Sign can be caused by other animals and some natural causes. Care must be taken when drawing search conclusions based on inconclusive sign.

(1) Flattening- Compression.

Shine-compression of dirt.
Outline- boundary or perimeter line around an area, delineating it from its surroundings. Shape/Size- large enough to be human? Contrast/Color- difference in color, texture.

Vegetation crush.
Outline- boundary or perimeter line around an area, delineating from its surroundings. Shape/Size- large enough to be human? Contrast/Color- difference in color, texture.

Broken or crushed dirt clots.
Contrast/Color- difference in color, texture.

Imbedded twigs and rocks.
Contrast/Color- difference in color, texture.

Crushed animal dung.
Contrast/Color- difference in color, texture. In difference to the natural surroundings. Outline- boundary or perimeter line around an area, delineating from its surroundings. Shape/Size- large enough to be human?

(2) Regularity- Patterns

Geometric patterns
Outline- boundary or perimeter line around an area, delineating from its surroundings. Shape/Size- large enough to be human? Contrast/Color- difference in color, texture.

Regularity - repeated disturbance.
Outline- boundary or perimeter line around an area, delineating from its surroundings. Shape/Size- large enough to be human? Contrast/Color- difference in color, texture. In difference to the natural surroundings-. Outline- boundary or perimeter line around an area, delineating from its surroundings. Shape/Size- large enough to be human? Contrast/Color- difference in color, texture.

(3) Color change

Transfer of material from one surface to another.
Outline- boundary or perimeter line around an area, delineating from its surroundings. Shape/Size- large enough to be human? Contrast/Color- difference in color, texture.

Bruising - of vegetation
Contrast/Color- difference in color, texture. Breakage - of vegetation Contrast/Color- difference in color, texture.

Scuff marks
Contrast/Color- difference in color, texture. In difference to the natural formation. Outline- boundary or perimeter line around an area, delineating from its surroundings. Shape/Size- large enough to be human? Contrast/Color- difference in color, texture.

Clouded Water
Contrast/Color- difference in color, texture. Dew removed Outline- boundary or perimeter line around an area, delineating from its surroundings. Shape/Size- large enough to be human?

(4) Disturbance

Discarded items (Search Data)
Outline- boundary or perimeter line around an area, delineating from its surroundings. Contrast/Color- difference in color, texture.

Dew removed.
Outline- boundary or perimeter line around an area, delineating from its surroundings. Shape/Size- large enough to be human?

Vegetation damage
Contrast/Color- difference in color, texture.

Rocks and twigs dislodged
Contrast/Color- difference in color, texture. Fallen petals and leaves Contrast/Color- difference in color, texture.

Defecation
Contrast/Color- difference in color, texture. Shape/Size- large enough to be human?

• A low angle light source is best. Early morning or evenings are your best times to search with natural light.
• Keep your focus area between your eyes and the light source. Look into the sun.
• On foggy/hazy days the light is too diffused to do any effective sign cutting. Wait till dark.
• Use a flashlight or mirrors to control your light source.

• Move in and inspect more closely anything that seems out of the ordinary (visual cues)
• Do not be afraid to get your knees dirty.
• Most unnoticed sign is simply that ground searchers moved too fast and their focus was not at ground level.

Look for natural "track traps". They will speed your search for clues.

• Set some track traps of your own
• Work methodically -- you may get only one chance to see print or sign. Take your time and don't miss anything. You may not get another try.

• A solution to the problem of TOO MANY CLUES that we often find on heavily used public trails. This was made possible after the invention of the FUTPRINTER (a search tool for sketching track) ·
• After finding a good natural Track Trap on a well-traveled trail, sketches are made of every partial or full track found that match the Search Time and Data Criteria.

It is essential for a ground searcher to be able to do three things with a print once it has been deemed potentially viable:

• Communicate this print to others.
• Differentiate this print from other similar prints.
• Document the description for later use.

The last two can be accomplished by studying the print, measuring it, and then drawing it. This sketch must be full size, which will bring out details to the attention of searcher that would otherwise might have been missed.

Study and measure every aspect of a print and indicate the measurements on the drawing.

Measure the:

• Length of the print.
• Length of the heel (if there is a separate heel)
• Length of the stride (end of heel to end of heel).
• Width of the sole.
• Width of the heel.
• Width of any lines or marks.
• Distances between lines or marks.
• Number and size of any geometric shapes.
• Number of lugs or other sole characteristics.

Note any nail holes or stitches that are evident. Search for and note any cuts or worn spots unique to the print.

Do not suggest sizing of the shoe that made the print. Manufacturers vary widely in their approach to sizing footwear and no standards exist.

The drawing can then be photocopied and distributed to other searchers, but occasionally the print description may need to be transmitted over the radio.

When verbally describing a track, the following items should be kept in mind:

• Identify yourself, your location, and DOT of the print.
• Keep it simple. Use words that are easy to understand and have limited meaning.
• Begin with a general description. Avoid speculation as to the type of shoe.
• Briefly describe the type of terrain and soil.
• Give specific details describing the sole pattern by starting at one end and proceed slowly.
• Give details on any specific or unique way of walking. Dragging of feet, scuffing, uneven stride.

Track Trap: An area on the ground that is of a nature that will not allow ANY passage without showing a disturbance

Detection of any trace or sign of human passage perpendicular to a known or a logically deduced direction of travel

If a DOT is not readily deduced, then Sign Cutting 360* around a Last Known Point is known as Perimeter Cutting.

DEFINITIONS:

Clue: Information or evidence that contributes to the solution of a search

DOT: direction of travel Examine: Analyze clues closely & carefully.

Hot Zone: An area of HIGH PROBABILITY due to personal behavior information and statistics, clues found, or due to the DOT.

Investigate: learn the facts; examine clues; to track

LKP: Last known point based on CONCLUSIVE clues found.

PLS: Point last seen. Exact spot that the MP was last seen on this earth. You must be physically taken to this point by the eyewitness. (Hearsay is not allowed) Search: look thoroughly with purpose, investigate Sign: any unbiased evidence, trace, trail of passage

Trace: marks or hints of evidence

Track: Finding and following the sign or prints left

PAGE 1   |   TOP OF PAGE