Description
The Survival School Level 3 NCFE CQ Qualification in Fieldcraft, Animal Observation and Tracking
This qualification is designed for those who wish to locate and get up close to animals in their natural habitat. The skills you gain are applicable to a variety of applications, including: photography, observation, population control, military use, and any industry that requires Fieldcraft as an essential skill set.
We deliver this course through hands-on learning focused on animal behaviours, habitats, habits, territories, and how to use both traditional and modern techniques and equipment to get closer to your target species. You will also use a variety of Night Vision equipment, including Infrared, Thermal, different qualities of viewing devices, lamps, and filters.
Key Definitions
To begin, let’s define the core concepts of the course:
- Fieldcraft: A combination of skills and techniques needed to live, travel, or make scientific/military observations. This leads to the prediction/anticipation of a target species’ movements and how to intercept that species in the field.
- Tracking: An ability to read and apply a sequence of techniques to identify and follow a species through its print, spoor, debris, smell, sound, or any identifying mark it’s left during its journey.
By developing these skills, you can get closer to your chosen species, understand their behaviour, and acknowledge both the dangers and the relevant Law surrounding the topic.
Certification
Upon successful completion of the course, you will gain the “Survival School Level 3 Certificate in Fieldcraft, Animal Observation and Tracking”.
- Note: Becoming a “Professional Tracker, Trained Hunter” or similar takes time, experience, and patience. This weekend course is designed to start you on that journey.
This Survival School Accredited Level 3 CQ is a stand-alone course developed for personal and professional development and is delivered regionally, not at every Survival School site or venue.
Course Modules
The course is structured around the following practical modules:
- Sit Spots: Become aware of the art of Fieldcraft and Animal Observation. Learn to place yourself in a location and become part of the environment.
- Fieldcraft, Land and the Law: A discussion covering Trespass, land permissions, hunting, firearms discussion and legal calibres. This also includes a discussion regarding dangers and factual near misses.
- Fieldcraft, Origin and History: We will look at the evolution of Fieldcraft, Animal Observation, and Tracking techniques and equipment, from past to present.
- Tracking Sign Awareness: Footprints, broken branches, and debris are all instrumental signs in the art of tracking. You will learn to create a time-line to estimate when and where the creature passed and is heading, and if you can intercept it.
- Camouflage – Concealment and Overcoming Animal Defence Mechanisms: We will cover terrain, environment, and habitat to determine where your target species lives and its needs. This includes learning the 7 S’s of camouflage and concealment (Shape, Shine, Sound, Stealth, Signature, Silhouette, Shadow) and how to use them to best effect.
- Hides: Learn how to identify the correct location, build a hide, and spend the night in it. You will identify what you need to occupy the hide and stay undetected for the night.
- Animal Observation and Tracking at Night: We will explore night manoeuvres using the latest Infrared, Thermal imaging, and mobile light sources and filters to observe how animals behave during the hours of darkness.
- Practical and Applied Fieldcraft: On Sunday morning, you will practice manoeuvres in stalking, Camouflage and Concealment, and interception of target species. This will hone the skills you have developed and bring them to life.
Learning Outcomes
The course is structured to achieve the Fieldcraft L3 Learning Outcomes.
Information and Kit List
Required Personal Equipment
| Category | Items |
| Sleeping | Sleeping bag, Insulated sleeping mat, Hammock, Tarp or Tent |
| Cooking/Eating | Knife, fork, spoon, mug, bowl and plate, Water bottle (1-litre mineral water bottle will do), Cooking Stove, Billy Can or your preferred cooking equipment |
| Safety/Light | Head torch with fresh batteries & 1 spare set, Whistle, Small first aid kit (plasters, bandages, headache pills etc.) |
| Personal | Wash kit & towel, Personal toiletries & medication (to include toilet paper, sunscreen, insect repellent and lip salve), Antibacterial wipes/soap, Tea or Coffee + whitener, Spare change of clothing |
| Other | Pair of gardening gloves, Camera + Notebook + pen (optional) |
- Please pack your torch, antibacterial wipes/soap, and insect repellent at the top of your bag.
Outdoor Clothing
It is recommended to wear natural colours or camouflage clothing to give you a better chance of spotting wildlife. You can check your local army surplus store, or bring outdoor clothing that is tough and comfortable.
- Layering: Wearing several thin layers is better than a few thick layers. A waterproof jacket and several sweatshirts underneath are sufficient.
- Avoid Jeans: Jeans should not be worn, as they are slow to dry, clinging, and cold.
- Footwear: Walking boots are ideal, but wellies in wet weather and trainers in dry weather will suffice.
Food
This is a self-catering weekend. You will need to bring food for the whole weekend: 2 x breakfast, 1 x lunch, and 2 x evening meals.
- You have the option to cook over the campfire, or you can bring your own stove.
- Hot water is provided, as a kettle will be over the fire throughout the course.
