Bigfoot Bulletin - No 23 - 1970

Magazine Overview

Title: BIGFOOT BULLETIN
Issue: No. 23
Date: November 30, 1970
Publisher: George F. Haas
Location: Oakland, California

This issue of the Bigfoot Bulletin, dated November 30, 1970, focuses heavily on the reported filming of a Bigfoot by hunting guide Ivan Marx. The publication aims to disseminate information and reports related to Bigfoot phenomena, with an editorial stance that prioritizes reporting over guaranteed authenticity.

Ivan Marx Takes Color Movies of a Bigfoot

The lead story details Ivan Marx's alleged success in capturing approximately two minutes of color movie film of a Bigfoot on October 7, 1970, near Bossburg, Washington. The report, based on an AP dispatch and communications from correspondents, describes how Marx, acting on an anonymous tip about a creature hit by a train, tracked the being with a hunting dog. Initially on all fours in heavy brush, the creature later entered a clearing, stood up, and limped away on two legs. Marx observed what appeared to be severe injuries to one arm and both ankles, with the hide scraped away. The creature reportedly emitted a loud scream. Marx estimated its height at about 9 feet and its weight between 700 to 800 pounds. The film is described as professional quality, particularly when the creature is in the clearing, though facial details are obscured by the late hour and poor light. The creature filmed is believed to be the same one that left 1089 tracks near Bossburg in December 1969, noted for its crippled foot with a missing toe.

Marx's Research and Findings

According to correspondent John Green, Ivan Marx has been actively hunting Bigfoot in his area, believing there are at least five creatures. Marx has reportedly learned about their habits, including where they sleep, what they eat (ranging from carrion to fresh greens), and where they relieve themselves. He theorizes they enter a state of semi-hibernation during winter. Marx has trained a dog to track them and has compiled a 45-minute documentary film using a Bolex 16mm camera, showcasing tracks and other physical evidence. Green expresses personal satisfaction with Marx's findings, noting the unique ability of his hound to track Sasquatch and highlighting Marx's competence as a full-time hunter.

Robert Hewes also reports on Marx's work, confirming the existence of color movies and detailing Marx's knowledge of the creatures' sleeping, feeding, and relieving habits. Hewes mentions Marx possesses a unique hand print and more footprint casts. He reiterates the details of the October 7th incident, including the tracking of the creature after a report of it being hit by a vehicle or train. The creature reportedly went to a rock slide, attempted to climb, and then turned. Marx captured footage in a clearing where the creature turned to face him twice. The film shows clear body features, though facial details are poor due to low light. The creature's right foot is described as badly skinned up around the heel, and its right arm was held tightly against its body, indicating a definite limp. The creature's scream was also noted.

Roger St. Hilaire, living near Ivan Marx, confirms that he and Rene Dahinden have seen most of Marx's pictures and evidence, finding it generally authentic. He notes that while there will always be questions until a creature is caught or killed, the general consensus among researchers is positive. St. Hilaire specifically discusses Marx's hand casts, describing the hand as paw-like with short fingers and a non-opposable thumb. He also points out an error in an AP release, clarifying that the creature was 'very' old, not spending 'most' of its time on all fours. Heavy negotiations are reportedly underway for the sale of the film.

Newspaper Accounts

The bulletin lists several newspaper articles referencing the Ivan Marx film, including reports from The Statesman-Examiner (Colville, WA), San Francisco Examiner, The Seattle Times, and The Sunday Oregonian. These articles often included photos of Ivan Marx holding casts of Bigfoot hand and footprints.

Hand Print Analysis

Archie Buckley provides commentary on Ivan Marx's cast hand print, suggesting that the thumb's position in the imprint might indicate little opposable function if the hand was placed flat with fingers spread. He notes that a similar imprint could be achieved by a human hand in a specific position, particularly when encountering sudden force to avoid injury.

Editorial Stance

In an editorial, George F. Haas addresses concerns from some subscribers who felt he printed a "phony and fake" report. Haas clarifies that the Bigfoot Bulletin does not guarantee the authenticity of any report and the editor does not vouch for experiences he has not personally had. He states that opinions expressed are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the publication's policy. The bulletin's policy is to print news and allow subsequent investigation to determine the truth, rather than suppressing information that challenges existing ideas.

Other Publications and Media

The issue also includes a section on "Recent Publications of Interest." This includes references to articles about the Abominable Snowman in MEN ANNUAL, STAG magazine, MALE magazine, and the Arkansas Gazette. It also mentions a song titled "Sasquatch" recorded by Ola Louise, which was introduced on radio stations KRAK and KCVL.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the presentation of new evidence for Bigfoot (specifically the film and associated physical evidence), the ongoing research into Bigfoot habits and populations, and the challenges of verifying such phenomena. The editorial stance, as articulated by George F. Haas, is one of open reporting, encouraging the submission of all information, regardless of its immediate perceived validity, with the belief that truth will eventually emerge through investigation. The publication serves as a platform for researchers and enthusiasts to share their findings and perspectives within the cryptozoological community.