Books/websites with info on tracking animals

[John C Keith]

I am looking for information on bettering myself as a tracker.  Not necessarily on tracking wounded animals, but knowing what tracks I see and determining time frames and all that.

I have found a few websites, but my search has not turned up as much info as I expected.

There are some that have been taught this but some of us are not as lucky to have mentors that can help.

What books, websites, etc can you recommend for those of us that want to learn the ancient art of tracking?

Any tips you can pass on?

Thanks
John

[GameGetter]

Tom Brown Jr.s "feild guide to nature observation and traking" Exelent!

[JoeM]

Tracking Dogs for finding Wounded Deer by John Jeanneney.  This book is for training a dog but has 2-3 chapters that offer a ton of info.  unitedbloodtrackers.org  Joe

[Wulomac]

Right on, GameGetter.  Tom Brown's series are great resources.  Wells

[Steve Kendrot]

Jim Halfpenny- Mammal tracking in North America.
Paul Rezendes- Tracking and the Art of Seeing.
Peterson Field Guide Series- Animal Tracks.

[Bill Carlsen]

The Rezendes book Steve mentioned is very good, IMO. He uses pictures, diagrams and shows the gaits of different animals.  I have found it to be very informative and easy to  use.

[BigRonHuntAlot]

All of Tom Brown's are Excellent reads,
The Complete Tracker by Len McDougall is another good one.

[PurpleCajun]

Jack Kearney's "Tracking: A blueprint for learning how"..

The text is focused on man tracking.. however, when combined with a study of animal behavior, the tracking principles outlined in the book apply just as well.  Both types of tracking are things that I'm interested in, and practice, and really there isn't much difference.

I've read a ton of books on both animal and man tracking.  I've also attended more than my fair share of tracking training sessions.. After all this, I've come to the conclusion that Kearney's book was the most helpful in the learning process.

It is exactly what it says it is.. "A blueprint for learning how".  The book outlines lessons that can be done by yourself.. you progress through the chapters in order, and by the end, you'll have gotten a ton of dirt time, and a great deal of knowledge on how to actually track.

After that.. I'd use some of Tom Browns books as supplements, and as a means to improve specific parts of the skill.  Brown's "The Art and Science of Tracking" does a pretty decent job of explaining pressure releases and the like.. and this information has helped me increase my skill as a tracker.

In the end though. "Tracking: A Blueprint for Learning How" has been the one that sticks out to me as the best for actually learning about the process.  Unfortunately.. you may have a hard time finding it..  www.nasar.org  sells it, so do a few of the tracking services out there.

[Forester]

Brown, Rezendes, and Halfpenny are good recommendations.  Another one that you may find very interesting and educational is "Bird Tracks and Sign, A Guide to North American Species" by Elbroch and Marks (Stackpole Books).  The idea of tracking often does not include birds but I frequently find feathers, droppings, tracks or marks on trees that are of avian origin.  I have found learning these things to be fun.

[Northwoods]

The most complete book I know of is Mammal Tracks and Sign by Mark Elbroch.  The best book I'm aware of for gaining a better understanding of the process of learing to become a better tracker is Animal Tracking Basics by Jon Yong and Tiffany Morgan.  This book doesn't really have much info about specific animal prints but covers the process of tracking in great depth (well beyond the basics).  Both are excellent choices to consider.

[John C Keith]

Wow, lots of info shared.  Thanks!

I have started my list and will check out some local  libraries and bookstores.  Looks like I have a lot of reading and work ahead of me.

Thanks again for your help.