Tools of the Trade: A Beginner’s Tracking Kit

You don’t need expensive equipment to become a good tracker. Curiosity and a keen eye are your most important tools. However, a few simple items can greatly enhance your ability to identify and document what you find.

A Ruler or Measuring Tape: The single most important tool for overcoming the guesswork of track size. A small, 6-inch ruler is lightweight and fits easily in a pocket.

A Notebook and Pencil: The act of sketching a track forces you to look closer and notice details you might otherwise miss. Note the date, time, weather, location, and your measurements. These notes will become a valuable record of the wildlife in your area.

A Smartphone or Camera: A picture is worth a thousand words, especially if it includes an object for scale. Place your ruler, a coin, or your keys next to the track before you take the photo. This provides an instant, reliable size reference when you review the image later.

A Field Guide: While online resources are helpful, a physical, region-specific field guide to animal tracks is invaluable. It is portable, works without a cell signal, and allows for easy side-by-side comparisons. Look for guides with clear drawings or photos of both individual prints and gait patterns.

Plaster of Paris (Optional): For the more dedicated enthusiast, creating a plaster cast of a track is a wonderful way to preserve a perfect find. Mix the plaster with water to a pancake-batter consistency, pour it into the track, and let it harden. It creates a durable, three-dimensional model you can study at home.