What are Best Practices for Tracking in Deep Snow?

Short Answer: To effectively track in deep snow, use the snowshoe hare’s tendency to create a “fan” of tracks by walking in a zigzag pattern, and pay attention to the shape of the tracks to determine if the animal is heading uphill or downhill.

Reading Snowpack and Animal Sign

When tracking in deep snow, it’s essential to understand how animals move through the snowpack. Start by assessing the snow’s consistency and depth. Look for areas where the animal has broken through the surface, creating a “crust” or “pancake” of snow. This can indicate where the animal has moved through, allowing you to follow their tracks more easily. In deep snow, animals often create “snow tunnels” by walking in a zigzag pattern, creating a “fan” of tracks. This technique is particularly useful when tracking snowshoe hares.

Identifying Track Shape and Direction

To determine the direction the animal is heading, examine the shape of the tracks. When walking uphill, the tracks will be more shallow and slightly angled. When walking downhill, the tracks will be deeper and more pronounced. Look for the “heel drag” mark on the track, which indicates the direction the animal is heading. If the heel drag is on the uphill side, the animal is heading downhill. If the heel drag is on the downhill side, the animal is heading uphill.

Staying on Track and Avoiding Over-Tracking

To avoid over-tracking and losing the animal’s sign, move slowly and deliberately through the snow. Use a “snow anchor” – a small stick or piece of equipment – to mark the spot where the animal’s tracks disappear into the snow. This allows you to return to the spot and continue tracking without creating unnecessary disturbance to the surrounding snowpack. When tracking in deep snow, it’s also essential to stay alert for other signs of animal activity, such as digging or feeding marks.