I second the motion. That would be a great thread. Back when I was doing SAR, we got some informative sessions from the local Border Patrol agents, and that was super helpful. One source they recommended was Tracking: A Blueprint for Learning how by Jack kearney. I'll bet Pete will have other references.

I know that incentive is a major factor. My most prolonged tracking operation was finding a subject described as "female, 5'6", 115 lbs, blonde over blue." We followed her prints all night, reaching her about 4:40 AM. Amazed, she asked, "you walked all night just to find me?"

"Aw, shucks, ma'm, weren't nothin'"

I suppose I was well practiced. I have been looking for similar subjects for many years....

Sometimes SAR is basically just a lot of fun (but not always!)