Using EXIF Reader

While doing research, in particular, photo analysis, the importance of using an EXIF viewer on the photos is very critical, in that it reveals a lot of information that the researcher can use in that analysis.  The following slides are from the MABRC Training Facility and is used to train MABRC Researchers in this very important aspect of research.  ALWAYS!! use an EXIF viewer to look at the details on a photo, don't never take anything at face value, no matter who it is that provides you with a photo.

Download EXIF Reader here

Play Me Something Cool!

Written by Randy "Rebelistic" Savig, MABRC Missouri State Director

You know I wish I had a dime for every time I’ve heard this sentiment.  When it comes to bigfoot the public and wanna believers seem to only want the great videos, pictures and audio.  They want the Oohhs and aahhs so they can say they now know bigfoot is real.  Details don’t matter as long as it is cool!   So here goes a couple of questions, does this help research or get us closer to proving the existence of an undocumented species?   Is it only the cool stuff that matters?

With humans being so used to be entertained by all the available media out there it is hard to suffice the appetite for being entertained.  Sadly, real research seldom sees the cool stuff when they go out.  There are the hours in the woods.  There are the hours of review.  There are hours of planning.  There are the hours of try to put patterns together to make the time in the woods more productive.  On and on it goes.  Another sad fact is that what is cool to researchers ain’t always what is cool to the public.  You bet we love to hear and record the screams etc., see the possible structures or manipulations, or get lucky enough to catch something on video or thermal.  

Yes, we also appreciate the pat on the back when we do catch something from the public and other researchers.  Unfortunately for a lot of folks the Oohhs and Aahhs become addictive.  I think that is why there is such a hoaxing problem that we see every day on Facebook and Youtube.   It would seem like once you put something out there that is cool and possibly bigfoot related the public’s appetite just gets bigger.  At times it seems that they get demanding and what more from you.  Any researcher worth their salt know that we spend a whole lot more time without the so-called cool stuff happening.  We still do the planning, head to the woods, review what we have recorded, try and figure out things.  But we don’t get the Oohhs and Aahhs from that.  I’ve seen so many get into the trap of letting the notoriety get in the way and try and force things to happen.  If that fails, try and hype up the stuff that does happen just because they feel an obligation to fulfill the public’s appetite for so something cool.  I’ve seen scary bigfoot pictures added to audio, scary background music during talks about experiences, all in hopes of feeding the public’s hunger.  Sorry folks, that doesn’t do much but muddy the waters and takes away from the research.  All those scary pictures and music won’t help find the evidence needed to prove the existence of bigfoot.  

Now don’t get me wrong, I realize that folks are interested in bigfoot.  When putting presentation on for conferences and radio shows we need to share the cool stuff we get as that is what folks want when attending them.  Just don’t let the cool stuff be all that you are after.  The data is in the details.  The little stuff.  I can’t even begin to state the importance of how sharing the little stuff around campfires has made new ideas and filled in the blank to help others in researching their areas.  

So, one final thought.  As a researcher is your priority to the insatiable hunger of the public or to adding to the possible evidence to further push the existence for an undocumented species, we call bigfoot. 

Burden of proof

Definition:

Burden of Proof -
    - the obligation to prove one's assertion.

Today's blog is about the burden of proof in the Bigfoot Community.  I see it all the time, someone posts what they claim is a photo of Bigfoot, someone questions them about how do you know it's a Bigfoot, did you take comparison photos?  The person that is making the claim about the photo suddenly gets defensive and screams that they know what it is and everyone that don't believe them can take a flying hike off the cliff.

Let's take a look at the facts here.

The person posted a photo on Facebook to the public at large, making claims that it's a Bigfoot.  This is the assertion of the person who posted it, and accordingly, the burden of proof is their's to show it is a Bigfoot, not the person asking for comparison photos.

I see that a lot too, the person who truly has the burden of proof upon them, tries to turn the tables on those asking for more evidence, claiming that they either have to supply the burden of proof, or that they are just mean individuals who are jealous of the person's success in the field.

This usually ends up causing another issue that creates what is called sheeple.

Definition

Sheeple

People compared to sheep in being docile, foolish, or easily led.

This is caused by Peer Pressure

In which the person that has posted the so-called evidence has slowly created themselves a following, and once someone tries to question anything related to that evidence, the following/cult members begin piling on, attacking those who ask questions.  Before long, those who tried to maintain independent thought about the evidence and asking questions, are beaten down by these attacks, and eventually fall into the group think mentality.  The free thinker now becomes a sheeple.

So by now, you are asking, Darkwing, what is the point of this blog post.  When I started it, I was going to just talk about the burden of proof is always on the submitter, never on the reviewer.  But the other day I seen where someone asked legitimate questions about evidence submitted online, and when the followers of the submitter seen this, they viciously attacked the person asking the questions, after a day of being attacked, the person finally gave in and fell in line with the rest of the sheeple, refusing to ask any more questions.

I have to say, that is one of the things these days that makes me like going over to the Coalition for Critical Thinking in Bigfoot Research over on Facebook, led by Steven

Streufert, this group resembles more of the wolves instead of sheeple. What I mean by

that, is they analyze everything with a critical eye, and although this has led them into

some rather nasty fights with other Bigfoot groups on Facebook. They don't allow

themselves to be pulled into the sheeple flock. So you should check out the group,

but make sure to have a thick skin, they don't tolerate sheeples in the group.

MABRC Memorial Day 2016 Expedition

Sawdustt at Bikini Bottom Research Area.

The Bigfoot Field Guide proudly presents the MABRC 2016 Memorial Day Expedition, as edited by Mark "Sawdustt" Newbill.  The BFG blog appreciates all of Mark's hard work putting this together for the Bigfoot Field Guide.

Strange Creature Caught on Eagle Cam Bigfoot?

Recently this was posted on Facebook, MABRC Researcher Darkwing decided to enhance it to see what he could make out of it.  First the original video with the uploader's remarks.

Published on May 23, 2016
My sister watches this eagle cam constantly. It is live footage of an eagle's nest located in northern Michigan. While watching one day she noticed a strange dark creature in the background. Almost looks like a bear but it appears to be walking normally. Check out the top right corner background. Anyone have any idea what this is?



