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. 

Peers - The Scientific Community and Bigfoot Researchers - by Marie Simone Van Speybroeck

- by Marie Simone Van Speybroeck

November 10

Recently I had occasion to talk with some of my peers about the work amateur researchers conduct in the field of cryptozoological study. After speaking with several experts in the field of zoology. I noted that the same responses were prevailing among all of them.

There is a notable apprehension in the scientific community to accept data provided by amateur researchers in the field of cryptozoological study. Understanding that the cryptozoological and zoological study should follow the same rigorous guidelines is one of the key reasons for the disdain of science for the topic. 

So let’s see if I can try to explain how an amateur researcher can gain the respect of the professionals.

To fully understand the in-cognizance of the sciences in regards to cryptozoology one must understand the meaning of the word, (Cryptozoology). 

Cryptozoology is a pseudoscientific approach to the discovery unknown or legendary creatures many of whom are considered to be of folklore. It is a study in the undiscovered and is often conducted with out the disciplines and skills of a zoological team. The title of cryptozoologist is more often then not, a self bestowed credential. Though it is accepted by the public as legitimate the word describes a multitude of different disciplines. 

To understand this one must look at the field of zoology. Zoology is the study of animals. It is a multi disciplined field. A zoological team is comprised of several individuals whom are all expert in different disciplines. A typical team consists of a wildlife biologist, wildlife behaviorist, a veterinarian and a veterinary pathologist and a botanist as primary members, secondary or support persons would be a local guide and a animal tracker. For one individual to master each of these disciplines it would take a lifetime of vigorous study resulting in several degrees for a single individual. Not an impossible thing but a highly unlikely situation. 

So the first mistake made by many laymen researchers is to introduce themselves as cryptozoologists a word that describes multiple disciplines of which most laymen researchers simply do not possess. 

Credibility is dictated by the qualifications and credentials of the individual. So simply introducing oneself as a amateur researcher is far more credible then using the self aggrandized title of cryptozoologist. 

Credibility also demands solid repeatable performance witnessed by more then one individual and proven scientific technical methodology be used in all aspects of your research.

Literally 1000s of items of evidence are destroyed by contamination or improper retrieval, storage handling of evidence. 

Photographic evidence that is unclear such as blobsquatches. Should not even be submitted to the body of evidence. Researchers whom post photographic evidence and say “ can you see it?” expecting the viewer to find some fuzzy dark mass in a picture and convince them selves that it is indeed a picture of the creature in retrospect. Diminishes the researchers credibility. 

Researchers should never work alone. Teams of two are a minimum, teams of 4 or 6 are by far more credible. Every team should have one skeptic as a member of the team. This prevents enthusiastic researchers from committing (Boboizums) (named after Bobo, James Fay) a comedic term assigned to researchers whom are guilty of seeing and hearing a cryptid at every snap of a twig. Or fallen tree. So before you say that’s a squatch. Make sure it really is a Sasquatch. 

These things will all improve the credibility of the researchers. 


If you would like more help in research techniques please comment and I will do my best to help.

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.

How to solicit sighting reports?

Courtesy of the MABRC

The MABRC uses the following brochure to solicit sighting reports, they post these everywhere that it's allowed to post flyers at.  Each little square at the bottom is a tear-off that people can take with them.  You too can create such a flyer to post them around your town and even the neighboring areas where you live.

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.

Call Blasting Protocol

Courtesy of the MABRC

Call Blasting Protocol

While Call Blasting is debatable on it’s effectiveness in the field, MABRC Researchers continue to use it on occasion. From purported Bigfoot vocalizations from around the world, to primate vocalizations, and even baby crying audio.

To conduct Call Blasting and document it for proper review, the MABRC has produced protocols and procedures for researchers to guide them.

Documentation

There are two types of documentation required with respect to call blasting efforts:

* Written documentation.
* Audio/Video recordings.

Written Documentation

The notes or narratives of each outing where sound blasting was performed must include the following details: what happened (a basic log), who was there (names and contact info.), the location (specifically), the terrain, the date, the time-frame, the weather conditions, the history of reports in the area, the accessibility of the area (i.e. legal accessibility, vehicle accessibility), whether there are homes within ear-shot of the call blasting, and anything else that may be scientifically or historically relevant.

Audio/Video documentation

The outing should be videotaped: the people present, the location, the equipment used and anything else that may be historically or scientifically relevant. This record must have someone speaking to the camera, listing the details required in the written documentation (i.e. location, time-frame, local history of reports, etc.). This must be a separate tape from the tapes used to record response vocalizations.

