Bigfoot Bulletin - No 25 - 1971

Magazine Overview

This issue of the Bigfoot Bulletin, dated January-February-March 1971, No. 25, is published by George F. Haas from Oakland, California. It focuses on recent Bigfoot and Sasquatch research, sightings, and related phenomena.

Robert W. Morgan Organizing Capture Attempt

An article by Jim McClarin details Robert W. Morgan's efforts to organize a major expedition to capture a Bigfoot specimen. Morgan, who previously searched for Bigfoot evidence in the summer of 1970, claims to have had an encounter in 1957. He formed Vanguard Research, Inc., and sought backing from the National Science Foundation. The expedition, tentatively scheduled for April 1971 with a two-month scouting phase, aims to search the Cascade Range in Washington. Morgan has enlisted 15 search members and a Science Advisory Board of eight, including notable figures like Dr. J. Schoneberg Setzer, George Agogino, Carleton Coon, and Grover Krantz. The search is intended to be conducted quietly and ecologically. Morgan's primary goal is to establish protective laws for the species, opposing any attempt to kill or imprison a specimen. If captured, a Bigfoot would be examined, fitted with a radio transmitter, and released.

Is 'Bigfoot' in Shasta?

This section, by R-S Editor Paul Bodenhamer, reports on human-shaped footprints discovered in the snow on the John Russak property on Fender's Ferry Road, north of Round Mountain in Shasta County, California. The prints are 16 inches long, about seven inches wide, with four toe marks, and suggest an upright, two-footed gait. Bear tracks in the area are noted as being different. The trail entered the Russak yard from a mountain, circled a tree, and disappeared where the snow had melted. Russak's dogs reportedly barked for four hours the night the prints were likely made. Warren Thompson later checked the area and spoke with Mr. Russak, who stated the tracks could be backtracked for about two miles, originating from a canyon northeast of his home and leading towards a trailer of garbage, from which the creature was apparently chased off by dogs.

The Track Sightings Near Colville, Washington

This report covers the widely publicized track sightings near Arden, Washington, in February. Thousands of tracks, attributed to a Sasquatch with a 50-55 inch stride, were found around the town, including near the grocery store and town dump. Ivan Marx attempted to follow the tracks but was thwarted by rain. A UPI report on February 18 mentioned thousands of tourists flocking to view the 16-inch long footprints. The article also notes the current activity of the International Wildlife Conservation Society, Inc., based in Washington D.C., which has established field headquarters in Evans, Washington, with Peter Byrne as Executive Director. They plan a year-long project involving research and a capture attempt using a tranquilizer, followed by scientific examination and release. A 24-hour telephone service has been set up for information.

Robert Hewes of Colville, Washington, writes that there have been considerable happenings since the start of the year, including tracks near Arden and several possible sightings. He notes that some believe the Arden tracks may have been faked, but if so, by an expert. The International Wildlife Society is continuing its search.

Japanese Expedition to the Himalayas

A brief report mentions that Masahiko Taniguchi, a former television sports reporter, has left for Katmandu, Nepal, for a five-month expedition in the Himalayas, hoping to be the first Japanese citizen to see the Abominable Snowman.

More Tracks in Washington State

Dick Grover of Everett, Washington, reports that on January 10, 1971, near Deming, Washington, Mr. Gerry Willet and his family saw tracks in the snow. The tracks were described as being in a straight line, five feet apart, 14-16 inches long and 7.5-8 inches wide, going through their backyard and across a field.

The Greatest Advance in Knowledge Comes From Sharing Information

This editorial laments the trend of researchers forming splinter groups and operating with secrecy, making it difficult to gather information for the Bigfoot Bulletin. It encourages sharing information to advance collective knowledge.

Report From Idaho. Incidents At O Mill

Russell Gebhart of Lewiston, Idaho, shares information from a Mr. Moore, a night watchman at O Mill, a lumber mill near Orofino, Idaho. In June 1969, Moore reported seeing a female Sasquatch inside the mill. The creature was described as about 6 feet tall, covered in shiny dark hair except for its face and hands, with pink visible skin. Its eyes were large and fiery red, and it had long arms and a stocky build, walking upright. It moved gracefully and with great speed, possessing a strong, disagreeable odor. Moore observed it for about five minutes from 35-40 feet. Employees had also seen tracks of various sizes (large, human, child) around the mill during the summer of 1969, indicating exploration of buildings and play in sawdust piles. Moore also reported seeing a large, enormous dog that he believed was running with the Sasquatch.

