BIGFOOT BULLETIN

Magazine Overview

Title: BIGFOOT BULLETIN
Issue: No. 5
Date: May 31, 1969
Publisher: George F. Haas
Location: Oakland, California

This issue of the BIGFOOT BULLETIN, dated May 31, 1969, focuses on recent and historical reports of Bigfoot (Sasquatch) sightings and evidence, primarily from California.

Latest Report from Bluff Creek, Northern California

The lead article details a "Bigfoot Bash" expedition from May 23, 1969, in Bluff Creek, Northern California, led by Dr. Bernard E. Northrup, an Old Testament Professor at San Francisco Baptist Theological Seminary. The group, consisting of students and graduates, found over 1,000 Bigfoot tracks in snow and some blurred tracks in wet red clay during a five-day trip in Humboldt and Del Norte Counties. Hipboots were necessary due to the season. The report suggests that logging operations on the west side of Bluff Creek may have driven Bigfoot out, except for hunting forays.

On Saturday, May 24th, the team, including Steve Seidler, Bert Lessard, Jim Sproul, and Clark Lindsay, drove past Laird Meadows. At an elevation of 4,600 ft., they found a single clear print 12 inches long with partial toe prints. Further on, they encountered two stretches of 30 and possibly 75 rain-blurred prints with a good stride, crossing snow banks. These tracks were noted as potentially faked due to their proximity to boot prints. The trail continued through deepening snowbanks and circled Onion Lake. Beyond the Onion Lake sign, a huge set of tracks, 16 inches long with a 48-inch stride, began to superimpose hiker tracks. The Bigfoot's stride was significantly longer than the hikers', even when the hikers adjusted their stride. The tracks still carried red mud from the road, and despite rain, the impressions were visible, often with boot prints underneath.

Subsequent study in light rain indicated that the tracks decayed rapidly. The two booted and one Bigfoot trail were likely made on the afternoon of Friday, May 23rd. The evidence suggested Bigfoot entered the area from the north, via the Fecwan creek branch draining Onion Lake, with tracks ascending the road shoulder. Following the trail on Monday, they observed Bigfoot stripping bark from dead trees up to nine feet high. A fine, light black hair was found at one such tree. The trail stopped short of the lake, suggesting Bigfoot hid after being surprised by the hikers, then followed them down the road to the Boundary Ridge road junction.

Further Exploration and Observations

The report continues with further exploration on Saturday, May 24th, up to Blue Creek Mountain, known for dust tracks. The road was steep, with heavy snow drifts. Near the Del Norte County line, they found the trail of two more Bigfeet with rain-softened tracks, about 16 inches long, striding together at a four-foot pace. These tracks led up the grade and then turned down a snow-free slope toward Laird Meadows. The team continued to Blue Creek Mountain, noting old tracks that were difficult to discern due to sun and rain. They skirted the rim of Notice Creek canyon and descended to their cars.

On May 25th, another party searched upper Bluff Creek, joined by Kelsey Pietsch and Russ Thompson. Another group explored the Nikowitz jeep trail and Soapstone Gulch. Despite finding unidentified spoor and signs of crushed brush, no definitive evidence was located on the hard slopes. However, they concluded that this deep canyon area, away from logging, was ideal winter range for Bigfoot, potentially where they raise families.

Dr. Northrup and his seminarians are convinced that "Giganthropod" is a strangely degenerated form of Homo sapiens, possibly related to Heidelbergensis and Gigantropithecus, and more recent than currently believed. They are positive that the "Giganthropod" is real and soon to be found, based on the over one thousand tracks and other evidence found.

Bigfoot Sighted Above Paradise, Butte County, California

This section presents a report from Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Behme of Magalia, Butte County, California, regarding a sighting on April 16, 1969, around midnight. While driving from Paradise to Stirling City, they saw what appeared to be a man in a fur suit crossing the road. Their impressions were that the figure was over six feet tall, completely covered in short, black hair (possibly flecked with white or mud), with a white, hairless face and a small head that peaked at the top. The creature had heavy legs, shuffled away with a limp, and looked back at their car. The ground near the road was rock, gravel, and hard clay, and no footprints were found the next morning. Mrs. Behme, whose husband is a writer and photographer, emphasizes their credibility and dismisses possibilities like a bear or a hoax due to the remote location and time of night.

Other Reports and Correspondence

Ben E. Foster Jr. from Anderson, California, seeks correspondence regarding a mysterious area called Hermit Valley on the Oregon coast where animals refuse to enter. He also offers information on tranquilizing equipment.

An expedition to the Bluff Creek area led by Dr. Steven M. Pauley of Pacific Palisades, California, occurred in the latter half of May, but no report was available by the time of publication.

100-Year Old Sighting of Bigfoot in California

This article reprints a remarkable account from the weekly BUTTE RECORD, issue of November 5, 1870, describing an incident from 1869. A correspondent writing from Grayson reported seeing a "gorilla" or "wildman" among the eastern slopes of the Coast Range in western Stanislaus County. The correspondent assures the reader of its reality, having seen two such creatures not a year prior. The existence of these creatures had been reported for twenty years. The creature seen was described as about five feet high, disproportionately broad and square at the shoulders, with long arms and very short legs. The head was small, appearing set upon the shoulders without a neck, and covered in dark brown and cinnamon hair. The correspondent observed the creature at his campsite, where it amused itself by swinging lighted sticks from the fire. After about fifteen minutes, the creature was joined by a female, and both walked past the observer, disappearing into the brush. The correspondent noted that he had a clear opportunity to observe them as they were unaware of his presence.

Correspondence and Notes

David Cannady from Klamath Falls, Oregon, wishes to correspond with anyone interested in a potential connection between Bigfeet and UFOs.

A Candid Press article titled "I Came Face To Face With A Sasquatch" by Karl Wallenbach is mentioned.

"Facts Worth Knowing" notes a Bigfoot Drive In in Oakhurst, California, a Sasquatch Soccer team from Chehalis, B.C., and a boat named the Sasquatch in Everett, Washington.

Richard L. Tierney, now in Alaska, has a report of a track sighting at Whitewater Bay on the southwest coast of Admiralty Island, with details promised for the next issue.

The publisher notes that the current issue was delayed due to riots in Berkeley, as the Copy Service is located next door to People's Park.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the persistent evidence and sightings of Bigfoot/Sasquatch, presented through field reports, personal testimonies, and historical accounts. The editorial stance, as evidenced by the publication of these detailed reports and the concluding remarks by Dr. Northrup, is one of serious investigation and belief in the existence of these creatures. The magazine aims to document and disseminate information related to Bigfoot research, encouraging correspondence and further investigation. The inclusion of a 100-year-old sighting underscores the long history of such reports. The publisher's note about the Berkeley riots also subtly places the publication within a context of social and political events of the time, while highlighting the operational challenges faced by the bulletin.