UFO Mail - No 276 - 2018

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO-Mail, number 276, dated December 10, 2018, published by Danmarks UFO Forening, focuses on the infamous Skinwalker Ranch in the USA, described as the world's most terrifying UFO hotspot. The article, written by Henning Dethlefsen, delves into the alleged paranormal and UFO phenomena associated with the ranch.

Skinwalker Ranch: A UFO Hotspot

The article begins by introducing the concept of UFO hotspots and highlights Skinwalker Ranch as a prime example. It recounts the experiences of the Sherman family, who moved to the ranch in 1994 to raise cattle. Their tenure was reportedly marked by a 'veritable nightmare' of poltergeist activity, encounters with supernatural creatures, numerous UFO sightings, and cattle mutilations. These events prompted wealthy businessman Robert Bigelow to send a team of scientists to investigate, reportedly resulting in at least two deaths.

The Sherman Family's Ordeal

Journalist George Knapp, along with Colm A. Kelleher, published the book 'Hunt for the Skinwalker' in 2005, which extensively documented the ranch's events. Ufologist Jeremy Corbell also released a documentary on the subject in 2018. The family, using the pseudonym Tom Gormann, later identified as Terry Sherman, and his wife Gwen, experienced escalating terror. The ranch, sometimes referred to as The Sherman Ranch, is located in a beautiful but desolate area of Utah, historically significant to the Navajo and Ute tribes.

Historical and Cultural Context

The Ute tribe, who now inhabit a reservation surrounding the ranch, reportedly avoid the area due to a Navajo curse. Local legends speak of a 'skinwalker,' an evil witch or sorcerer with supernatural abilities, who can transform into animals or monsters to terrorize people and attack livestock. The Sherman family, unaware of this history, moved onto the ranch in 1994.

The First Encounters

Their first night was marked by the appearance of an enormous dog or wolf, described as reaching Terry Sherman's chest. Despite its size, it behaved tamely until a calf strayed too close to the fence. The wolf attacked the calf, and even after being shot multiple times with a revolver and a rifle, it showed no signs of injury and eventually disappeared, leaving no tracks.

Poltergeist Activity and Strange Phenomena

Upon moving into the house, the family noticed unusual security measures, suggesting attempts to keep things in or out. Soon, inexplicable events occurred: salt and pepper shakers were swapped, and objects like hairbrushes and frying pans would disappear and reappear in odd places, such as the freezer or washing machine. Gwen Sherman experienced a classic poltergeist event when groceries she had unpacked reappeared in the bag.

Encounters with Unexplained Creatures

Terry Sherman's attempt to dig post holes led to the disappearance of his tool, which reappeared hanging from a tree three weeks later. This incident was linked to a clause in the sales agreement requiring prior owner notification before digging. Gwen Sherman also reported an encounter with a wolf as large as a horse, accompanied by a black dog with an unusually small head. Another incident involved a hyena-like creature attacking a horse, leaving it with leg wounds.

The 'Skinwalker' Phenomenon

More bizarre sightings included brightly colored birds resembling tropical species and large, Bigfoot-like creatures. A strong, musky odor would sometimes permeate the air. Geese flying in formation would scatter upon reaching the ranch. A man claiming to meditate in the area was reportedly terrorized by a creature resembling the Predator from the movie.

Auditory and Visual Hallucinations

Strange sounds, described as coming from underground or the sky, began to plague the family. The sky sounds were perceived as voices speaking in a mix of Russian and indigenous languages, seemingly mocking the family. The family's dogs reacted with fear, and the voices reportedly laughed when Terry shouted back.

Nocturnal Apparitions

Dark, shadowy figures began appearing at night, initially outside windows, then inside the house, and even at the foot of beds. The family reported feeling constantly watched, unable to sleep without seeing these figures.

UFO Sightings

UFOs were regularly observed at Skinwalker Ranch. Terry reported seeing a massive craft hovering so low it nearly clipped treetops. Stationary lights were observed that ascended rapidly into the sky. Classic flying saucers were seen, as well as an object resembling an F117 stealth fighter emitting lights. Fields were illuminated as if by a stadium, with lights appearing from above and below. Spherical orbs of various colors (red, yellow, blue) were seen moving individually, with blue orbs emitting a crackling sound that caused panic among animals. The family's dogs exhibited extreme fear, and six cats disappeared in one night.

Terry Sherman's Theory

Terry Sherman suspected the government was using advanced technology to scare his family away from the ranch.

The Blue Orb Incident

In May 1996, a blue orb investigated one of the horses, causing it distress. The orb then approached Terry and Gwen, who were observing it. The orb later returned and reportedly attacked the family's three dogs, which chased it into the bushes and disappeared. The next morning, only three greasy clumps were found.

A Wealthy Benefactor

The ongoing experiences severely impacted the family's nerves, Gwen's work performance, and the children's school grades, as well as their finances. The loss of 14 cattle, some disappearing and others found mutilated with injuries consistent with UFO-related cattle mutilations reported since the 1960s, further strained their resources.

