MANTRACKING COURSE 2027

COURSE OVERVIEW

This two-day course provides a practical introduction to the fundamentals of mantracking and human sign awareness, also covering the basics of animal tracking.

Participants will learn how to identify, interpret, and follow human and animal tracks and disturbances in different environments, combining observation, terrain analysis, and practical tracking exercises.

The course is designed for anyone interested in developing their observation and tracking skills, regardless of previous experience.

DAY 1 — FUNDAMENTALS OF MANTRACKING

Morning — Theory & Observation

* Introduction to mantracking

* Tracking mindset and observation principles

* Mantracking versus Animal Tracking

* Understanding natural vs. human-made disturbances

* Identifying tracks, sign and spoor

* Footwear impressions and basic track interpretation

* Track characteristics: direction, movement and timing

* Reading terrain and environmental conditions

Afternoon — Practical Skills

* Track identification exercises

* Following a simple track line

* Identifying disturbances in different terrain

* Track interpretation and verification

* Basic tracking exercises in pairs and small groups

* Practical field assessment

DAY 2 — TRACKING & FIELD APPLICATION

Morning — Advanced Observation

* Developing tracking awareness

* Reading track lines and movement patterns

* Identifying indirect signs

* Environmental factors affecting tracks

* Working with difficult or incomplete sign

* Maintaining track continuity

* Tracking techniques in different terrain

Afternoon — Practical Tracking Exercise

* Practical tracking scenarios

* Following an established track line

* Identifying and interpreting multiple signs

* Team-based tracking exercises

* Track recovery after loss of sign

* Final practical assessment and debrief

By the end of the course, participants will have developed a solid understanding of:

* The fundamentals of human and animal tracking

* Track and sign identification

* Terrain and environmental analysis

* Observation and attention to detail

* Basic track interpretation

* Following and maintaining a track line

* Working methodically when tracking becomes difficult

Participants should be prepared for outdoor practical activities and variable terrain and weather conditions. No specific gear needed.

Why attending?

In critical situations, the ability to read and follow human tracks can make the difference between success and failure in locating a missing person or identifying a suspect’s route of escape.
Mantracking is not guesswork — it is a disciplined skill built on observation, experience, and structured methodology. This course provides the knowledge and practical tools necessary to operate confidently and effectively in real-world tracking environments.