How Did You Become Interested In Bigfoot?

Recently, I received an email asking if I knew of any Reno/Tahoe Bigfoot conferences scheduled in the near future. "I am an avid, longtime Saquatch enthusiast." the email said.

I replied, "There are none that I know of."

That is when the wheels started turning.

After a follow up email, I came to know that this person was a woman, Jeannie, and I thought, "I wonder how she became interested in Bigfoot?" It's a subject that is always of interest to me.

I asked her if she wouldn't mind sharing her background with me and if I could share it here. She happily obliged.

Jeannie at Emerald Cove, Lake Tahoe
Jeannie wrote:

A lil background about myself. I am 51 years old and am employed in the medical field. I am originally from Oregon. I grew up in Eugene and spent many years roaming the forests of the Cascades with my older brother. During this time I had many occurrences where we heard, smelled and felt unusual things. Unfortunately, never actually seeing what might be producing them. I have been interested in "Our Forest Friends" for about 30 years. I spend a great deal of time reading all that is on the various sites on the internet to keep up to date and have spent some time hiking in this area since moving to Reno. My friends think I'm obsessed with the subject, but to me there is absolutely nothing more fascinating, and my dream is to finally, one day, see one up close.

Thanks for that, Jeannie.

Now I'd like to hear from more of you. Please feel free to drop me a line at the email link on the right side of this page. Also, you can leave a comment below, but if you do, please keep the language appropriate, and at least leave a first name, and not just as "Anonymous." If you leave something in the comments, please be aware that I may repost it here in the main blog so it is more easily read by new visitors. I always do my best to respect peoples privacy. Thanks! I look forward to hearing from more of you.

Bigfoot: A Trip into the Sierras

A fellow sasquatch enthusiast, Barry, contacted me a few months back, and we traded some ideas back and forth in regards to him wanting to take a trip up to the Sierras to do some scouting around. He was gracious enough to share some pictures for us to enjoy of a couple trips he took over the past few weeks.

Though he didn't have any interaction, he did come across an interesting tree break that he didn't notice until he got home. Below is a great game cam picture, where he captured a picture of a coyote, but also on the right side of the photo, there is a small pine tree with the top snapped and hanging down. It is a rather sharp break that could be explained as snow load, but because of the nature of the clean break, I think it could have been snapped by other means. Nonetheless, it is a great photo.

Desolation Wilderness game cam pic with coyote and tree break on the right (Click on Pic to Enlarge)

More of Barry's photos from the Desolation Wilderness, south of Lake Tahoe, from the weekend of June 2, 2012:

Clearing where Barry set a game cam to watch for deer (Click on Pic to Enlarge)

A picture that made Barry do a double take, showing how shadows and twisted shapes can sometimes play tricks with you while you are out there (Click on Pic to Enlarge)

Barry and his lab, Enzo, retrieving a game came. Barry pointed out that there are many granite formations in the area with numerous streams crisscrossing the maze rocks (Click on Pic to Enlarge)

The previous weekend of May 26th, Barry and his fiance Jen, took their dogs out to an area near the San Joaquin River. There was snow coming down one day, and Spring sunshine the next, showing the power of mother nature, especially in the Sierras. This just drives home the point, that when venturing out, you should always be prepared for extremes in weather.

Snow falling on the say to Mono Hot Springs (Click on Pic to Enlarge)

Sun and shorts weather the next day. Jen, Enzo, Abby and Barry (Click on Pic to Enlarge)

I want to thank Barry and Jen for sharing their pictures with us. I'm always glad to show off the beauty, and the sheer squatchiness of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

SASQUATCH: Research and Shooting.... REALLY???

Autumn Williams, at Oregon Bigfoot, wrote a piece on her blog about what a long term witnesses view is on some techniques being employed by most researchers today. That's not all, but it's the gist of it. If you are a researcher, aspiring to start, or if you're just into everything "bigfoot," I highly recommend that you read it.

Click Here to read Shooting Sasquatch: A long-term witness perspective, on the Oregon Bigfoot Blog.

Autumn has the trust of several long-term witnesses who share their experiences with her, and she wrote about one of those witness experiences in her book, Enoch: A Bigfoot Story (pictured above)In her latest blog article, Autumn and a long-term witness make some great points about mainstream research techniques. In a radio interview, I once referred to Autumn as the "Fairy Godmother to the Sasquatch." I meant that as a compliment. I don't think that there is a bigger advocate for the well being of the bigfoot, than Autumn Williams. I have always admired her for that. When I was just starting out as an armchair bigfoot blogger, her Oregon Bigfoot site, especially her blog, was one of the places that I learned a lot from. The other place I absorbed a lot was on Cliff Barackman's blog.