Procedures for Recording Sounds

At least two sound recording devices (which can be camcorders, but preferably high quality digital voice recorders) must be running the whole time the team is on location after dark. The Bigfoot might vocalize before any sound blasting is conducted, so recordings must be made when not blasting sounds.

Do NOT try to record Bigfoot vocalizations by hitting the "Record" button when sounds are heard. Sounds will be missed that way. The recorders MUST be running every moment after dark. Recorders should be started at different times. The recording periods must be staggered so that at least one recorder is running when the tape is being swapped or rewound on the other recorder. A recording plan must be developed in order to do all this in an orderly fashion (include that plan as part of the written documentation). If using digital audio recorders, then using tapes become a non-issue.

If using camcorders, follow this procedure.

Several tapes will be needed for each recording device. Each tape has to be labeled appropriately before it is put in the recorder. Mark the tape with the date and time of the first recording session and each date and time the tape is used after that, if at all. Don't reuse any single tape on more than five outings. Consumer-grade digital tapes have degraded sound after being recorded on a few times. Buy new ones every so often. They are cheap. 

If no responses are heard before a tape reaches the end of its spool, rewind that tape and start recording again. If any sounds are heard while a tape(s) is recording, let it continue to record to the end of the spool, then swap out the tape and mark on the label the time it was taken out of the recorder. Also mark it to indicate that it may have vocalizations on it. Review the tape later, in a dry, well illuminated, relatively dust free location.

Don't ever rewind and replay the relevant section of a master tape over and over repeatedly.

This should only be done with copies or computerized versions of the clip. People ruintheir precious master tapes by repeatedly playing and rewinding an important clip over and over, in order to play it for their friends, before they’ve made backup copies. Don't check to see if a sound was captured on tape while still outdoors. You can check to see if the tape recorded any sound at all, but once you’ve determined that then simply have faith that the relevant sounds were captured as well. You either captured the sound or you didn't. Wait until you are indoors, away from moisture and heavy dust, before reviewing the tapes.

Powering Recording Devices

Adequate power supplies for each recorder will be needed because of continuous recording throughout the night. There are multiple ways for doing this; choices for extended power depend on the recording devices used. Cassette recorders are easiest because they'll go all night on the batteries put inside them. If not, the batteries can be quickly replaced.

Camcorders are more difficult in this regard because the batteries and power accessoriesare more expensive and have a shorter duration. If there are multiple vehicles and cigarettelighter adapters available, these devices can be powered that way. Camcorders will not rundown a car battery. Another option is to have three camcorder batteries for each unit and abattery charger connected to a car cigarette lighter. Yet another option (preferred) is to usedeep cycle batteries with AC/DC inverters. Deep cycle batteries (boat batteries) will last aweek or more if only powering camcorders or cassette recorders.

The Recording Plan

Having a thorough recording plan means knowing the types of devices that will be on hand and having: an adequate number of tapes for each device, an adequate labeling process for the tapes, adequate power supplies for each device, a list of all needed accessories, a plan for staggering the recordings after sundown so that at least one recorder is always running, the knowledge of exactly how long each device will run before a tape is finished or a battery needs to be changed.

Recording devices should be placed several yards from each other and several yards behind the sound blasting gear. If possible, use plastic tote boxes for the recorders. A recorder can be placed on top of a tote box during dry weather and inside the box if the night air gets too moist (with an external mic hanging out from under the edge of the lid). If possible, have an external mic taped to a tripod so it's a few feet away from the recorder when the recorder is in the tote box. In that way, the microphone will be higher in the air and won’t record the sounds of the recorder’s motor noise. 

While recording, have someone with a wrist watch walk up to each recorder every quarter hour and clearly whisper the time near the mic. For example, “It is now 8:15 p.m.”

Microphones

Get the best possible microphones to use with the recorders. Almost all camcorders have jacks for external microphones. External mics are preferable because built-in mics always record some level of recorder motor noise. That noise can be heard when one cranks up the volume of a tape. This is particularly essential when recording faint sounds, because the volume of the tape will need to be cranked up rather high during playback in order to hear these sounds clearly.

No one can be touching the device or the microphone during or after the sound blasting. If the recorders are sitting on the hood or roof of a vehicle, then no one can be sitting inside the vehicle. Movement inside the vehicle will cause loud knocking and creaking sounds on the tape.

