Basic SAR (Search and Rescue) Tracker Level 1

The difficulty of this class is beginner to intermediate.

You do not need to be on Search and Rescue to attend this class and there are no prerequisites required.

This 40 hour custom course designed specifically for students of The Survival University will cover search and rescue (SAR), and some tactical aspects of tracking.

The physical aspect of tracking are identical for all groups, the only difference being what each does when they catch up to their quarry. SAR personnel work to get the missing person or persons back to safety. The training received can be used for whatever professional or leisure activity you are training for, be it law enforcement, military or just trying to find your kids in the woods during a good game of hide-and-seek .

​Training to prepare SAR members for urban, rural and night tracking under “ideal” conditions. This course is for the SAR or law enforcement person that has the desire to become a tracker for the purpose of Search & Rescue.

It is an intensive course with 4 hours of classroom and 36+ hours in the field. Based on Jack Kearney’s “Tracking: A Blueprint for Learning How” and developed with his consent, this course teaches all the basics.  The class will be held in the mountains just outside of Cripple Creek Colorado.  After class, students are welcome to stay at our established camp and kick their feet up by the campfire. Bring your tent or camper and spend the evenings with us!

This course is highly suitable for Law Enforcement, Forest Rangers, Land Owners, Ranchers, Corrections, SAR, Outdoorsmen, Survivalists, or anybody who loves venturing into the great outdoors.

​Accommodations:

A large 21 person military tent with winter liner is provided for a community tent during class hours and may be used for sleeping at night. The tent is complete with 2 wood burning stoves and a cot for each student.

A smaller 5-10 person military tent with winter liner and is also available for private sleeping accommodations  (first come/first served).

Water will be provided but you will need to provide your own food of your choice. We recommend quick field expedient meals such as our Camp Ready Meals or MRE’s. They can quickly be made at our primitive camps and won’t slow down the learning process. Our camp ready meals are the healthiest option on the market! You can also purchase food locally once you get here. Walmart and several local eateries are a close drive away.

Minimum Recommended Equipment:

• Bring appropriate outdoor clothing
• A good sleeping bag
• An all season tent if you do not wish to stay in our military tent
• Sunscreen and UV protective sunglasses
• Knee pads
• Handheld flashlight,
• Tape measure
• Pen and pencil
• Serviceable Uniform/Clothing (seasonally appropriate)
• Hiking Boots (broken in)
• Knee pads (highly recommended)
• Binoculars (optional)
• GPS/ Lensatic Compass
• Knife
• Watch
• Flashlight with colored lenses
• Backpack
• Individual First Aid Kit (IFAK)
• Hydration System
• Eye Protection (Clear lens eye protection is recommended)
• Wet weather gear (optional)
• 30 feet of 550 cord
• Pencil
• Paper
• Gloves (optional)
• Camouflage stick, compact or cream
• Seasonally appropriate hat, underwear, and outerwear
• Good quality insect repellent with Deet (optional)
• Folding Chair (optional)
• Seasonally appropriate equipment to remain overnight in field conditions.

We will not provide you with any gear, so please come prepared with a fixed blade knife, folding saw, overnight camping gear, winter sleeping bag, and a small backpack.

Check our Recommended Items List for more details!

The instructor for this class is Fernando Moreira.