When I started to go out into the field, I decided to use an approach where that if there were bigfoot in the area, I would try to habituate them to me. If I found evidence of possible bigfoot activity, I would keep returning to that area. I wore the same shirt, pants and cap, every time, to be recognizable. I wanted them to see that I was respectful, and quiet, and show that I was not a threat. Whenever I stopped for a break, I'd eat an energy bar, fruit or whatever, and I'd leave some behind as a gift, as if I was sharing. To me, it's not "baiting" because I'm sharing what I have, and hopefully they watch me eat. I always took these breaks going up the mountain, and on the way back, what I left behind was gone. More than likely, it was taken by birds, woodchuck, squirrel or raccoon, but I always wanted to show that I was sharing. I didn't tree knock or make calls. That was my routine on day trips.

Then I started to overnight, with my buddy Woodrat. We employ much of the same techniques. I wear the same clothes, no deodorant for 3-4 days we're out there. I only change socks. If the sasquatch have an acute sense of smell, I want them to become familiar with my scent. I wear the same clothes as I wore on my one day trips. Woodrat's area was about 20 miles from my research area, with a viable travel corridor of valleys, and a river connecting my area to his. It is a migration path that I believe the same sasquatch family group could use as they move around to forage for food. I wanted to remain familiar if they are.

I digress..... Back to Autumn's blog.

I don't like bashing or talking bad about other researchers. I'll try not to in this case. This article brought out a very disturbing bit of information that I wasn't aware of. The reason she referenced "Shooting" in the title, was that there was an incident where a researcher shot at a bigfoot to "collect a specimen." Are you freakin SERIOUS??? REALLY??? The Texas Bigfoot Research Conservancy.... Yes! "Conservancy!" On their website, they describe the incident, which occurred during their "Operation Endurance," which covered several weeks in the summer of 2011. In their report, they wrote, "The TBRC investigator fired upon the animal with an auto-loading shotgun in an attempt to collect a specimen." Then they further described how they went tracking the "animal" by looking for blood spots left behind. Just as if they were hunting deer. I'm totally sickened by how they so matter-of-fact-ly, discuss the blatant attempt to kill a sasquatch, all in the name of research. How can they even call themselves "Conservancy?" Who the ______ do they think they are!?!?!?!? To me, it's like an anthropologist going to the Amazon and shooting a member of a pygmy tribe, so they can "collect a specimen," and prove their existence to the world. It's not like we're collecting insects or rodent's here! Sasquatch are far too near human, to be considered a "specimen." I'm sure I'll get some hate mail, but that's fine. I'm entitled to my opinion and so are they. I know 99% the bigfoot community does not condone this. Read the Operation Endurance report by Clicking Here.

What's more egregious is that they may have wounded one. So, what does that group of bigfoot think of humans now? What will they do to protect their family from human's? What would you do? I know what I'd do! Anyone who came into my home, uninvited, who I think might harm my family, will probably not leave alive. So how are these particular sasquatch going to react the next time a human is around? This was totally reckless and irresponsible on the TBRC's part. I've yet to read anywhere that they did not condone the behavior of the shooter. If they have, I apologize, but I've yet to find such. My eyes are literally buggin out of my head right now. My blood pressure is about to make my brain explode. What about you?

Then there's the whole "Sierra Kills" incident, which I've never addressed. I truly hope it's a hoax. Where Justin Smeja supposedly killed those 2 bigfoot, is an easlily traveled route, about 30 miles from where Woodrat and I have our suspected group moving trough. Because of real life issues, Woodrat and I haven't had the chance to overnight up there since the supposed shooting. I'm extremely disturbed at the fact that the sasquatch, we were trying to establish a rapport with, may have fallen victim to human stupidity. It's disturbing all together.

"There's no one in the world who causes more trouble than humans. They drive me crazy! I get so mad when I think about humans, I could scream!" ~Snoopy

Using a Katadyn Vario Water Filtration System Out In the Field

When I'm out in the field, I carry a backup water filtration system in my pack. This last trip out, in September, my squatcing buddy, Woodrat and I, ran out of water. With nightime temperatures getting down into the low 20's, we drank a lot more tea and hot chocolate than we had anticipated.