Tracy M. Blair of W.S.U., Pullman, Washington, reports on his work with Grover Krantz. They investigated an area near Orofino, Idaho, where Sasquatch sightings had been reported. They interviewed three people and visited the mill where the creature had appeared. They are convinced of the truth of these accounts. While returning, they heard a scream that sounded like a burro but was louder than expected. They later learned there were no burros in the area. A girl also claimed to have seen something within a half mile.

Does Bigfoot Pound Rocks?

This article by George F. Haas explores reports of strange noises heard in the woods that sound like rocks being pounded together, questioning if this is a form of Bigfoot communication or a danger signal. Researchers, including Jim McClarin and Ben E. Foster Jr., experimented with rocks and found that hard, flinty rocks could produce a loud, penetrating sound. While no one has actually seen a Bigfoot pounding rocks, the locations of these reports are typically in Bigfoot country, and the circumstances do not suggest human involvement. William Hampton suggested bears might snap their jaws, but this is generally dismissed by experienced woodsmen. Several reports are detailed:

1. Jim McClarin reported hearing 'double clunks' like stones being pounded together underwater near where Bigfoot prints were found in the Six Rivers National Forest.
2. Jim McClarin also relayed a report of hearing stones clunked together in a canyon near Mt. Lassen in the late 1950s.
3. John H. Dana heard rock pounding sounds near Hennessy Ridge in Humboldt County, California.
4. Archie and Bill Buckley heard sounds like stones being pounded together in Beegum Basin, Trinity National Forest, which they felt could not have been made by bears.
5. Bob Titmus of Kitimat, B.C., Canada, recounts an experience in 1958 or '59 where he and Art Long heard sounds like something pounding on a hollow tree with a large club. When Bob imitated the sound, it was repeated from above, louder and with the same timing. He is convinced a Bigfoot was responsible.
6. Professor Boris F. Porshnev of the U.S.S.R. Academy of Sciences reports two cases from the Caucasus, including Zana, a female 'Almasti' held captive, who enjoyed gathering and chipping rocks. Porshnev doubts the pounding is a signal and mentions 'Almasti' sometimes make noises by striking metal objects.
7. Michael K. Johnson recalls Willy Ley's book 'Salamanders And Other Wonders,' which mentioned Sherpa natives claiming the Yeti beat stones and sticks together as a warning. He seeks exact quotations on this.

"The Family of the Devil"

This section translates an article from "Le Voleur", Paris, France, August 15, 1862, originally from the Courrier des Estats Unis. It describes a tribe or family of savage beings inhabiting the forests along Lake Saint Claire and Lake Huron. These beings are described as formidable, bizarre, phenomenal, and of an unknown species, consisting of seven or eight individuals: two men, one woman, and three or four young ones. They are described as having elevated stature, slender but muscled bodies, long arms, knock-kneed legs, and faces framed with bristly beards. The article notes their resemblance to the Endamenes of Australia, Borneo, and New Guinea. The beings were glimpsed by Indian hunters near Mont-Clemens and later encountered near Port Huron and Saginaw. They were associated with depredations like livestock disappearances and bizarre events such as dogs dying, cows stampeding, and milk being drained from goats. The article states that after their appearance, the country seemed afflicted by malicious witchcraft. They are described as crawling like serpents, running like deer, swimming like fish, and vanishing like shadows. Vigilante groups formed to hunt them, and the beings were referred to as 'the family of the devil'.

The Gougou, The Bigfoot of the East

Bruce S. Wright discusses tales of large hairy humanoids from the Northeast, predating similar accounts from the Pacific Northwest. The creature, known as 'Gougou' by the Gaspe Indians and 'Gugwes' or 'Gugus' by the Nova Scotia Micmacs, is described as a very large, man-like being covered in hair, a definite maneater with 'big hands' and 'faces hairy like bears'. Samuel de Champlain (1603) recorded a description from Gaspe Indians of a 'frightful monster' near Chaleur Bay, described as having the form of a woman but hideous and enormous, capable of devouring savages and carrying them in a large pocket. The creature made horrible noises and was feared by the savages. Sieur Prevert reported hearing strange hissings from its haunt. The article notes that the Gougou is believed to be a devil that torments people. Parsons (1925) translated a Micmac tale of 'Gugwes' involving murder and cannibalism.