And then Darkwing's enhanced video, he slowed it down to 26% of the actual speed and then used the magnification tool to enhance the figure as it moved through the woods.  After the video, see Darkwing's comments about the enhancement.



Darkwing's comments:
While the enhancements clearly shows arms and legs, it's still at a far enough distance that facial detail and other information to confirm if it's a Bigfoot is missing.  Its an interesting video to say the least, but this could also be a human in heavy clothing walking through the woods.

Thermal Footage from Oklahoma

Courtesy of the MABRC

During the last part of 2013 in Oklahoma, 2 different researchers, two weeks apart, in the same location, caught something on their thermals that sat for a long period of time watching their camps.

While the researchers are adamant that this could be a "possible" Bigfoot, it is very interesting footage from the same location, 2 weeks apart, by 2 different researchers.

The first three videos were taken by Driveroperator on November 15, 2013, by mounting his thermal on a pole above his vehicle during the night while he slept in his tent.  It shows a heat signature staying basically in the exact location for nearly 30 minutes watching from behind a creekbed behind his tent.










The next video was taken by Darkwing, who had mounted a thermal on a pole sticking up from his vehicle, and in the video, he does pan around the camera to see if he can spot any other heat signatures coming up towards him from other directions.  The heat signature maintains it's position in a creek bed about 50 feet away from the creek bed that Driveroperator's heat signature was seen in.  It continues to maintain it's position even when a large deer walks behind it at a distance of around 40 to 50 feet.  Only when the deer comes back through, does the heat signature lower itself, and proceeds to disappear, perhaps to go hunt the deer.



One of the lessons to note here, is that Bigfoot appear to tend to move the same way at night as they do during the day, using cover to move around to mask their approach.  Once they get a position where they feel they are safe, they will maintain it and watch from it.  After years of watching the woods with thermals, the two researchers involved have noted that all other animals in the woods continue to move around, except when they bed down.  This heat signature maintains it's position behind the creek bed the entire time, moving only enough to show that it is definitely not a rock or other inanimate object that had absorbed heat throughout the day and continued on into the night reflecting heat.

It's up to the reader though to decide for yourself what it is in the videos.

Procedure after finding a Track

Courtesy of the MABRC

Procedure after finding a Track

Note location, GPS if available in field journal, along with date & time.

Using a surveyors flag or other such, mark the track. (note: do so approx. 1 foot away from track so as not to damage track 

Visually scan the area for additional tracks, if found flag as above. 

Using the track direction search for other tracks If two or more tracks are found (track way) measure both step and stride. 

Do so on several.

Note in field journal.

If only two tracks are found, set up a tracking stick and search for other tracks.

In doing all the above take CARE not to destroy or disturb any of the tracks. Ask bf to lift foot so you can get a better look at track (sorry couldn't help my self).

Number a 3X5 card and lay about 2" away from the track Take minimum of 4 pictures, with 3X5 card visible in photo.

Get on ground and visually examine track, do not touch and take care not to disturb.

Use flash light at different angles to high light any possible points of interest.

If points of interest found, do close up photos of those points Take photos from directly above track, with and with out flash, a couple of each.

Take measurements

If using a photo scale, lay it next to the track and take a photo from directly above. (angles will distort getting a true measurement to varying degrees.) If using a tape measure, carefully lay a stick at both ends, ones long enough to reach the tape measure. Measure distance between the two sticks. ( 3 bamboo skewers work nicely, one next to the track and the other two at the ends, by using the one next to the track it is easier to keep the two end ones parallel to each other for a truer measurement) Repeat process for width measurements

* If using Track Caliper, lay next to track and carefully adjust so the top and bottom just touch the edge.

* No matter what you are using take care not to disturb the track

* If measuring device of choice in place take photos, minimum of 4, using effort so measurements are readable in the photo.

If casting, proceed to casting procedure

Latent Print Collection

Courtesy of the MABRC

The intention behind the guidance given by the MABRC on latent print collection is not to train researchers to be latent print examiners, nor to be crime scene investigators. Rather the guidance provided here is to give researchers a means of using makeshift equipment and proper protocols in the effort to successfully collect latent prints of suspected Sasquatch should the opportunity present itself.

Researchers should be aware that it is difficult at best, to substitute for professional fingerprint equipment, however the technique and guidance provided here can successfully lift latent prints under good conditions.

The list of supplies that a researcher will need a very simple and inexpensive.

-- A small, empty squeeze bottle (similar to an eye drop bottle, preferably with a screw off top)
-- A bright flashlight 
-- A two inch wide roll of clear tape
-- A black or dark colored plastic sheet (transparency sheets work perfectly)
-- A fine powder such as talc or cake flour
-- A camera lens brush with fine hair at one end, and a bulb at the other end (similar to a mini turkey boaster)
Researchers should be aware that the probability of encountering a Sasquatch print that is suitable to be lifted is minimal, and more than likely will either be encountered on a window, vehicle surface, or other nonporous surfaces. Prints will most readily be apparent after the surface has been coated in a fine dust, such as a vehicle that was used in field research.

Researchers should follow the following protocol in order to minimize contaminating the print, and aid in the successful recovery of the observed sample.

1. Photograph the print or hand mark of the surface prior to conducting any attempt at recovery. The use of a photographic scale or other measuring device is vital in the attempt to document the print.

2. If the print is difficult to see, attempt to use the flashlight at different angles in order to highlight the print for photographing. Dependent upon the camera the researcher uses, a flash may or may not be needed.

3. Take several photos from various angles and distances.

4. Annotate in your research journal what the photo is of. (The researcher may need to describe what is in the photo for later recollection.)

5. The researcher should now put on a pair of powder free latex or nitrile gloves in order to prevent contaminating the print, or worse yet, leaving one of his/her own, and lifting it as the specimen.

6. The small squeeze bottle should be filled approximately one-third to one-half full of the fine powder. It is imperative that the bottle be capped after every use in order to prevent moisture from absorbing into the powder and making it difficult to use. (A cheap trick to prevent moisture from sticking the powder together is to add a little dry, white rice to bottle)

7. Firmly shake the bottle a few times in order create a dust within the bottle, then remove the cap and softly squeeze the bottle away from the suspected print.

