to interpret, and follow human tracks or sign,
this book is for you. In fact, anyone who steps out into the field will
become a better searcher, if they learn and use the material in this book.
The book will aid in answering "What happened
here?" and "Who made this track?" Through explanations, illustrations, and
pictures from actual searches, this book describes methods and techniques
used by tracking personnel to do the following:
- find, follow and interpret tracks and sign
- manage light and shadow to your advantage
- Learn about improving your awareness
- learn how to age sign
- record and document tracking information
- dispel common misconceptions
- select and use tracking tools of the trade
- become familiar with tracking terminology
- understand footwear as it relates to
tracking
- provides an introduction to animal tracking
- understand what to look for in various
ground covers (Leaves, low vegetation, rock, slopes, snow, and more)
The book serves as the textbook for the
50-hour Field Team Signcutter course certified by the
Virginia Department of Emergency Management. Each chapter lists the
standards used in the curriculum.
The purpose of this book is
simple: To become a better searcher by becoming aware of what you are
seeing.
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For Public View Contents (PDF)
Robert Speiden has been an active member of
the search and rescue community since 1993. As the Virginia Department of
Emergency Management Field Team Signcutter course coordinator and through
his Natural Awareness Tracking School, he currently instructs SAR
professionals, law enforcement officials, and government agents in tracking
and awareness skills that enhance search efforts for missing persons. |
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Reviews
The content is well thought-out and I like the
audience focus, which gives authenticity & credibility to the work.
-Ty Cunningham, US Marshal and co-founder
of the International Society of Professional Trackers
The book is of utmost importance; the book
clearly describes many of the intricacies of tracking that are needed for
the learning practitioners. More important, it promotes the use of deductive
reasoning from multiple clues, which is the key to successfully reading
sign. The presentation of the elements associated with the art of tracking
gives valid evidence that it is a science of observation and deductive
reasoning that can be learned and utilized by anyone and applied many
venues. The book may be geared to SAR, but any persons interested in
tracking people would benefit from the information provided - i.e. law
enforcement, military, security, and investigators. It will be a great
resource for instructors.
-Mike Hull, Virginia Department of Game and
Inland Fisheries Conservation Police (ret.) & Instructor for Tactical
Tracking Operations School
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