Can You Use Technology To Enhance Your Tracking Skills?

Question

Accepted Answer

Utilizing GPS Devices for Tracking When tracking Maine deer, I recommend using a GPS device to log movement patterns. This can help you identify areas of high activity, such as food sources and bedding grounds. For example, if you notice that a buck consistently returns to the same area at dawn and dusk, it may indicate a food source or a favorite rub tree. By analyzing this data, you can refine your tracking skills and make more informed decisions about where to set up stands or follow the deer. I typically use a GPS device with a minimum of 100-foot accuracy to ensure accurate tracking.
Identifying Animal Tracks and Scat When analyzing animal tracks and scat, technology can be a valuable resource. There are several apps available, such as TrackReader, that can help you identify the species, sex, and age of a deer based on the track. These apps can also provide information on the deer’s behavior, such as whether it is a dominant or subordinate deer. Additionally, apps like Scat Detective can help you analyze the chemical makeup of scat, which can provide valuable information on a deer’s diet and habitat use. By leveraging these tools, you can gain a deeper understanding of the deer’s behavior and ecology.
Combining Technology with Traditional Tracking Skills While technology can be a powerful tool for enhancing tracking skills, it’s essential to combine it with traditional tracking skills, such as observing animal behavior and reading the landscape. For example, if you notice that a deer is consistently following a specific route, it may indicate a preferred travel route or a food source. By combining technology with traditional tracking skills, you can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the deer’s behavior and ecology. I recommend spending time in the field, observing and tracking deer, and then using technology to analyze and refine your observations. This hybrid approach can help you develop a more nuanced understanding of the deer’s behavior and make more informed decisions about where to hunt.