8. Pay attention to how much dust comes out of the bottle when squeezed, and at what direction the air is carrying the dust. Seldom is the air completely still, so pay attention to the direction it flows, and how fast it settles.

9. Once you have determined the air flow direction, the rate of descent of the dust, and how much dust exits the bottle with each squeeze, move to the opposite side of the print from which the air is flowing.

10. Softly squeeze the bottle and attempt to drift the dust onto the print. The key here is to lightly dust the print with powder, but not so much that the surface is obscured. (This is something that you can practice with at home before going to the field)

(If more powder is needed to dust the print, ensure that you continue to shake the bottle before squeezing it)

11. Using the lens brush, softly squeeze the bulb in order to blow air out the brush, and blow away any excess powder. Ensure that the brush DOES NOT touch the print at this point.

12. Use the flashlight from various angles to check and see if a print is visible under the powder.

13. If a print is apparent, but not clear, delicately use just the tip of the brush and softly brush it across the print to further remove any excess powder. Extreme care should be used on this step as it is very easy to destroy a print using the brush.

14. Using the roll of tape, start the tape and double back the end in order to make it easier to remove later.

15. Tack the beginning edge of the tape approximately two inches past the print, and with one hand controlling the tape roll, use the other hand to secure the tape to the surface.

16. Using one finger, slide it down the non-adhesive side of the tape, securing it to the surface and the roll of tape is maintained taut using the other hand. It is vital that the tape not have any kink, wrinkles, or air bubbles under it as it is secured to the surface.

17. Once the tape has been secured successfully two inches past the print, cut the tape and secure the end to the surface.

18. Using the transparency, or other similar dark material, cut a piece that is approximately one inch larger on all sides than the print that is attempting to be lifted.

19. If using a transparency that has been printed on, ensure to use the opposite side which will be shiny and non-porous. It should be noted that paper does not serve as a good medium when using this method.

20. Place the “card” near the tape and use the fingers of one hand to secure the flat end of the tape to the surface. 
Using the other hand, grasp the doubled tag of tape and slowly begin to peel it from the surface. Ensure that the tape is peeled back smoothly, firmly, and evenly as it is very easy to ruin a print at this point.

21. Once the tape has been removed and is secured using both hands, tack the flat end of the tape back to the surface and to one end of the “card” simultaneously.


22. Using one hand to control the tape, use one finger of the other hand to firmly slide against the non-adhesive side of the tape working your way up the card. Ensure that the tape is secured to the card smoothly, evenly and firmly. Kinks, wrinkles, or air bubbles can destroy the print.

23. Once the tape is completely secured to the “card”, remove it from the surface and trim any excess tape from all four sides.

24. Using a label, place it on the back of the card and label it with the appropriate tag number. Once this is done, fill out the specimen collection form and label it with the tag number from the print, and add this tag number to your research journal entry.

The researcher should be aware that usually a print is not able to be lifted again, once it has been compromised by the tape. Additionally, if there is more than one print lifted from the same location, each print will receive a different tag number, however only one specimen collection form is needed, but do include all the tag numbers from all samples on that form. All tag numbers should also be entered into your journal entry.

Procedures for Shelter Evaluation

Courtesy of the MABRC

When locating what you suspect as being a shelter it is important to follow some very basic steps that will assist you in classifying it. These procedures are also important in proper documentation, which will help your research credibility and overall understanding.
We will be dealing primarily with shelters at this point but most of the procedures are true for all constructs you find in the woods.

First and most importantly, when you find one, DO NOT start walking all over, jumping up and down, pulling material off or generally messing up any possible evidence that may be present.
Stay at least 10 feet away from the structure, you can even take a branch or use your foot to draw a rough circle around it as a reference point and no intrude zone (for the time being).
Make note in your field journal of location, date, time and initial observations, include GPS if you have that available. Also, note any ground conditions present at the location, is the ground covered in leaf litter, is it grassy, or dirt. How, thick is the vegetation, trees, brush etc.

Now, take pictures of the structure from all angles possible, without entering the 10 foot circle. You cannot take too many photos. If the structure is particularly interesting I would even suggest picking a point, take a photo and step sideways take another picture, continuing to do so until you have circled the entire structure.

The majority of the time the ground will be covered in leaf litter, which really can assist your investigation greatly.

Pick a location, preferable in front of any opening and start removing the leaf litter within the circle. Take your time and pay close attention to the ground under the leaves. If the construct is human there is a very good chance you will find shoe or boot tracks under the leaves. If this is the case, do not stop your investigation, because you can still learn a great deal from doing it. Also, this does not automatically negate a bf possibility. Obviously, you are also looking for possible bf prints under the leaves. However, finding human tracks at the location, you will have to pay closer attention to any possible bf tracks to insure they are not distorted human tracks.
Any tracks you find, make sure you photograph, even the human ones.

The next tracks to look for under the leaves are deer and bear. The reason being that both animals are opportunistic with shelters and will use human constructs in the woods. Also, document these tracks.

Your next step is to sketch the structure in your field journal, sketch it from the four cardinal points. Now, carefully measure the structure, noting your measurements on your sketches, including opening size.

Now move to the interior of the structure, look and see if there are any compression areas within. This is especially important if you can ascertain it is a relatively new construct. (It wasn't there last week.) All animals including humans will leave compression areas if it was used for a shelter. If you find a compression area, measure and photograph it. If you are leaning toward it being a bf shelter, remove the contents, especially those in the compression area and secure them in bags, taking care not to contaminate them. You will go through the material at a later time in a clean environment to ascertain if there is any hair etc. in it.

Now examine the construct itself in detail, how old is the material, is there any cut marks, is there any weaving of material and if so how intricate. Any larger limbs or tree material, was it carried or dragged to the location (if dragged you should see the scuff marks on the ground when you removed the leaf litter.). 

Make sure you note everything in your journal and take photos!

There are a few basic types of human constructs made in the woods by, survivalists, hunters, boy scouts, kids and photographers. In some areas these can be plentiful, especially if any Boy Scout or survival classes were taught in the area. Take a little time and familiarize yourself with these. I will give a basic inscription on some of them; it is by no means extensive, complete or definitive.