Robert Bigelow's Involvement

Businessman Robert Bigelow learned of the events through articles by George Knapp. He met with the family and offered to buy the ranch. In September 1996, Bigelow purchased the ranch for approximately $200,000. Bigelow, a multi-millionaire with ties to NASA and founder of Bigelow Aerospace, had a long-standing interest in UFOs and the supernatural.

NIDS Investigation

Bigelow founded and funded the National Institute for Discovery Science (NIDS) to scientifically investigate the paranormal. NIDS teams began studying the ranch, examining plants for hallucinogenic properties and interviewing family members and neighbors. They established observation posts and deployed cameras.

Early NIDS Findings

During the NIDS investigation, locks on animal enclosures repeatedly opened, and some simply disappeared. Four valuable bulls were found hypnotized and crammed into a trailer, seemingly as a 'lesson' after someone had been digging on the property.

The Mutilated Calf

On March 10, 1997, Terry and Gwen Sherman were ear-tagging calves when their dog became agitated and ran off. They found one calf with its chest cavity emptied, lying on its back with limbs spread. Its ear, bearing a large yellow tag, was cut off, and a thigh bone was seemingly torn out. The NIDS team, including a veterinarian, arrived and concluded it was likely attacked by a large predator, but the clean cuts suggested otherwise. Samples were collected, revealing the use of two types of instruments: a large chopping tool and a smaller cutting tool. No blood was found at the scene, leading NIDS to believe the mutilation occurred elsewhere.

Scientific Challenges

NIDS teams began observing similar strange lights and orbs, but these phenomena consistently eluded their equipment, with cameras malfunctioning or vehicles failing to start. The unpredictable nature of the events suggested to some that they were being manipulated.

The Sherman Family's Departure

The Sherman family eventually moved away from the ranch. NIDS continued its investigations until around 2000, after which the number of sightings dramatically decreased. Bigelow dissolved NIDS in 2004, concluding that the 8 years of investigation yielded no scientific results.

The Skinwalker Legend Lives On

When Bigelow purchased the ranch in 1996, he closed it off to the public to prevent interference with his investigations. George Knapp was allowed to visit in 2000 to conduct interviews and filming for a potential book, but the project was delayed due to increased attempts by others to access the ranch. By 2003, the mysterious activities had largely ceased, and Bigelow permitted the book project to proceed. 'Hunt for the Skinwalker' was published in 2005, significantly boosting interest.

Media and Public Interest

Numerous articles, discussions, and interviews about Skinwalker Ranch are available online. Knapp frequently gives lectures, emphasizing the storytelling aspect. A fictional film, 'Skinwalkers,' loosely based on the stories, was released in 2014.

Pentagon Funding and Further Investigations

In 2017, the 'Pentagon case' emerged, involving a senator allocating $22 million from the defense budget for UFO research. These funds were reportedly channeled to Robert Bigelow for further investigations at Skinwalker Ranch from 2008 to 2012. In 2016, Bigelow sold the ranch for $4.5 million to Adamantium Real Estate, which was renamed Skinwalker Ranch in 2018, with its stated purpose being entertainment.

No Conclusion?

While George Knapp claims NIDS reached no conclusion, the article suggests that he and some NIDS members held their own theories. One incident in August 1996 involved a NIDS operative and Terry Sherman observing a golden light that transformed into a three-dimensional tunnel. A headless, humanoid-like being emerged, entered the darkness, and the portal closed. A researcher described it as an 'interdimensional portal,' a gateway to another dimension.

Knapp's Theory of 'Shiny Trinkets'

Knapp theorizes that UFOs are merely 'shiny trinkets' used to lure people into a 'dark forest' where 'strange beings lurk.' He suggests these beings feed on human fear, and the events at Skinwalker Ranch may have been a form of psychological warfare.

Jacques Vallee and Interdimensional Theory

The idea of UFOs as beings from another dimension is not new and is strongly associated with French computer scientist and ufologist Jacques Vallee. Vallee initially believed UFOs were alien spacecraft but later shifted his focus to interdimensional beings, religious phenomena, folklore, and demons. He became a member of Bigelow Aerospace's scientific panel and a scientific advisor to NIDS. His book 'Passport to Magonia' (1969) proposed that UFOs were entities from another dimension that had always visited humanity, perceived through the lens of religion or superstition.

A Good Story

George Knapp is described as a compelling storyteller who blends humor with horror, making his accounts of Terry and Gwen Sherman's experiences vivid. However, the article points out inconsistencies in Knapp's narratives when compared to other accounts, including those by Colm A. Kelleher. Discrepancies exist regarding the description of the large wolf's actions, the weapon used to shoot it, and the person accompanying Terry. In one instance, a wolf described as chest-high in an earlier account is later described as horse-sized.

Chronological Inconsistencies

These variations raise questions about the accuracy and chronology of the reported events. It is difficult to determine if different incidents are being conflated or if details are being exaggerated. The article notes that Knapp himself did not personally witness the phenomena but relayed stories told to him by Terry Sherman.

