Bigfoot Bulletin - No 17 - 1970

Magazine Overview

Title: BIGFOOT BULLETIN
Issue Date: May 30, 1970
Issue Number: 17
Publisher: George F. Haas
Location: Oakland, California

This issue of the Bigfoot Bulletin focuses on recent expeditions, reported sightings, and ongoing research into the Sasquatch phenomenon. It includes detailed accounts of footprint discoveries, witness testimonies, and mentions of new publications and research initiatives.

Buckley Expedition Visited by Bigfoot

The main article details an expedition by Archie Buckley, Delmas Buckley, and Jim Whalen in the Middle Eel Yolla Bolly Wilderness Area of California. Their reconnaissance was hampered by washed-out roads and snowfall, forcing them to establish a base camp. On May 14th, at 3:00 AM, they were awakened by dogs barking and then heard loud thuds, described as sounding like a 200-pound man deliberately stomping ten feet away. Due to darkness and rain, they could not see the creature.

In the morning, Jim Whalen discovered 27 distinct footprints near their tent, totaling 27 with 25 in a definite series. The footprints were approximately 16 inches long with a 6-inch width at the ball, and the average stride was 51 inches, with one stride measuring 66.5 inches. The lateral width between left and right footprints was about 12 inches. The prints were found in soft soil and pine needles, with depths of about 1 inch in the soil and 4 to 6 inches in the pine needles. The crushing of pine needles, especially in the ball area, indicated a weight of the creature estimated between 600 to 750 pounds. The tracks indicated the creature was heading towards a rotten salmon left out as bait but veered off sharply, possibly alarmed by the campers.

Jim McClarin also visited the site and evaluated the prints, describing them as generally 'poor' but likely genuine. He noted the impressive stride and a 90-degree turn made at some speed. He made one cast showing a heel print. Ben E. Foster Jr. and Eldon Brackett, accompanied by John and Jim Kitchen, also examined the footprints and found two additional sets of tracks, one about 11 inches long and another about 14 inches long, 50 to 75 yards away.

Bigfoot Reported Shot in Butte County, California

Clifford Brush, residing in Butte Creek Canyon, reported to the Sheriff's Department that he had shot at a Bigfoot on the night of May 12th. He claimed to have fired four times with a .22 caliber rifle because the creature frightened him by waving its arms and growling. Sheriff's deputies, newsmen, and an anthropologist from Chico State College investigated the site but found no definitive physical evidence. Jim McClarin also interviewed Brush and examined the site without finding conclusive evidence.

The Computer May Catch Up With Bigfoot

John Green is coordinating a resurvey project, partly funded by a Salt Lake City wildlife movie firm called North American Research Association. This project involves sending out questionnaires to people who have reported Sasquatch sightings or tracks to identify patterns using computer processing. Jim McClarin is responsible for northern California, with others like Ken Coon, George Haas, and Bob Titmus also involved in the survey.

Recent Publications and Mentions

• Several recent publications are highlighted:
• MAN'S ACTION magazine, April 1970: An article titled "On The Trail Of The Sasquatch, America's Abominable Snowman" by Bryan Stevenson is mentioned.
• TIMES-STANDARD, May 3, 1970: An article titled "'Bigfoot' Makes Big Tracks In Humboldt" is noted as a rehash of old reports.
• HOOD RIVER NEWS: An article titled "Mystery Of Bigfoot Creature Revived" by Jeanie Senior is mentioned.
• BERKELEY DAILY GAZETTE, May 6, 1970: An article by Mike Culbert titled "Those Real Native Californians - Do They Leave 18-inch Tracks?" is referenced.
• SACRAMENTO BEE, May 14, 1970: A report by Jimmie Skjelstad titled "Settler Reports Sighting, Smelling Bigfoot" concerns the Butte Creek Canyon incident.
• CHICO ENTERPRISE-RECORD, May 14, 1970: An article by Richard Ramella titled "Did He Shoot A Bigfoot ?" also concerns the Butte Creek Canyon incident.
• THE ADVANCE, April 23, 1970: A photograph of a 15-inch footprint from the Tien Shan mountains, taken in the early 1960s, was sent to John Green by Professor Boris Porshnev of the U.S.S.R. Academy of Sciences.

Bob Betts Reports from Alaska

Bob Betts reports from Fairbanks, Alaska, about a new program involving rappelling out of helicopters for initial attack on remote fires. He suggests this could be a method for surrounding a Sasquatch. He recounts a story from Jerry Katt, a jumper who had worked in the Kalmiopsis area, about seeing large, human-like tracks with distinct five toes on Indigo Creek in 1968. Betts also mentions that anthropologists at the University of Alaska are interested in Sasquatch and will be in the field in southern Alaska.

"The Year of the Sasquatch" - New Book

John Green has authored a new book, "The Year Of The Sasquatch," which is a sequel to his earlier work, "On The Track Of The Sasquatch." This new volume documents Sasquatch research activities through 1969 and into 1970, including old reports and Russian research by Professor Boris Porshnev. It also features a chapter on the Bigfoot Bulletin and "Card File Calculations." The book is described as well-researched, objective, and highly recommended.

A One-Footed Bigfoot in Paradise, California?

Jim McClarin reports evidence suggesting a one-footed Bigfoot may frequent the Paradise, California area. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Behme reported that a creature they saw near the Magalia reservoir limped, favoring its left leg. Clifford Brush also reported seeing two prints in sand in May 1969: the right print was about 18 inches long and 2 inches deep, while the left was an apparent stump mark, 5 to 6 inches in diameter and 4 to 5 inches deep. These were thought to be made by a creature jumping from rocks into a sand bar.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the physical evidence of Bigfoot, primarily footprints, and the ongoing efforts to document and research sightings. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry, presenting reports and evidence for consideration by researchers and enthusiasts. There is a clear emphasis on detailed observation, measurement, and the collection of data, as seen in the Buckley expedition report and the mention of computer analysis for pattern identification. The bulletin also highlights the growing body of literature and research on the subject, with the review of John Green's new book being a prime example.