Debris Shelter: Primarily a survival shelter for protection from cold weather (even when it is cold outside you can be very warm in one)

Common construction: One end of a large limb or tree is placed in the crotch of a tree, stump rocks or other such to support the end 3-4 feet off the ground. The other end is left on the ground. Smaller limbs and brush are leaned against this to form an inverted "V". They are placed in sufficient number to support the cover. The cover is forest litter, creating an insulating blank of leaves etc. Very, very seldom with there be any cut marks on this type of shelter as it is make completely from available forest materials.

Tee Pee Shelter: Similar to a debris shelter, constructed when no notch or other suitable location is available. Both free standing and using an existing tree for support. These are more often made by boy scouts and kids, as they are much less efficient, less stable and more energy intensive to construct. Branches with leave material still attached is the prefer method of insulation as the angle of the structure is not great for holding leaf litter. (Note: look for cut areas on the insulating branches, knife, saw etc. a good indicator of scouts and kids.)

Wikiups: These are domed structures, where brush is pulled to a center location from still rooted plants, secured and covered. If planned the blank or what ever will have been removed.
They may also be made by driving saplings into the ground. The frame work will usually be interwoven with horizontal brush. Not a survivalist structure, but is made by kids, scouts, native re-creationists.

Blinds: Used by hunters and photographers, these are often only two or three sided. Consisting of loosely woven branches, with enough openings to allow for good views. Often times they are very loose weaves as the intent is as much to break up the human outline as it is to completely hide them. They can be found with or without foliage woven or stuck into them.

Comparison Photos

 Courtesy of the MABRC

When you post a picture that you think may contain a Bigfoot in it, be prepared to be asked for comparison photos of the same location from different times. Too many people fall under the matrixing issue, believing that they have a Bigfoot, yet if they would take the time to review comparison pictures, they would either realize that they are seeing shadows or even leaves creating the impression of a face. If the same view is there a day later, then claiming it was a Bigfoot in the first place only erodes any credibility you hoped to of gained from the original picture. The MABRC requires any picture turned into them for evaluation to be accompanied by comparison photos, and other groups should always have that requirement too, for anything turned into them. You should never give anyone a free pass without the accompanying comparison photos to evaluate.

It is also MABRC policy to always ask for comparison photos whenever a photo is submitted to us for evaluation.

The following photo illustrates the need for comparison photos.  The lady who sent this in, thought a Bigfoot was standing at the end of her driveway, and she took the photo.  Upon on-site analysis and taking the comparison photos, it was discovered to be dark leaves in a brush pile that resembled a humanoid type figure.

Using a BB Gun

Or a paintball gun.

Seen a post today about using a paintball gun, and it made me think about a seldom used technique by MABRC researchers that don't have thermals can use while researching.

If you think you have a Bigfoot standing in the underbrush, but don't want to approach it.  Take a BB gun and simply shoot into the shadow where you think it is standing.  If it moves, then you know it was a Bigfoot, if it doesn't, then it wasn't nothing more than a shadow.  A paintball gun has the same effect.  The Bigfoot more than likely will only react to it like a bug bite, but will move.

Many will claim that this will infuriate the Bigfoot and make it attack, I have used this technique before, and I still have all my arms and legs.  I have seen two shadows move after being hit with the BB gun.

Planning and Executing a MABRC Expedition

D.W. "Darkwing" Lee has been asked by a lot of folks how he goes about planning expeditions for the MABRC, so that they can have an idea how to plan their own, for themselves or other groups.  This is the template that is used for planning each expedition the MABRC conducts.

The Mid-America Bigfoot Research Center has a long history of field expeditions throughout the country and has established protocols and procedures that must be observed for any MABRC-sponsored field expedition.

To begin with, the MABRC member who wants to hold the expedition must be aware that they will be the expedition leader unless they request specifically for someone else to assume that position. In this event, if they have not underwent the MABRC Leadership training course, they will need to complete this before leading the expedition.

Once the member decides they want to hold an expedition, they need to post in the MABRC Members area in the Expedition Planning section, This will be to see if there is enough general interest in other members who can attend the expedition.

Once this is established, the member must begin putting together the necessary Expedition Briefing Summary that will provide the following information for participants.

* Summary of the area

* Summary of the objective

* Sunrise/set data

* Moonrise/set data

* Moon phase data

* Weather outlook, must be updated starting 10 days prior to the expedition from weather.com and must be posted on the forum thread for the expedition planning.

* Site selection

* Background information for area, including any suspected Bigfoot activity.

* Topo maps/aerial photos of the target area.

* Primary objectives

* Secondary objectives

* Standby objectives

* Personnel requirements/skill sets needed along with role determinations for participants.

* Equipment requirements

* Expedition rules/land-owner rules.

Once this briefing is prepared, copies should be forwarded to the State Director (if the state has one) or the Regional Director (if there is one) or the Executive Director. This is to keep the Advisory Council in the loop.

The Advisory Council will then review the Expedition Briefing Summary and make recommendations if needed.

The thread will be maintained in the MABRC Members area for the planning and distribution of information for participants, and as the plans are finalized, contact information, meeting places and other detailed information will then be disseminated through to the members of the expedition through this thread. 

Weather updates should begin being posted a minimum of ten (10) days before the expedition start.

Costs such as camping fees, food fees, access fees, etc. should also be noted ahead of time so that attending members can be prepared to absorb any costs associated with the expedition.
During the expedition, two key positions must be assigned. The expedition leader and the assistant expedition leader. Both will be designated to speak to local authorities, local residents and the media should they present themselves onsite at the expedition location.

Once the expedition is in gear, the expedition leader needs to insure that members follow the expedition rules and procedures while in the field. The leader will also be responsible for the well being of his expedition team. The main creed for the MABRC during an expedition should always be “Never leave a man behind.”

Upon the completion of the MABRC Expedition, an Expedition Debriefing thread will be established in the MABRC Members area of the forum in which the participants can post their thoughts, experiences, evidence and other related information pertaining to the expedition. After this is completed, the information may be sanitized for location, and other relevant information and the report posted on the public side of the forum. This is to insure that the location is not given away to individuals who may attempt to disrupt further research in that area in the future.