If people need to sit inside the vehicles, then the recorders should be at least 30 feet away from the vehicles. The recorders should be at least 30 feet away from people anyway, to prevent their reactions to vocalizations from overriding the recording of the vocalizations themselves. The participants have to be trained and prepared to keep quiet for long enough after any vocal responses are heard so as not to screw up the future usability of any good recordings obtained.

Other Procedures

Triangulation

If possible, you will put people on each side of the ridge or mountain top with walkie talkies. There is no technical process for triangulating the position of a sound source. It's all done by ear and judgment. All of the different listeners simply say which direction the sounds came from. They'll narrow it down greatly that way. Technical triangulation is thwarted by echoes and the relatively limited areas involved.

If you have multiple recorders placed out away from your base area, these could technically become triangulation devices, as you can listen to the sounds being recorded and compare them with the other recorders.

Controlling Distractions

Be as quiet as possible. Do not speak or move after the call blasts. This will help you and your field partner to hear what is going on!

When call blasting, the following procedures should be used.

* Upon arrival, if possible, make sure that no one is in the immediate vicinity that could be alarmed at your call blasting.

* If anyone is in the area, document their location for reference.

* Play the call at half volume, this takes away the majority of the static when playing at full volume and alerting the local Bigfoot that it is a fake call. The best time to call blast is at the top of the hour and every thirty minutes afterwards. This way, if someone reports hearing a vocalization in the area, you can discover whether they heard your call blasting or a real vocalization by what time they heard it.

* You want to play a minimum of 2 calls, and a maximum of 5 calls in any series. Depending on the length of the call being used. The longer the vocalization of your call, the less number of times you want to repeat it.

* Document the time, which direction, what call you used, and what the response was. Have your recording equipment going during the call blasting, as some responses may occur immediately.

* The two biggest problems I have witnessed with call blasting is that the people can not be still. Some one will shuffle their feet and someone will feel the need to talk. This is distracting to those trying to listen and often will be picked up on the recorder over a faint vocal. So as mentioned train yourself to be quiet.
L

MABRC Zero Trace Policy

MABRC Zero Trace Policy

It is the goal of the Mid-America Bigfoot Research Center to establish a Zero Trace policy for it's researchers while in the field. The goal of this policy is to leave the wilderness areas that MABRC Researchers go to in search of Bigfoot in as natural and pristine condition as it was when they entered the area.

As the term suggests, the goal is for researchers to have as little impact as possible on the location he/she is researching. One of the mottos for Zero Trace is "Take nothing but pictures. Leave nothing but footprints." It's simplest and most fundamental rule is: "You pack it in, you pack it out".

UnderstandA good way to protect the backcountry is to remember that while you are there, you are a visitor. When you visit a friend you are always careful to leave that person's home just as you found it. You would never think of dropping litter on the carpet, chopping down trees in the yard, putting soap in the drinking water, or marking your name on the living room wall. When you visit the backcountry, the same courtesies apply. Leave everything just as you found it.

Here is the recommended Zero Trace Procedures from the MABRC:

Plan ahead to avoid impact.
* Limit Group size (6 or fewer optimum, however in large expeditions, this number will increase)
* Repackage food to reduce containers
* Take along trash bags to carry out all refuse
* Carry a stove and use foods requiring little cooking.

Travel to avoid impact
* Never discard cigarette butts, candy or gum wrappers or any other litter.
* Walk softly. Don't kick up dirt and stones or trample vegetation.

Make Zero Trace Camps and Campsites
* Select a site invisible from the trail and any other camping parties.
* Camp at least 25 feet from natural water sources and away from "beauty spots".
* Avoid using existing campsites that are obviously over-camped.
* Never cut standing trees and vegetation or pull up plants.
* Never dig hip-holes or trenches.
* Wear lightweight, soft-soled shoes around camp.
* Avoid building campfires or make only small fires in safe places, if possible, dig small hole that can be covered up after the fire is out. Make sure to keep the sod so it can be placed back on the top. Drown campfire and erase all evidence of it.
* Never wash dirty dishes, clothes, or yourself directly in stream or spring.
* Use biodegradable soap and dispose of waste water at least 200 feet away from water supply.
* Bury human waste six inches deep at least 200 feet from water, trails and campsites, bury your used toilet paper or pack it out. Do not leave it on top of the ground.
* Stay as quiet as possible.
* Leave your pets at home.
* Pick up every trace of litter.
* Replace and scatter twigs and leaves cleared for a sleeping area.
* Pack out all garbage.
* Check for any evidence of your stay, it is your duty to leave zero trace.

