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