All evidence collected by MABRC Researchers belong to them, however, it is requested that the MABRC Members as a whole have a chance to view the evidence too.

Protocol and Procedures for Hair, Scat, Bone, Blood/Tissue

Courtesy of the MABRC

This is an older set of protocols that the MABRC were using, they have some new updated protocols that are being wrote up by their Evidence Review Board, but they agreed to let us post these older ones.

MABRC is concerned in providing scientific data that will assist in proving the existence of a North American bipedal creature that is reported to inhabit rural and remote areas of the North American continent.

In having said that, the MABRC guide will provide guidance to members on how to collect various types of biological specimens that the researcher may encounter while in the field. Such specimens may include blood, hair, latent prints, and foot or handprint castings.

The primary concern in collecting samples will be to AVOID cross contamination of the sample when it is collected.
Researchers will take all possible precautions to prevent cross contamination, prior to attempting to collect the sample. 

This will include the use of powder free specimen gloves, (i.e. latex or Nitrile gloves), sterilized tweezers or forceps (as needed), some sort of hair net or ball cap to prevent human hair from falling into the specimen, and a garment which covers the arms if they are exposed.

The researcher should take either video or still photos of the sample before collection. Included in the photo should be some sort of scale (ruler, coin etc.) however ensure it does not contaminate the sample. Make a note in your research journal of the sample, and annotate a tag number that will be used for the specimen label, the specimen collection report, and your expedition log.

BLOOD SAMPLES 

The most common example of a blood sample that the researcher will come across will be the splashing of blood against the ground, or other similar biological material. If the researcher believes that the blood observed could well be a sample from a Sasquatch, the following procedure is to be used: 

1. The researcher will observe all cross contamination procedures. 

2. The researcher will either use a Q-Tip, or piece of filter paper (CLEAN paper coffee filter will work) and lightly dab the blood specimen. 

3. If using a Q-Tip, ensure that the entire tip is covered, but not soaked, so as to result in a dripping of blood from the tip. If using filter paper, place the edge of the filter paper against the sample, and allow it to absorb into the paper. A sample roughly the size of a quarter is needed. 

4. Once the specimen has been collected, allow it to air dry completely, and avoid any contact with the ground, or the researcher. DO NOT blow on the sample to aid in drying. 

5. Once the specimen has completely dried, place it into a paper envelope, which is then placed into a specimen envelope. 

6. Label the outside of the specimen envelope with a computer label that contains the tag number of the specimen. 

7. Fill out the specimen collection report now; do not wait till later. 

Should the researcher run into a blood sample that has dried and is believed to be that of a Sasquatch, the following procedure will be used. 

1. The researcher will follow all preventive cross contamination procedures and photographic documentation. 

2. If the object is small enough to fit into specimen collection envelope, then it should be left intact, ensuring the sample is completely dry, place it into the envelope.

3. The envelope should then be labeled and provided a tag number. 

4. The specimen collection report should then be filled out, to include the tag number, and appropriate entry into the researcher's journal.

If the sample is to large to place into a collection envelope, then after following all cross contamination and photographic procedures, the research should use a sterilized blade (knife, scalpel, etc.) and lightly scrape the sample onto a piece of clean filter paper. The researcher should attempt to collect as much of the sample as practical without jeopardizing the integrity of the sample. The researcher should then gently fold the filter paper, so that the specimen is contained inside the filter paper, such as a pouch. This specimen should then be placed into a collection envelope, then into the specimen envelope with appropriate, labeling, tagging, reporting, and journal entry.

HAIR SAMPLES

Hair samples are collected similarly to blood samples. The researcher should follow all photographic documentation and cross contamination procedures prior to collecting the sample.

Hair samples can be expected to be found in places such as tree breaks or twists, barbed wire fences, and possibly automobiles if the researcher is investigating a report of a vehicular strike against a Sasquatch.

In all of these possible collection locations, patience will be the watch word for the researcher. Evidence and reports have shown that it is extremely difficult to obtain DNA from a hair fiber, though it may be used for hair comparison against known hair types. DNA, or mDNA is most readily available in the hair follicle or skin tag at the base of hair, therefore, the researcher needs to act delicately in order to attempt to collect follicle with the hair strand if it exists.

In hair that is observed on barbed wire fences, a pair of heavy pliers can be the researchers best friend, as long hair as a tendency to wrapped between and around the barbs. The researcher should follow the following steps if hair is wrapped around barbed wire. 

1. Again, the researcher should use photographic documentation and cross contamination procedures. 

2. The researcher should then disinfect the head and jaws of the pliers, and the collection tweezers, or forceps. 

3. If the hair will not slip from the fencing when gently pulled, the researcher can use the pliers to loosen the barbs. 

4. The researcher should grasp the two opposing barbs and gently squeeze, which will cause the barb to open on the fence. The researcher may need to do the same on the second barb. 

5. The researcher should then be able to gently remove the hair. Again, diligence and delicacy are required to maximize success. 

6. The hair should then be placed in a collection envelope. 

7. The collection envelop should then be placed in a specimen envelope, tagged, report completed, and a journal entry made.

The same procedure should be followed if attempting to remove a hair follicle from a tree break or twist, however, due to the fibrous content of forest material, and the hair follicle cannot be removed from the tree, the researcher should give consideration to cutting the area of the hair, leaving it embedded in the tree. The sample hair should be left in place, and the tree should be cut down to the smallest possible collection in order to simplify it's collection in specimen envelopes, or bags.

The if the researcher is examining a vehicle which has been reported to have struck a vehicle, the collection procedure is much like that of barbed fence or tree twist collection, however the researcher needs to also pay particular attention to the presence of blood samples as well. The researcher should also observe the undercarriage of the vehicle for additional samples.

When collecting any type of sample, whether blood or hair, only one specimen shall be collected and recorded per tag number. For instance, the researcher comes upon five drops of blood that are fresh; this would be 5 separate specimens collected, five separate tag numbers, five separate specimen envelopes. This ensure no cross contamination between samples. The only exception to this would be if the researcher happened upon a tuft of hair, or multiple strands. As that all of this strands have already been touching, they should be collected as ONE specimen, and documented as such.

