Every Kennel uses different Trail Marks. This could be due to traditions in the local area, lessons learned from previous trails, or just the whim of the current hare. Chalk Talk normally helps reduce confusion due to the plethora of Trail Marks.
Trail Mark History
This first Hash Trail Marks were traditionally the same as those used in the English Paper Chase.
The Big Two
Trail Marks and True Trail Marks. Using these two Marks you could lay an entire trail. You actually only need the first mark(s), but tradition now encourages the use of the second as well.
Trail Mark
Trail marks vary by Kennel, but some generally accepted marks include dollops of flour, chalk, or sawdust. Also seen often are marks made with chalk sticks, including an arrow (not to be confused with a True Trail Mark) or a line. Some Kennels use pieces of paper to mark trail, specifically on trails along streams or rivers, as the paper can be hung from branches where the above materials would be difficult to place.
True Trail Mark
The true trail mark is near universal to Kennels around the world. This mark is very important as it signifies not only that the pack is on the right trail, but which direction trail is headed. This is important to 'short cutters' who may have found a portion of trail, but are unsure of its direction.
The Supporting Marks
Checks AKA: Decision Points, Bad Trail Mark, Beer Near Mark, Beer Check Mark, and Finish Mark. Using these you can design just about any trail you want as a hare. These are the core of trail marks of just about every trail currently run.
The Check is both a Trail Mark, as well as a Hash Concept. When used correctly, a Check adds difficulty to a trail without making it frustrating, as well as slow down FRB's and allow DFL's to catch up. This helps keep the pack together and arrive at the destination of the hare at more or less the same time. Each Kennel can have its own mark of a check. Some commonly seen marks are:
Check Point
A common mark and one easy to implement on pavement as well as cross country trails. If flour is placed in the middle, you can kick it to signify the direction someone is checking.
Check Crossing
Another common check mark, this takes a little more time to draw when using powdery substances such as flour or sawdust.
Check With ID
This mark contains letters or other identifying marks. This can be used to differentiate multiple hashing trails in a local area, the order the checks are to be completed, or whatever else the hare intends.
3 Dot Check
This check is a simple and effective mark for a Hare. It is easy to use for the hare as dropping three drops of flour or sawdust in a triangle is quick and efficient.
There are many more marks that can be used as checks depending on the kennel, the hare, or the conditions of the trail. Chalk Talk is always recommended for those not familiar with a particular HHH.
Bad Trail Mark
The Bad Trail Mark is also near universal in its use by Kennels. This mark signifies that you have reached the end of a false trail and that no more Trail Marks have been laid in this direction. Generally, the pack will go back to the last check or decision point and try to find true trail. Some hashers will continue past a Bad Trail Mark and attempt to locate True Trail by circling left or right. Some consider this bad hashing form. See Short Cutting.
