Quick Answer
Follow a water source while evading pursuit only if it's absolutely necessary and you can maintain a safe distance from your pursuers. This can be a viable option if you're in a rural or wilderness area and need to use the terrain to conceal your movement.
When to Follow a Water Source
Following a water source can be a good option when evading pursuit, as it often passes through areas with dense vegetation and uneven terrain, making it harder for trackers to follow. Aim to stay at least a mile away from the water course to minimize the chance of being detected by your pursuers. In rural areas, consider following small streams or dry creek beds, as they tend to be less traveled than larger water sources.
Techniques for Avoiding Tracking
When moving along a water course, use the terrain to your advantage by staying low and using cover such as rocks, bushes, and fallen trees to conceal your movement. Avoid walking in the stream or river itself, as this can create a clear trail that’s easy to follow. Instead, stay on the banks and use the vegetation to mask your footprints.
Staying Hidden in Rural Terrain
In rural areas, use the terrain’s natural features to conceal your movement. Avoid walking through open fields or areas with limited cover, and instead use wooded areas, hills, and other natural barriers to stay hidden. When moving through a wooded area, use a zigzag pattern to make it harder for trackers to follow your footprints, and avoid creating a clear trail by walking in a straight line.
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