I think that it is less useful. The boot may not be readily available and it will lack the individual marks caused by wear.

I've heard of it, and our western MA S&R folks allegedly had some "expert" trackers as well. However, one boot print does look like the others...and, honestly, if you're lost on a trail, someone will find you eventually. ITs the more subtle tricks of off-trail tracking where skill comes in; a bent branch, kicked stones, etc. Usually (hopefully) with a partial track here & there. But, human trackers are, honeslty, the worst. USe a dog. Most S&R teams have air & scent dogs. They can track for days, and dont require visual confirmation. A human tracker would be an absolute last resort. At least, thats been my experience.

And if you expect SAR to be tracking you down with dogs, leaving something with your scent on it could be useful. It could be a t-shirt you've worn and not washed, or just a washcloth rubbed over your body to collect your scent and kept in a ziplock bag. That way at least someone wouldn't have to break into your house and go through your laundry hamper.

Yeah, passed the first two levels with eight correct in each. I guess the point of it is to fix the information from a course in one's head rather then to test tracking ability.

Not really, a envolope on your drivers seat isn't going to temp a theif anymore then a vehicle in a trailhead parking lot. Having the information in your vehicle is a goos idea, if you are reported missing and your vehicle is found PD will be able to gain access and that info (including what excat time you left your truck) will be beneficial to searchers. Having a friend who knows, and has that information is good... but duplication is better! You know, one is none, two is one.

And, you leave you vehicle in a trailhead parking lot overnight and it IS going to get broken into... it is just a matter of time.

Like Doug, I am a firm believer in PLBs however it is not a replacment for notifiying a friend.

Good idea;
One note with a friend and one in your truck. Or does that duplicate what you said?

TRO

I'm working on a standard form for reporting where/ when you're going out. I'm calling it a " Honey I'm form.{ As in " honey, I'm going for a hike; I'll be at X till Y...etc}

Would people like to see this?

Is there some other form of this type?

What info should be included to help find you?

Teacher

Bedsheets are a useful tool for getting good scent. Not that you will carry them with you when going out, but, good for the dogs <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Yup, that's the ticket! <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

You leave one of my t-shirts in a zip lock bag, after playing in the dirt for a couple of days, you're going to have a dead dog on your hands. That's just mean.. You must not like dogs. <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

M