Bigfoot Bulletin - No 22 - 1970

Magazine Overview

This issue of the BIGFOOT BULLETIN, dated October 31, 1970, is identified as No. 22 and published by George F. Haas from Oakland, California. The publication focuses on reports and discussions related to Bigfoot and similar cryptids.

More on the "Bushman" Expedition to the Yukon

The lead article details the Alaska expedition of Bob Betts, Jim McClarin, Jim Pearce, and John Culbertson to the vicinity of Ruby on the Yukon River, which concluded on September 25th. Despite their efforts, they found no trace of the "Bushman." Local Indians indicated they were a month too late, with the creature typically appearing in August. A 17-page report, titled "Ruby Expedition Report, September 10-25, 1970," was prepared by Bob Betts and is available for $2.00. This report includes 15 sighting reports, anthropological data, a diagram of an arm trap, and a map. Bob Betts' "Conclusion" from the report is quoted, emphasizing that while no direct physical evidence was found, the consistency of local legends (Bushman, Sasquatch, O-Mah) suggests a basis for the stories. He suggests future expeditions focus on attracting rather than hunting the creature, operating at night with minimal disturbance, and using portable tape recorders and cameras with flash attachments. Betts also ponders how such an animal could survive the Alaskan winter and notes the striking similarity in descriptions of these creatures across different indigenous groups.

A Camera Trap for Bigfoot

This section provides detailed instructions on how to build and deploy a camera trap to capture photographs of Bigfoot. The article suggests that close-up photographs are unlikely in daylight encounters, making nocturnal activity and camera traps with flash equipment essential. The traps need not be expensive and can be placed in strategic locations like natural passes, near dumps, deer trails, or roads where tracks have been found. The article describes a simple trip-line setup where Bigfoot would trigger the camera and flash by pulling on bait. The bait, such as spoiled salmon or fish, should be placed 6-8 feet from the camera and suspended 8-9 feet high. The author expresses gratitude to Claude V. Neuffer for his photographic expertise. Neuffer suggests a setup costing under five dollars using a second-hand box camera with a flash attachment, nylon fish-line, a board, masking tape, screw eyes, plastic, and nails. Key requirements for the camera include a shutter release lever (not a push button) and the ability to use a #25 flash bulb. The ANSCO PIONEER is mentioned as a suitable camera. The setup involves taping the camera to a board, attaching a screw-eye to the board, running a fish-line from the screw-eye to the shutter release lever, and then securing the board to a tree. The fish-line is then run across the trail to another tree. For Sasquatch-only pictures, the trip-line should be about six feet high. The article advises using plastic or linoleum to protect the camera and flash from weather, and camouflaging the setup with branches. It also suggests adding a second flash for better results with slower lenses.

Concerning the Longview, Texas, Reports

Nick E. Campbell, stationed at Fort Ord, California, relays a report from Privates David Lawson and Royal Jacobs from Longview, Texas. Around 1965, there were reports of a giant, hairy creature roaming the back country between Jefferson and Longview. The creature was described as large, black, and not a bear. Several cattle and people were reportedly killed. Private Jacobs was part of a posse that hunted the creature and saw the body of a victim who had been torn apart. Campbell vouches for the honesty of Lawson and Jacobs. They also mentioned an area called the "Big Thicket," north of Houston near Lufkin, known for disappearances and Sasquatch-type stories.

Hunting License Required to Kill Bigfoot in Idaho

This section quotes a letter from E. Kleiss Brown of the Idaho Fish and Game Department to Russell Gebhart. Brown states that according to Idaho Code Section 36-30lA, a "Bigfoot" has not been classified as a wild animal, meaning it is permissible to capture or kill one with a hunting license. Brown also expresses a hope that people pursuing Bigfoot might also dedicate energy to environmental protection.

The Yeti Stamps of Bhutan

This short piece addresses a claim in FATE Magazine about Bhutanese Yeti stamps being "highly-prized by collectors." Ernest A. Kehr of the Philatelic Press Club challenges this, stating that these labels are not prized and have been blacklisted by philatelic organizations as deceptive items sold for financial gain by an agency in Nassau, Bahamas, not in Bhutan.

The Case of the Pregnant Sasquatch

Dick Grover of Everett, Washington, reports an account given to him by Ronald Zimmerman. On August 2nd, Zimmerman saw a large, whitish or cream-colored creature, estimated to be over 6 feet tall and weighing about 250 pounds, with a very large stomach, passing along a ridge in Boston Basin, near Cascade Pass. The creature was observed for 15-20 seconds. Zimmerman's friends were not interested, but he reported it because he couldn't believe a hiker would carry such a pack on their stomach, suggesting it might be a "pregnant one." The area is expected to receive closer scrutiny.

Recent Publications of Interest

This section lists several recent publications featuring articles related to Bigfoot and cryptids:

• SAGA magazine, November 1970: "America's Mysterious Cave-Man Monsters" by Al Masters.
• NATIONAL WILDLIFE Magazine, October-November 1970: "On The Trail Of Bigfoot" by George B. Harrison, concerning the Morgan expedition.
• MIDNIGHT, October 19, 1970 (Canada): "7-Foot Monsters Are Roaming Across United States" by Dom Merle.
• FATE Magazine, November 1970: A short item "Monster Report: The Snowman," a letter about Yeti stamps, and a letter suggesting Bigfoot might be an escaped gorilla.
• THE CANADIAN MAGAZINE/STAR WEEKLY, October 24, 1970: "Now It's War Among The Sasquatch Hunters!" by Kayce White, discussing a disagreement between John Green, Rene Dahinden, and others regarding a computer survey.

An Evening for Sasquatch

A meeting or ceremony titled "An Evening for Sasquatch" was held on August 26th at the State Capitol in Olympia, Washington, sponsored by A Pacific Northwest League for the Protection of Sasquatch. James Dolliver, Second Assistant to the Governor of Washington, was the Master of Ceremonies. Speakers included Roy Craft, Lee Trippett, Bob Gimlin, John Bollard, David Brewster, Jim Halpin, and Emperor Smith. The event featured music and poetry readings, and Lee Trippett noted that several hundred people attended and were attentive.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the ongoing search for Bigfoot, the collection of eyewitness accounts and local legends, and practical advice for researchers, particularly regarding camera trap technology. The publication appears to maintain an open but investigative stance, presenting various reports and expert opinions while also encouraging critical thinking and scientific methodology. The editorial stance is one of serious inquiry into the existence of cryptids, with a particular focus on Sasquatch and related phenomena. There's an underlying theme of documenting and preserving the folklore and potential evidence surrounding these creatures.