FOLLOW THE TRAIL TO SUCCESS

THE HISTORY AND IMPORTANCE OF LEARNING HOW TO TRACK

- KYT LYN WALKEN

Not enough has been written on the fascinating art of tracking, even today. Mostly unknown to younger generations, the ability to detect, read and properly interpret human and animal sign and tracks has always played a huge role in the history of mankind.

Even if rightly considered a primitive art, tracking is common to widely divergent areas of the world— from Australia to India, Europe, Africa and the American continents. This skill has been successfully handed down through oral training, books and the e orts of many schools, institutions and associations that teach tracking fundamentals and, most importantly, point out its benefi ts.

The first documented instance of professional trackers occurred with Germanic tribes around AD 500. Their efforts were dedicated to finding stolen livestock and missing or captured people.

TRACKING THROUGH THE CENTURIES

Our ancient ancestors discovered the benefits of tracking, also known as “spooring” in some areas, quite by accident. Their primordial needs consisted of finding food and protecting their communities from attacks by enemies and predators.

As a result, they learned to read the sign on and near the ground to understand where they could more easily hunt animals by following their trails, tunnels, feeding areas, beds and so on. This also introduced them to the concept of patrolling outside the borders of their communities to enhance their safety from predators and other humans.