"Bearpond Books

Winter is my favorite time of year for a few reasons. Not only is the landscape quietly beautiful, but it also becomes very telling.Tracks and patterns, whole situations and events become outlined in the snow, laid out for any to see. Hunters are safely inside, enjoying thespoils of their efforts, and I have a full-access pass to the forest without needing to don any safety-orange paraphernalia.

This time of year presents people with a great opportunity to get to know their environment, just by being outside and paying attention. Whether skiing, snowshoeing, or just walking, one can access goings on that may otherwise not have been apparent. Tracking and the Art of Seeing has been an instrumental tool in my amateur tracking development, and is the first book I would recommend on the subject, despitethe fact that it isn’t very portable.

Paul Rezendes not only gives people the tools to enjoy this pastime, but he writes from a perspective that is easily relatable. Although he provides all the scientific information you would expect from a field guide (and then some), he splits it up with personal stories and anecdotal information that makes everything easier to process, without sacrificing factual legitimacy. No small feat by any means.

By talking from experience, Rezendes is able to fill in the gaps left by other field guides that give only basic information and statistics.  Having the guide be in a large format also has benefits that make up for lack of portability. Namely, it gives more space for the wonderful photos that Rezendes has collected during his career as a tracker.   Again, these photos go beyond the standard fare found in a typical field guide. Rezendes’ visual accompaniments add context and perspective to what he’s talking about in a very direct way, rather than simply simply showcase the animal in question.

This book provides a perfect gateway to understanding our surroundings in a closer way, as well as a simple winter activitythat many can participate in. His accessible and down to earth style makes this a great guide that you can actually understand without anyprior knowledge or experience. If you’re looking for something to get into this winter, or just curious if those are coyote or dog tracks in your backyard, I highly recommend this informative guide.