The 'Dream' Explanation

In one lecture, Knapp described voices from the sky as a dream shared by Terry and Gwen Sherman, a detail not present in earlier accounts, leading to questions about the veracity of the original report.

Prioritizing Narrative Over Truth

The article suggests that the pursuit of a 'good story' sometimes overshadows the truth, allowing imagination to run wild.

The Case of the Two Deaths

Another example cited is the alleged deaths of two Bigelow security guards. Jesse Ventura investigated this claim on his series 'Conspiracy Theory.' While Bigelow did acknowledge in a 2010 New York Times article that two security guards had died during the NIDS investigation, he did not specify the cause of death.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the mysterious and terrifying events at Skinwalker Ranch, the scientific investigation into these phenomena, and the various theories attempting to explain them, particularly the interdimensional hypothesis championed by Jacques Vallee. The article also critically examines the narrative construction and potential embellishment of these stories by key figures like George Knapp, suggesting a tendency to prioritize compelling storytelling over strict factual accuracy. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting the reported phenomena and investigations while also highlighting the inconsistencies and questioning the absolute certainty of some of the claims, leaving the reader to ponder the true nature of the events at Skinwalker Ranch.

Title: UFO-Mail
Issue: 276
Volume: 2018
Date: April 24, 2019
Publisher: Skandinavisk UFO Information
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish

This issue of UFO-Mail focuses on the controversies surrounding the Skinwalker Ranch in Utah, USA, and the role of prominent figures and organizations in UFO research. The main article, based on a 2011 piece by James Carrion, critically examines the claims and investigations associated with the ranch.

James Carrion's Article and MUFON Controversy

The central theme revolves around James Carrion's article "What is happening at Skinwalker Ranch?" Carrion, who served as MUFON's director from 2006 to 2010, explains his reasons for eventually stepping down. A significant factor was the alleged influence of businessman Bigelow, who, through his aerospace company's UFO division (BAASS), provided funding to MUFON. Carrion suspected this was a tactic to control MUFON, forcing it to hand over UFO reports and potentially compromising the discretion promised to observers. He viewed this as a problematic deal that could allow Bigelow to exert pressure through financial contributions.

Carrion's skepticism was further fueled by an incident where Bigelow allegedly tried to persuade him that mysterious events had occurred at Skinwalker Ranch even before the Sherman family's ownership. This led Carrion to doubt the scientific integrity of the investigations conducted there.

Skinwalker Ranch Investigations and Skepticism

The article critiques the 2018 documentary "Hunt for the Skinwalker," labeling it as lacking substance and real evidence. Despite the ranch being under scientific investigation for two decades, little concrete information has emerged. Carrion points to specific examples, such as the mishandled calf incident, where the nature of the injuries and the timing of the event (occurring when NIDS researchers were absent) suggested human involvement rather than a paranormal phenomenon.

Carrion also revisits the story of metal rods found at the ranch, initially claimed by a NIDS member to be made of Element 115 (a substance not from Earth) and linked to Area 51 and Bob Lazar's claims. Carrion dismisses this as a rehash of Lazar's debunked story, noting that another former NIDS member revealed the rods were merely common carbon rods for lamps. He questions the motive behind the exaggerated claims.

George Knapp, Bigelow, and Information Control

George Knapp is identified as a key figure in promoting the Skinwalker Ranch narrative, often in conjunction with Bigelow. The article suggests that both may possess more information than they are willing to share publicly. Journalist Jason Colavito is quoted criticizing the ethical implications of journalists collaborating with and withholding information from the subjects of their reporting, especially given the community's own complaints about government secrecy.

Scientific Method vs. Narrative Building

The article posits that the more scientifically the NIDS team investigated phenomena at Skinwalker Ranch, the fewer the pieces of evidence became. This led NIDS to conclude that the phenomena deliberately avoided investigation. However, Carrion argues that a more logical conclusion is that rigorous scientific investigation simply revealed the events to be misunderstandings or deliberate fabrications by individuals with financial interests (e.g., selling the ranch). He emphasizes that science's role is to distinguish objective reality from fabricated stories, and when the scientific method didn't yield the desired sensational results, the approach was abandoned in favor of narrative storytelling by figures like Knapp.

Other Mentions and Book Promotions

The issue also briefly mentions the Pentagon's UFO investigation funding, much of which went to Bigelow's company, and the emergence of TTSA (To The Stars Academy). George Knapp's belief that entities at Skinwalker Ranch feed on human fear is noted. The latter part of the magazine promotes several books related to UFOs, including "UFO'er - Myter og viden," "Ildkugler over Danmark," and "Mysteriet om UFO'er," as well as offering membership to SUFOI's support circle.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism towards sensational UFO claims, the importance of scientific rigor in investigations, and concerns about the potential for financial interests and personal agendas to influence UFO research and reporting. The editorial stance appears to be critical of unsubstantiated claims and advocates for a more evidence-based approach, questioning the motives of those who profit from maintaining mystery rather than seeking clear explanations. The article highlights the tension between ufology's desire for validation and the scientific method's demand for verifiable proof.