BONE/TEETH SAMPLES

If the researcher is to happen across a bone, or tooth of a suspected Sasquatch, it is imperative that the research follow all the documentation, photographic, and cross contamination procedures.

Collection of such sample will more than likely be tedious do to the amount of work that will be required for search the area, removal, and collection of the specimen.

If such a sample is found, the researcher will follow the following procedures:

1. STOP!

2. Look down at your feet and ensure that you are not standing on another sample. This sample could very well be hair, tissue, blood, bone, or many other things.

3. If you are sure you are not standing on anything, take photographs and video of the item, as well as the surrounding area. Do not approach the sample at this point. It is necessary that you thoroughly document the area around the sample.

4. Attempt to contact the Regional Director for your area if at all possible.

5. If you cannot contact anyone, the researcher's first step will be to set up a grid system covering the discovery site. If you do not have twine, rope, or other items, sticks will serve as to set up a makeshift grid. The grid should look something similar to a checkerboard square if viewed from above.

6. The researcher should start in the outer most grid quadrants, first observing, then slowly moving overgrowth, or ground debris for the presence of other samples. If a sample is observed, it should slowly be removed. If it is caked in mud, dirt, or similar material, the sample should be collected with this intact. It is best to allow the sample to dry before collection, however if the weather is not practical for this, collect it as is and bag it in paper. The sample should be tagged with the quadrant number and tag number. The specimen collection report should be filled out, and journal entry should be made. It is important that your journal, and the collection report both have a sketch of the over all grid, and the quadrant in which it was found.

7. The research should continue working towards the primary sample found, working from the outside of the quadrant inwards. All subsequent finds should follow this protocol.

8. If an item is partially buried, care and dedication must be used is removing it. DO NOT pull on the sample, twist, or otherwise manipulate while still in the ground. 

9. The researcher will carefully dig around the sample using small tools, and ensuring damage is not done to the sample. (Picture yourself as an archaeologist)

10. Immediately notify your Regional Coordinator if you have not already done so.

ALL SPECIMENS SHOULD BE RECORDED WITH GPS COORDINATES IF PRACTICAL

Listening

Courtesy of the MABRC

Listen to your surroundings, learn the difference between quad-pedal and bi-pedal walking and learn all the known animals in your area and their vocalizations.

Different sounds can be heard in the woods, recently two Junior Researchers, Splatter and Squish discovered two trees rubbing together that created a whistling sound. At first they thought something or one was whistling at them from the woods, but as they investigated, they discovered the trees were rubbing each other and making the sound.

Learning the difference between quad-pedal and bi-pedal walking can be done by using a parabolic listening device and having a friend or family member walk through an area multiple times while you listen. Then have them walk a dog through the area, listen to the difference in sounds. Continue doing this until you can differentiate between the two.

The researcher should learn to recognize all the local animal vocalizations that they will encounter in their research area. 

The MABRC maintains a large collection of vocalizations in the audio library on the forum. Becoming familiar with these sounds will aid the researcher in distinguishing known animal vocalizations with those usually associated with Bigfoot.

While Bigfoot does have the capability to mimic other animal vocalizations, to be able to determine actual animal vocalizations to that say, of an 800 pound owl or dove making a vocalization is pretty important to the researcher.

Learning the difference between sticks breaking on the ground compared to sticks breaking off trees are also important. Overall, learn the sounds around you, making sure what you are hearing and what is causing it is paramount to conducting legitimate research that is hard to dispute.

Case in point, an armadillo uses it’s snout to sweep back and forth through the foliage and leaf litter looking for insects, grubs and other morsels of food. The sound this creates can be quite unnerving to many in the dark. 

When this occurs to you, it will sound like a Bigfoot walking upon you, and can quite literally send you into a panic if you do not keep your cool.

Diversions

Courtesy of the MABRC

When researching Bigfoot, the Researcher should be aware of the capability that is employed of diversion.

In the illustration shown above, a hiker spots a juvenile Bigfoot along the trail. As she stands there watching it, momma Bigfoot begins shaking trees and branches to divert the hikers attention and allow the juvenile to scamper away from view. 

If this does not work, the Bigfoot may resort to vocalizations, rock throwing and even appearing in the open itself to make the distraction for the juvenile to escape.

This has been witnessed on numerous occasions by MABRC Researchers in the field.

One such incident happened on an expedition in Oklahoma where two researchers were watching a Bigfoot crawl across a field towards the base camp. When they used their infrared lighting on their night scopes to paint the Bigfoot, it was for all intents and purposes trapped in that spot by them.

From behind them on the opposite side of camp, vocalizations began occurring that began as one animal, slurred into a second animal call, and then proceeded to imitate at least 5 different animals to create a diversion for the Bigfoot that was laying in the field.

When the researchers finally looked away, the Bigfoot in the field was able to belly crawl away from the base camp and into the woods surrounding the field.

Bigfoot will create diversions in order to help each other escape situations such as this.

Camps

Courtesy of the MABRC

Campsites are common for expeditions and most research, and whenever appropriate, the camps should always be set up in favor of the Bigfoot being able to approach from several avenues that give them sufficient cover and concealment, yet still allow the researcher to view them without too much obstruction.

It’s well known to MABRC Senior Researchers that Bigfoot will keep cover between themselves and the people in the camp. They do this by approaching from behind tents, vehicles, low lying areas such as ravines and other objects to cover their movements.

During the second Honobia Bigfoot Conference in 2008, MABRC researchers watched as multiple sets of eye shine were spotted looking OVER the vehicles that were parked across the road from the base camp. Rocks were also thrown into the camp with great accuracy, the sound as the rocks sailed through the branches of the trees around the camp testified to the force behind the rock throws.

The point being, the Bigfoot were using the vehicles for cover, in order to get close enough to view the occupants of the camp.

