MANTRACKING Basic Skills Course

MANTRACKING Basic Skills Course, with KYT WALKEN

Overview This two-day course is taught in English and designed to introduce the core principles of mantracking: the art and science of following human sign in a variety of environments. Participants will develop observation, interpretation, and decision-making skills essential for tracking humans, while also understanding key similarities and differences with animal tracking. DAY 1 – FOUNDATIONS & SIGN RECOGNITION from 9.00 a.m. to 5.30-6.00 p.m. Definition and operational context Applications: search & rescue, security, field awareness The tracker mindset: awareness, patience, discipline What is a “sign” Primary indicators: footprints, disturbance, displacement Secondary indicators: broken vegetation, scuff marks, micro-sign Human vs Animal Tracking  Similarities: Both rely on ground disturbance and environmental reading Pattern recognition and continuity of movement Differences: Human movement is often irregular and intentional Use of terrain, deception, and counter-tracking behaviors Footwear & Gait Analysis Identifying shoe patterns and characteristics Basic gait interpretation: stride, weight distribution, direction Recognizing anomalies (fatigue, load, injury) Exercises on field: Short track identification Sign awareness drills Introduction to tracking lines

Introduction to Night Tracking DAY 2 – TRACKING PROCESS & PRACTICAL APPLICATION from 9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. Step-by-step tracking vs area tracking Lost sign procedures Team tracking basics Human vs Animal Tracking: Predictability vs adaptability: Animals follow instinct and habitual patterns Humans make decisions based on intent and environment Reading behavior: Animals: survival-driven movement Humans: goal-oriented, evasive potential Environmental Awareness Substrate types and their impact on sign visibility Weather effects on tracks Time estimation basics Introduction to evasion techniques Recognizing deception in sign Maintaining track continuity under pressure Field exercises: Extended tracking scenario Problem-solving under realistic conditions Team coordination and communication Course Objectives By the end of the course, participants will be able to: Identify and interpret basic human sign Understand key differences between human and animal tracking Apply fundamental tracking techniques in controlled environments Maintain situational awareness during a tracking operation