RALPH “TURTLE” PANARO
Ralph “Turtle” Panaro, founder of Red Tail Primitive Skills, was born in 1945. His mother is Seneca Indian and his father is of Italian descent. He was interested in Native American heritage at an early age and was taught by many tribal elders throughout his youth. He is the founder of Red Tail Primitive Skills Survival School.
In 1955 Ralph Panaro started training under the renowned Lenape bowyer, Russ Brown, and learned the various forms of bow making as well as instinctive shooting skills. He also learned how to make various native weapons and has extensive training in all forms of wilderness survival. Ralph Panaro helped with the writing of the 2nd & 3rd edition of "Tracker Field Guide."
Mr. Panaro joined the US Navy in 1962. Soon after he left the military he became active in Native American rights. He is a member of the "Society for Primitive Technology". He also joined the New Jersey American Indian Center and in 1977 was elected to the Board of Directors from 1978-1983. He was recognized and commended for teaching Native American skills. Ralph brings along a rich tradition of knowledge and teaching skills to this course.
Frank Witty - Assistant Instructor With Kevin Reeve - Assistant Instructor
Kevin Reeve - TRAINING HISTORY
I spent 12 years under the tutelage of renowned Tracker Tom Brown Jr. For 7 years, I was the Director of Tom Brown's Tracking School. I have had the opportunity to teach Search and Rescue and Tracking. I have also participated in many tracking cases involving recovery of lost people, escaped fugitives, and even a tiger that escaped into the New Jersey suburbs.
Police Departments Trained
•New Jersey State Park
Police 2005
•Maricopa County (AZ) SWAT Team 2005
•Macomb County (MI) Dept of Corrections 2005
•Ocean County SWAT Team 2004
•Jackson Township PD 2000, 2002
•New Jersey State Police 2001
•Woodbridge PD 2000
•Warren County Tactical Response Team 1999
•Long Beach Township 1998
U.S. Military Trained
- 1998 - USMC boot camp in PI S.C.