Click on any photo to enlarge

Creek near base camp
About 100 yards from our base camp, there was a little dribble of creek that forms from an upwelling out of the ground, that runs about 70 feet, and then dries up, as it seeps back into the ground. We like this spot, as we believe it to be a travel corridor that the squatch use, down this specific canyon we were researching. We had vocalizations coming down the canyon on two different occasions after nightfall.

OK, I digress, as this is a review of the Katadyn Vario, not a squatching article. I will write about my last two outings soon. It's been a while I know, but better late than never.


I got my Katadyn Vario Water Microfilter from allfilters.com It's a great sourse for all brands of quality water filtration products for the home, garden and camping. The best thing about All Filters is that there is free shipping on most of their products, including the Vario.


Below are photos of how easy it is to use. It's a quality product. It's Swiss made. Enough said.

Click on any photo to enlarge


Katadyn Vario filter, shown with the intake tube, prefilter, and float.



Attach the intake hose, to the intake port.



Attaching the output tube to the outlet port.



Insert the output hose into a clean storage container.




Set the weighted prefilter into a shallow pool, with the float adjusted for the depth, so that the weighted prefilter is not lying directly on the bottom. This is to keep less debris and silt from getting into the pump, though it can handle water of less clarity.



Pump and fill

Click on any photo to enlarge

The Katadyn Vario is easy to use and flow rate was pretty good. Took about 5 minutes of pumping for 1 gallon of fresh, clean water. Cleaning was easy too. When you get home, just follow the simple directions, included with the unit, in it's own, zippered nylon storage bag. It fits easily in my CamelBak backpack, even with all my other squatchin gear, and my 3 liter hydration bladder, full.

Remember to practice safety first out in the field. Water is key in survival situations. Make sure that your pack is properly outfitted in the event an emergency should arise. Take care out there, and squatch safely.

Want to go on a Sasquatch Expedition?

I am writing this to see what interest there would be from the squatch readers, in using the services of a professional outdoor outfitter, to go on a guided expedition.

My friend, Woodrat, who I've gone out squatching with on 3 different occasions, is investigating the possibility of taking out small groups for expeditions, in some of his areas that he has been researching for the past few years.

For me, squatching is a hobby. I do it as a form of entertainment, and for my pure curiousity in sasquatch. Woodrat, on the otherhand, lives, eats and breathes squatch. I find this to be true of many of those who have had actual sightings. I've yet to have a sighting, but during my last 2 trips out with Woodrat, I had some great vocalizations, and wood knocks occur, both at night and in the day. I'm sure if I had the opportunity to see a squatch, my life would forever be changed too.

Woodrat's a former outfitter and hunting guide, and has years of experience in the outdoors. He is interested in turning his passion into a source of income, in these trying times. I know he will do well, as we live in the Reno/Tahoe area, and with the right advertising will draw tourists in as clients. I'm curious to see, what the readers of this blog think of using such a service?

My thought is that there are many, who want to go out and squatch, but don't feel comfortable doing it on their own. I was one. There are some that would like to go out, but don't have the equipment to deal with overnights in the squatchier areas at 5,000 to 8,000 feet in elevation. I was one too. Lastly there are those who would like some guidance as to where to go, or what to look for? There may also be a select few, who have never spent any time, out in the wilderness, and would like to learn the basics. This is the service that Woodrat would like to provide.

I will tell you this, he is passionate about being out there in the mountains. Everytime we are packing up to come home, he dreads the thought of returning to "civilization."

No, it won't be like other squatch "pay to play" expeditions. This will be limited to small groups, and all equipment, food and tent lodgings will be provided. Camp setup and breakdown will be provided also, guest participation will be optional. All one would need is a camera, backpack with hydration bladder (ie. Camelbak), and appropriate clothing. Proper outfitter licenses, permits, insurance, etc. will be gotten for expedtions in CA and NV.

Yes, I know some of you already squatch on your own, and don't need this kind of service. Some of you may think it's a great idea. Any thoughts? I've had a few enquiries, and offers to pay to go out with me, but wasn't really interested.

Woodrat would love to hear some feedback if you're interested. Comment below or drop me an email to stbigfoot@gmail.com. Please also click on the poll at the beginning of this blog.

Thanks