Posted by SgtJack walk backwards to the POE

LOL! Best answer so far!

Whenever I encounter this problem I just bring along my trusty exploring fox, he takes care of my foot prints.
1.

Go when it's snowing (the lower visibility is also a plus) or just before it snows. Or like others said, windy, but I find this less reliable. I was nearly caught due to foot prints earlier this winter, so I really try to be careful now around certain places.

What I immediately thought of (and have been sitting on for the entirety of the new member posting restriction, first post ever, hooray!) is to carry something like a stick, pine bough, or even a bundle similar to a straw broom, and either drag or actively sweep it behind you as you walk. It may not completely eliminate the trail (especially in deep snow) but it should at least camouflage it enough to look, to some, like the area has been windswept.

i think winter scouting is the best. especially for houses. they're much easier to spot. often (in my area) i'll find a hospital, church or school that still has snow removed even tho its abandoned.