MABRC Researchers have also experienced Bigfoot walking through and inspecting the camp after all the researchers have went to bed in their tents. Before the last researchers crawl into their tents, it’s necessary to throw extra wood on the campfire to give off enough light for a while for the Bigfoot observing the camp to see that no one is still up and moving around. Once the fire dies down enough, the Bigfoot will begin entering the camp and rummaging through anything of interest. This is when the audio recorders come into play as they record the movement.

Listening Post Suggested Protocols

Courtesy of the MABRC

Listening Post Protocols

During standard research trips to the field and on expeditions, the MABRC conducts listening posts in active areas. These protocols are placed here as guidelines to aid other researchers in setting up their own listening posts in the field.

* Always use 2 or more researchers for a listening post, this is for safety and credibility purposes. You can take along fold up chairs to sit on, or find a good place to sit down at.

* Always position the researchers so that they face each other, this goes along with the campfire tactic, as each researcher watches behind the one directly across from them. This allows the Bigfoot a level of comfort to approach the listening post, as they believe they are not being watched directly by the researchers.

* Always record the entire time you are in the listening post with a digital voice recorder, this will record all information, vocalizations and noises that are related to the listening post and what has occurred there.

* If using parabolic listening devices, position them in a way to not be viewed as a threat to any Bigfoot that may approach. Do this by hanging it on your chair or setting it on the ground by your feet, or even set it on a log. 

* Upon hearing a noise, do not jump up and begin shining your light into the surrounding area, wait until you are sure that the noise being made is close enough that you can successfully light up whatever is making it.

* Talking between the listening post participants can be conducted when there is a lack of ambient noise that would give the Bigfoot sufficient noise to cover their movements. This would usually occur in the colder months of the year.

* During an expedition, a briefing should be conducted of all members going out to conduct listening posts, this briefing should include, but no limited to: location of all listening posts, researchers in each listening post, radio channels, rally points should something happen, function of each member, and who should be in charge of the team in the listening post.

* If a researcher in a listening post becomes lost in the dark, they should stay where they are, do not wander around, as this will make it easier for search parties to find them in the dark.

* If able, the digital voice recorder should be left recording on the hike back to the base camp, that way, if anything occurs on the walk back, it will be recorded for review.

* Upon returning to the base camp area (expeditions) an immediate debriefing should be concluded in the event something occurs, this should also be done with the presence of a recording device for reference later.

* In some instances, if the location could be easily relocated the next day in the daylight, leaving a hidden digital voice recorder behind at the listening post location could obtain activity of Bigfoot, which would possibly come into that spot to check it out after the researchers leave.

* In some cases, parking in vehicles can be done at remote locations, in this case, recorders should still be used to record what is happening around the area. If you are trying to use the abandoned vehicle approach, avoid any activity that would produce unnecessary movement that would rock the vehicle and let the Bigfoot know you are in it. This could be from shifting in a seat, to stretching or even reaching into the back seat for something.

Curiosity

Courtesy of the MABRC

Curiosity

The best advice that can be given to new researchers is to take advantage of Bigfoot’s natural curiosity about things. By relying on the Bigfoot capacity for curiosity, you can increase your chances of an encounter.

Use techniques to encourage their curiosity and bring them closer to you. In the past, MABRC members have used noise makers, wind chimes, scents (bacon, honeysuckle, berry spray, perfumes, and many other assorted scents), glow (cyalume) sticks, mirrors, compact disks hanging from trees, and even tents with snoring recordings being played from inside it.

The goal here is to outsmart Bigfoot by trying different techniques. Just remember, that once a technique has been used, the chances of it luring in a Bigfoot a second or third time will decrease as the Bigfoot learns that it’s a trick to lure them in.

The forums MABRC Researcher threads have many of the tricks used in research in the past, and is a good place to learn what has been tried in the past, what has succeeded and what has failed.

Asking questions of the more experienced researchers will quickly help you understand the thinking behind their techniques and how they were applied. This is a great resource for beginning researchers to learn from those who have been there before.

Starting your own research

Courtesy of the MABRC

Starting your own research (Presentation slides are at bottom of the article)

The most common question MABRC members get posed to them is “How do I find my own research area?”, and after conducting numerous presentations at Bigfoot conferences on how to find and develop a research area, we decided to put it in print for the Guidelines Manual.

To start with, a researcher should check out sighting reports for their immediate area, starting with BFRO, GCBRO, Bigfoot Encounters, MABRC and other Bigfoot Research groups that obtain reports in your area.

Look for Class “A” type, or actual sightings that have occurred in the reports, and compile a list of those sightings including the location, this will be important later.

Go to Microsoft Research Maps at http://msrmaps.com and zoom into your area. This site allows you to switch between aerial photos and topographical maps. This allows you to view the area from different perspectives.

You can also go to http://www.google.com/earth and use this to plot the sightings you look up onto a satellite map to get a better overview of where they are in relation to one another.

You also need to look for prominent features for an area, like water sources, food sources, natural cover and concealment, and natural or man-made avenues to travel on.

Watersheds and lakes support large numbers of various wildlife and a watershed can support a Bigfoot troop with food and water year round. Interconnecting waterways should also be examined to see where they may give a travel avenue between locations. In many of the MABRC research areas, certain creeks connect the areas together, although they may be many miles apart. 

Food sources are important too, local farms raising pigs, cattle, chickens and other agricultural food stuffs give Bigfoot an opportunity to food. Large deer populations, wild edible plants, fish, mussels and turtles in the area will sustain a sizable Bigfoot troop. Garbage dumps/bins and slaughterhouses should also be viewed as possible food sources.

Three main research areas of the MABRC are within 5 miles of a major landfill, with multiple sightings within that 5 mile radius.Cover and concealment seems to be always favored by Bigfoot and this includes box valleys, bluffs with overhangs, sheltered valleys, heavy foliage and abandoned rock quarries. Look for places that a Bigfoot could hunker down during bad weather and exploit these areas during those times.

Avenues to travel on include railroad lines, pipelines, electric/utility right of ways, old roadbeds, old trails and dikes. While it isn’t proven that Bigfoot use these to travel on, the MABRC has conducted a study that shows many reports happen within several miles of an avenue of travel.

