Woodlife

When I was following some deer at the weekend, I reflected on whether there were any differences between bushcraft and tracking philosophies. It might appear on the surface that tracking and bushcraft go hand in hand. They both involve closeness with the natural environment and an element of wilderness living. Well they do go hand in hand but only to a certain extent. This isn’t the law according to Pablo and it’s not even a law per se, but I’ve kind of deduced there are some fundamental differences in philosophies when comparing the two (apart from the obvious activity of looking at tracks.)

The average bushcrafter (and I appreciate that there are those that fall outside the norm) will carry enough kit to be comfortable. That’s what bushcraft is about – being comfortable in the natural environment. Generally a large tarp is carried; a hammock or tent, sleeping bag and perhaps a folding chair. Lamps, bright torches and cooksets are not out of place. I’ve seen more and more tipis being used and also larger camp fire utilities (cast iron Dutch ovens, fire boxes) and provisions that would feed an army not to mention liquid refreshment of the alcoholic nature in quantities that Nelson would be proud of. I would probably say that all this results in the appearance of a semi-permanent if not permanent camp. Nothing wrong with that of course, but you can imagine all that’s missing is the quick erection of a log-cabin and you have a Kephart hunting lodge.

Trackers would probably go much lighter. Of course there may be a base camp, but when actively tracking it’s a different matter. After all, modern tracking is descended from the most ancient of skills – hunting; and hunters tend to go light. Also you couldn’t just stop tracking and set up your 6 foot high tipi and slice up your side of venison on the dot of 6 pm when you’re in the middle of tracking an animal. Nor could you carry about a 60 pound Bergen for mile after mile while being out-sensed, out-manoeuvred and out-witted by deer. You rest when you can, sleep when you can (which is very little it seems) forage on the move and only when it’s convenient to the animal you’re tracking – not you. You would also only completely stop when you’ve achieved your aim. Just how this works in practice, I really haven’t got a clue, but it will be an interesting exercise to find out. There’s no doubt that all the bushcraft skills that I’ve learnt (and many more I’ve yet still to learn) will come right to the fore.

I’ve also thought there might be a number of differences in kit. A Tracker’s kit may appear to be more technical. This may well be to do with weight and space saving and definitely “function over form” instead of vice versa. Craft products, possibly an integral part of bushcraft, appears a little out of place, while the tracker might use all modern equipment at their disposal.

There are a number things I have to do if I am to look at tracking more seriously:

Firstly, I have to cut down on kit. Like everyone else (it appears) I aspire to travel as lightly as possible but this will now be a necessity. Next, I will have to learn to sleep and rest even closer to the environment than I have done previously. This will avoid detection (I guess) and increase awareness. It will probably mean a return to ground dwelling or at least dispense with all the elaborate trappings of a normal Bushcraft setup. It will also probably mean improving skills at natural shelter building and possibly back to digging scrapes and holes (Oh what joy!). I will also have to learn how to keep on the move and how to forage while keeping on the move with no more than a quick stop.

Is this a daunting prospect? You bet your a**e, but an exciting one!

Pablo.