2026 JHPTS Tracking Course
Course Announcement & Registration Information
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Registration deadline: May 2, 2026 |
Early-bird rate available |
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Dates |
May
22–24, 2026 (Friday–Sunday) |
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⏰ Instruction
hours |
8:00
a.m. Friday, May 22 through 2:00 p.m. Sunday, May 24 |
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Lodging & meals window |
Accommodations
provided May 21–23 nights; meals/snacks provided May 21–24 |
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Location |
Pinehaven
Christian Children’s Ranch |
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Course cost |
$350
(payable to Mark Culp) |
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Early-bird |
$300
if paid and registered before May 2, 2026 |
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Options |
Dormitory-style
lodging included; RV and tent spaces available if preferred |
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Prerequisites |
None—open
to all with tracking interests (no prior experience required) |
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Sponsors |
Lake
County Search and Rescue and Lake County Sheriff Office |
This 24-hour
tracking course is taught by world-class instructors with extensive field
experience. It is designed to build a strong foundation for new trackers while
also providing skill-development objectives for Basic, Apprentice and Journeyman-level
students. Training combines classroom instruction (including a
PowerPoint-supported lecture) with structured, hands-on field exercises.
Tracking is a
first-response search resource used to help verify witness statements,
establish the Point Last Seen (PLS), determine direction of travel, and follow
physical evidence to locate a missing person. Students will work as tracking
teams to practice fundamental techniques and apply them in realistic scenarios.
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Who Should Attend New or novice
trackers seeking foundational training SAR volunteers
and team members Law enforcement
personnel interested in field tracking applications Experienced
trackers seeking structured skill development and certification preparation |
Key Training Topics Training
methodology, techniques, and procedures for Novice/Basic tracking Identifying and
interpreting track/sign Step-by-step
“every track” concepts and sign-line continuity Team tracking
roles, communication, and documentation Scenario-based
practice aligned with SAR and law enforcement mission needs |
This is a
certification course for all eligible students. Instruction and field problems
will be tailored to each student’s current level to support upward progress:
Basic: print
identification, sign recognition, and structured step-by-step tracking on an
established sign line.
Apprentice:
practical techniques and field applications necessary to become a viable SAR
tracking resource.
Journeyman:
advanced objectives; leadership roles supporting less-experienced students;
scenario-based missions.
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Rocky Mountain field conditions: Field exercises
take place in mountainous terrain with vegetation ranging from open pasture
grasses to conifer forest. Ground surfaces vary from loamy clay to gravel
patches. Forested areas include pine-needle duff and low-bush plants, with
seasonal moisture and soil breakup typical of spring conditions. |
Students should
be physically fit and equipped for SAR-style field response. Field practice
continues in inclement weather; plan for wet/dry and cold/hot conditions.
Weather-appropriate
clothing and layers; rain gear
Sturdy footwear
suitable for uneven terrain
Knee pads
(recommended)
Pen/pencil and
notepad
Small measuring
tape
Tracking stick:
5/8-inch doweling (or similar), 36–40 inches long, with three rubber bands
Low-light
flashlight that casts a beam
Please bring
your current training manual and tracking logs. If you plan to challenge the
certification board for advancement, notify your trainer in advance and bring
your personal tracking/training records.
Signed copies of Joel’s book are available by contacting: joel@jhardin-inc.com
Pre-registration
is required. Complete the registration information below and email it by May 2,
2026.
Email
registration details to: mrk.cul@gmail.com
Mail payment
(check) payable to: Mark Culp
Send payment to:
Mark Culp, PO Box 543, St. Ignatius, MT 59865
Questions about
the class or location: Mark Culp | (406) 546-0317 | mrk.cul@gmail.com
Cancellation policy: Full refunds accepted through May 2, 2026. Pre-registered students who fail to attend without a reasonable excuse will be assessed a $100.00 service fee.