Talking to locals may also benefit finding a research area, hand out brochures, business cards or other advertisements. Talk to area residents, listen to talk in restaurants, let folks know you are interested in their stories. Talking to local law enforcement and newspaper reporters can also gain you access to strange reports that might be disregarded if they didn’t know about you and your willingness to investigate.

Recon an area by driving around it, walk through it (make sure you have the landowner’s permission first though), observe and note, and even sit and listen with a parabolic listening device, you may be surprised what you hear.

Document everything you find out about an area, photograph everything, it may not seem important now, but it may later. GPS everywhere you go, mark it on a map of the area for later reference.

While these tips may not benefit everyone, as each person will obviously find the best ways to locate their own research area, it still gives individual researchers a basic sense of how to locate their own research areas.

While there is no set procedure for scouting out and finding your own research area, the MABRC can give pointers to individual researchers on how to locate potential “Hot Beds” of activity.

Topographical and Aerial Photos

One of the first steps is to check out topographical maps of potential areas you want to check out, you can access many online through http://www.bing.com/maps or the U.S. Geological Survey website at http://store.usgs.gov and learn everything you can about reading these types of maps.

Prominent features that you want to look out for are water sources, food sources, natural cover and concealment, natural or man-made avenues to travel on.

Watersheds and lakes

Watersheds and lakes are also important to take note of. For example, Oklahoma has numerous watersheds that support large numbers of wildlife, and it’s surmised that each watershed can support a Bigfoot troop. With interconnecting waterways, these can provide a safe avenue of travel for a troop, as well as being dependable water sources.

During droughts, troops are more likely to stay close to water sources even at the risk of detection.

Food Sources


Food sources can be local farms with large numbers of livestock (i.e. pigs, cattle, chickens, etc.) or even large plots of agricultural items. Large deer populations are also a draw for Bigfoot, along with wild edible plants. For the types of edible plants in your area, please refer to Project Foodbasket on the MABRC Forums.

Water sources can also have an abundance in fish, mussels and turtles.

Garbage dumps and bins also seem to attract Bigfoot as they rummage through them looking for food. At Honobia Oklahoma, the town dumpsters are on the south side of town, and multiple sightings have occurred where the Bigfoot were found to be going through them.

Slaughterhouses are another good place to locate, as many rural slaughterhouses don’t always follow EPA guidelines and sometimes dump the remains of slaughtered animals in dump pits out of sight. This occurred in the mid-90s with the white Bigfoot being caught going through the dump pit on numerous occasions.

Cover and Concealment

Look for areas that Bigfoot can use to conceal themselves and to cover their movements. Such things as box valleys, bluffs with overhangs, sheltered valleys, heavy foliage and even abandoned rock quarries can provide a troop with numerous options.

Avenues to travel on

There is a lot of debate in the Bigfoot community about Bigfoot using easy avenues to travel on. In the MABRC, we concentrate our efforts near railroad lines, pipelines, electric/utility right of ways, old roadbeds, old trails and even dikes. While the likelihood of Bigfoot using these avenues may be unlikely, the possibility exists that they could use them as navigational aids to travel long distances. In the research areas in Mid-Eastern Oklahoma, the majority of Class “A” sightings have occurred within 3 miles of a major electric right of way that cuts through the area. Researchers in the area have worked on this theory for well over 6 years now, and their belief in this appears to be well-founded with the number of encounters and activity experienced not only by themselves, but other MABRC and Independent Researchers who have visited those areas.

Sighting Reports

Going through the various sighting report databases, whether it be the MABRC OSSIE Database, the BFRO, GCBRO, Oregon Bigfoot, etc., will also bring about a better picture of an area. Go back 5 years on sighting reports, as this would allow you to note trends for the 5 years previous to your research in the area. Only use reports that an actual sighting occurred, and note all the details that may be critical, such as direction traveling, location, time of day or night, weather, month, and so on, to give yourself a better understanding of the times and directions that the Bigfoot are using this area.

Places to look for sighting reports

The MABRC maintains a large database compiled of reports from every Bigfoot website that can be found, including the now defunct International Bigfoot Society. Other locations to look are:

http://www.bfro.nethttp://www.gcbro.comhttp://www.texasbigfoot.org (OK, TX, LA and AR only)http://www.texlaresearch.com (TX, LA only)http://www.oregonbigfoot.comhttp://www.bigfootencounters.com

Talk to the locals

Talking to the locals can bring mixed results, but you never know until you begin talking to someone if they have a Bigfoot sighting or know of someone that has. Activity that they were unsure of could also be indications of Bigfoot in the area.

Hand out brochures (the MABRC has one on the forum for MABRC Members to use), business cards (the template is on the forum for MABRC Members to use) and other advertisement means.

Talk to the residents, be courteous and mannerly, do not talk out of turn, do not interrupt and do not lead the conversation, let them tell you in their own words. After they are finished, ask your questions then.

Let folks know you are interested in their stories, do not make the mistake a lot of researchers make by acting like you know everything about Bigfoot.

Talking to local law enforcement and newspaper reporters may bring some serious stares at you, but if they know you are involved in Bigfoot research and an incident in your area happens related to a possible Bigfoot, they hopefully will remember you and give you a call for help in understanding the situation.

Recon an area

It’s now time to recon the area, and at first it will be easier to drive around the area on the local roads, noting the terrain first hand and also any features to watch for in the future. Also take note of buildings, lights and other man-made articles that could divert the path of a troop.After you become familiar with the area, do a walk through the area in the daylight (make sure you have the land owner’s permission first) and get a really good feel for the area. Also look for potential markers that you make encounter during the daylight hours. It’s also a good idea to have a digital voice recorder going so that if any vocalizations occur, you will record them. A camera to take pictures with is also a must.

Always observe and note, remember, there is no such thing as having too much documentation.With all your documentation and onsite visit, you will more than likely locate several good spots to come back with a parabolic and set up a listening post at night (only when you are familiar enough with the area to do so) and listen for signs of activity to occur.

Documentation

Documenting your information is important for review later and for submission of your evidence. Write down everything you find out about an area. Photograph everything, it may not seem important now, but it may later on. Using a GPS to mark important places and tracks where you’ve been will allow you to keep track on a map for later reference and for a return to those locations.