I'm not sure if it was specifically the type of ranger I was using, but if NOT -
TRACK - the ranger skill...sucks to a degree.
Easy way to make it better?
Allow for 'how long' it's been since those tracks have been there to somehow show when you are tracking someone.
I.E.
Ranger Bob uses his track skill on Noobmeat.
Noobmeat's tracks lead west. The tracks look fresh. (meaning within the 12 hours in-game)
or the tracks look as if they're fading (between 13-48 hours in game) or the tracks are very faded and barely noticeable (anything above that before they disappear)
Maybe figure out a way to take weather conditions into account so different weather conditions and their effect upon tracks render differenct message 'clues' for a ranger to figure out how long its been since their prey passed by.