Reverend A. Fulton Johnson (1866-1940) told his son about a strange creature seen in New Brunswick, described as very squatty with long arms, covered in hair, and possibly a hybrid of man and dog, causing terror. Another account from Traverspine, Labrador, in 1913, describes two large hairy creatures, 'the man' and 'the woman', shaped like men but walking on all fours and hind legs. They hung around the settlement, cleaning up seal bones. An encounter with Mrs. Michelin involved one of these creatures chasing her daughter, and Mrs. Michelin firing a shotgun at it, leaving blood where it stood. She affirmed it was not a bear. The article concludes by noting that 'Gou Gou' is a common surname among Micmacs today.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are Bigfoot/Sasquatch sightings and research, particularly focusing on footprints and mysterious sounds like rock pounding. There's a strong emphasis on sharing information within the research community, despite the trend towards secrecy. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into these phenomena, presenting various reports and historical accounts without overt skepticism, while also acknowledging the challenges in verifying such claims. The magazine aims to document and disseminate information on Bigfoot and related subjects.

The BIGFOOT BULLETIN, issue No. 25, covers the period of January-February-March, 1971. It is a private newsletter sent free of charge by editor George F. Haas, operating on a policy of information exchange with serious researchers. The issue features practical advice for field research, reviews of recent publications, and correspondence from researchers.

Content Highlights

Markers for Tracks

This section, authored by George F. Haas, provides a practical guide for Bigfoot researchers on how to create and use markers for identifying and preserving tracks. The suggestion is to use lengths of heavy wire (18"-24") attached to brightly colored cloth or fluorescent ribbon (4"-6"). These markers can be easily inserted into the ground at each footprint, serving to prevent accidental damage by other members of the expedition and to make the tracks more visible in photographs. The materials are inexpensive and readily available, such as discarded telephone wire.

Haas also appeals to readers for short, concise items for publication in the Bulletin, emphasizing the need for material that has not yet appeared and contains essential details.

Bigfoot Bulletin May Yet Reach Great Heights !

This section features a letter from Bob Betts of Fairbanks, Alaska. Betts announces that he has been officially invited to participate in the University of Oregon's Mt. McKinley expedition scheduled for April-May 1971. While he doubts the presence of Yetis on Mt. McKinley, he intends to bring a copy of the first issue of the Bigfoot Bulletin and, if he reaches the summit, plans to leave it there as a gesture of respect for the publication's efforts.

Our Quote of the Month

The issue includes a quote from "The Fool's Tail" in the South Shore Mirror (Scituate, Mass., November 26, 1970), which reads: "The trouble with the intricacies, inter-relationships and secrets of life on this complex planet is not that they are more complicated than we think, but more complicated than we can think." This quote was credited to the Forteana News Clipping Service of December 15, 1970.

Editorial Policy

In an editorial, George F. Haas reiterates the policy of the Bigfoot Bulletin being a private newsletter sent free of charge in exchange for research information. He explains that he does not want to charge for the bulletin or use a regular subscription basis, fearing that this would discourage contributors. He emphasizes that only those who actively cooperate and send in information will continue to receive the bulletin. Due to increased demand, some individuals who have not cooperated have been removed from the mailing list to make room for others.

Recent Published Items of Interest

This section reviews several recent publications relevant to the study of cryptids:

• ARGOSY Magazine, February 1971: Features an article titled "Abominable Snowmen Behind The Iron Curtain" by Cdette Tchernine. Credits are given to Lucius Farish and Mike Johnson.
• FATE Magazine, March 1971: Includes an article titled "Mystery Animals In Illinois" by Loren E. Coleman.
• Rene Dahinden of Sasquatch Research (Richmond, B.C., Canada) is offering 5x7 color postcards of the creature from the Patterson film for 50 cents each, with a minimum order of 2-4. Half of the back of the postcard contains a brief "History of the Sasquatch."
• KLAM-ITY KOURIER (P.O. Box 355, Willow Creek, California 95573) is offering "The Bigfoot Story" by Patricia Dwyer Harvey for $1.50 postpaid.
• Odette Tchernine's book "The Yeti", published in England by Neville Spearman, is scheduled for publication in the U.S. in May by Taplinger Publishing Co. Inc. (New York) at $6.95. Credits are given to Loren E. Coleman and Lucius Farish.

Artwork and Design

The new heading for the Bigfoot Bulletin, appearing for the first time on the cover page, was designed by Bigfoot researcher Warren Thompson of Redwood City, California. The cover also features a cartoon illustration related to Bigfoot.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around practical aspects of Bigfoot research, including the development of field equipment and methods for documenting evidence. There is a strong emphasis on the importance of sharing information among researchers, as evidenced by the editorial policy and the call for contributions. The publication also serves as a conduit for disseminating information about related cryptid sightings and publications, such as the Abominable Snowman and Yeti, and highlights the work of various researchers in the field. The editorial stance is one of active, collaborative research, prioritizing the exchange of data over commercial subscription models.