Bigfoot Bulletin - No 15 - 1970

Magazine Overview

Title: BIGFOOT BULLETIN
Issue: No. 15
Date: March 31, 1970
Publisher: George F. Haas
Location: Oakland, California

This issue of the Bigfoot Bulletin, dated March 31, 1970, is primarily focused on the legal protections afforded to Bigfoot in California and includes discussions on population density and recent publications of interest.

California Law Does Protect Bigfoot

The lead article addresses the legal status of Bigfoot in California. It begins by stating the importance for Bigfoot hunters to be familiar with state laws. The bulletin reprints a letter from Loren E. Coleman of Carbondale, Illinois, to the Director of the California State Department of Fish and Game, inquiring about laws that might protect Bigfoot. The response, dated January 28, 1970, is from B.E. Faist, Chief of the Wildlife Protection Branch. Faist clarifies that the department is not concerned with the existence or non-existence of Bigfoot but assures that current California fish and game laws and Penal Code sections would protect the creature if it exists.

Faist outlines two key points:

1. Fish and Game Laws: Any person killing Bigfoot would be in violation of California fish and game laws if Bigfoot is classified as an animal. The taking of animals is generally prohibited unless authorized by the California Fish and Game Code or regulations, and there is no provision for taking Bigfoot.
2. Penal Code: Any person killing Bigfoot could be prosecuted for murder under appropriate sections of the California Penal Code if Bigfoot is determined to be human.

In a subsequent letter to the editor, dated March 3, 1970, Mr. Faist grants permission to reprint his earlier letter and encloses a copy of Section 2000 of the California Fish and Game Code. He explains that Section 2000, which prohibits the unlawful taking of any bird, mammal, fish, or amphibian, would serve as an effective prohibition against taking Bigfoot if it were classified as a wild animal.

More on Bigfoot Population Density

This section features an excerpt from a letter by John Green, dated March 17, 1970. Green comments on Nick Carter's approach to population estimating, challenging its premise. Green suggests a basic range for Bigfoot of approximately 400 miles wide by 1,500 miles long, with potential to be twice that area. He estimates the human population within this range to be around 30 to 40 million, though he notes most are concentrated in cities. Green further estimates the usable Sasquatch area to be about half of the total range. Based on these estimates, he suggests an adult population of 9,000, plus those outside the concentrated search areas. He posits that one Sasquatch might occupy the range of several wolves, leading him to guess a total population of "two to four" for western North America.

Announcement

An announcement is made regarding John W. Smith of Portland, Oregon, who claims personal encounters with Bigfoot, or "Humanus." Smith has prepared a preliminary report titled "Humanus," consisting of 11 pages of handwritten text, 11 pages detailing his sightings, and 6 pages of illustrations. The material is copyrighted 1970. Copies of the report can be obtained from Lee Trippett at Flora-Fauna Research Inc. in Eugene, Oregon, for $0.50. Additionally, a 5x7 color photograph of one of Smith's paintings, depicting a "Humanus" carrying a deer, is available for an extra $1.00 when ordered with the report.

Recent Publications of Interest

This section reviews several publications related to Bigfoot and similar creatures:

• FATE Magazine (April 1970): Features articles "Russia Searches For The Abominable Snowman" by Timothy Green Beckley and "Yetis of Bhutan" by John J. Sanz, which describes Yeti stamps from Bhutan in 1966.
• WESTERN TREASURES Magazine (April 1970): Includes "Bigfoot - Man Or Ape?" by John Seginski, which suggests looking for bones. Credits are given to Jim McClarin and Lucius Farish.
• AP Report: Mentions the Regina, Saskatchewan, Junior Chamber of Commerce offering $100,000 for a Sasquatch, dead or alive. Credits are given to Gary Galbreath, George Manning, Warren Scott, and Nick Carter.
• SPOKESMAN - REVIEW SUNDAY MAGAZINE (March 1, 1970): Features "Is There Really a Bigfoot?" by Jack Pierce. Credit to Russell Gebhart.
• KLAM-ITY KOURIER (March 25, 1970): Prints "Chapter One" of a letter from Ray Wallace, to be continued.
• STRANGE ABOMINABLE SNOWMEN: A book by Warren Smith published by Popular Library is mentioned as being released.
• THE GREAT ORM OF LOCH NESS: A book by F.W. Holiday is noted as being available in an Avon paperback edition for $0.75.

Additionally, the bulletin advertises "SAVE OUR SASQUATCH" bumper stickers available for $1.00 each from Payless Printers in Spokane, Washington.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Bigfoot Bulletin consistently focuses on the phenomenon of Bigfoot and related cryptids. The editorial stance appears to be one of active investigation and information dissemination, encouraging readers to share news and reports. The publication emphasizes the importance of legal awareness regarding the creature and promotes research and cooperation among its readers. The bulletin is presented as a private monthly newsletter sent free in exchange for news and information, with a clear call for reader contributions for future issues.