Camp and Travel on Durable Surfaces

Damage to land occurs when visitors trample vegetation or communities of organisms beyond recovery. The resulting barren areas develop into undesirable trails, campsites, and soil erosion.

Concentrate Activity, or Spread Out?

In high-use areas, campers should concentrate their activities where vegetation is already absent. Minimize resource damage by using existing trails and selecting designated or existing campsites.

In more remote, less-traveled areas, campers should generally spread out. When hiking, take different paths to avoid creating new trails that cause erosion. When camping, disperse tents and cooking activities-and move camp daily to avoid creating permanent-looking campsites. Always choose the most durable surfaces available: rock, gravel, dry grasses, or snow. 

These guidelines apply to most alpine settings and may be different for other areas, such as deserts. Learn the Zero Trace techniques for your crew's specific activity or destination. Check with land managers to be sure of the proper technique.

Minimize Site Alterations

Do not dig tent trenches or build lean-tos, tables, or chairs. Never hammer nails into trees, hack at trees with hatchets or saws, or damage bark and roots by tying horses to trees for extended periods. Replace surface rocks or twigs that you cleared from the campsite. On high-impact sites, clean the area and dismantle inappropriate user-built facilities such as multiple fire rings and log seats or tables.

Good campsites are found, not made. Avoid altering a site, digging trenches, or building structures.

Minimize Campfire Use

Some people would not think of camping without a campfire. Yet the naturalness of many areas has been degraded by overuse of fires and increasing demand for firewood.

Lightweight camp stoves make low-impact camping possible by encouraging a shift away from fires. Stoves are fast, eliminate the need for firewood, and make cleanup after meals easier. After dinner, enjoy a candle lantern instead of a fire.

If you build a fire, the most important consideration is the potential for resource damage. Whenever possible, use an existing campfire ring in a well-placed campsite. Choose not to have a fire in areas where wood is scarce-at higher elevations, in heavily used areas with a limited wood supply, or in desert settings.

True Zero Trace fires are small. Use dead and downed wood no larger than an adult's wrist. When possible, burn all wood to ash and remove all unburned trash and food from the fire ring. If a site has two or more fire rings, you may dismantle all but one and scatter the materials in the surrounding area. Be certain all wood and campfire debris is dead out.

Respect Wildlife

Quick movements and loud noises are stressful to animals. Considerate campers practice these safety methods:Observe wildlife from afar to avoid disturbing them. 

* Give animals a wide berth, especially during breeding, nesting, and birthing seasons. 
* Store food securely and keep garbage and food scraps away from animals so they will not acquire bad habits. Help keep wildlife wild. 

You are too close if an animal alters its normal activities.

BFG - Using Google Earth in Bigfoot Research

Have you ever wondered how to use Google Earth in your research?  Well, the Bigfoot Field Guide put together this great tutorial several years back and made it available for free to anyone who wanted to know, here is the download link to get this great guide.

Casting a track in the field

Courtesy of the MABRC

Casting a track in the field (See presentation slides at bottom of article)

You come across a track, and it appears to be a large human-shaped footprint. You may have found a Bigfoot track, what do you do? This article will show the MABRC Researcher how to identify, document and cast a Bigfoot track.

What type of track

First, you must confirm what type of track it is, we’ve included a chart here with many of the more commonly found tracks in the woods. 

Inspect the track 

When you find a track, you must inspect it and make sure it is an actual Bigfoot track, and not one that is misidentified, human-made or hoaxed. 

The following steps should be followed.

Variation - If multiple prints are found, look for variations such as toe position, shape, partial or full prints, etc. A living foot will not make the same print twice. A footprint is not what the foot looks like, but what it did when it hit the ground. Artificial feet are likely to look relatively the same print-to-print.

Compression Lines - Tiny cracks in the inner top-most part of a track are called compression lines, and are an indicator that the track was made by a flexible foot.

Impact Ridges - These are cracks that form on the outside of a track, and are caused when something hard and rigid, like wooden feet, are stamped into the ground.

Manipulation - Check to see if the print has possibly been tampered with. Has debris been removed to make the track clearer? Are there finger marks or obvious signs of shaping? Is the soil pushed and formed in ways that seem unnatural?

Human Activity - Are there signs of human presence in the area? Is the suspect print in a place where someone would think it would be noticed? In a picnic area, on a well-used trail, etc.? What is the likelihood that someone would choose this place of all places to perpetrate a hoax?

Habitat - Is the area involved likely Sasquatch habitat? Is there a history of sightings or track finds in the area?

Who knows you are there? - Who knows where you are going? Do any of your acquaintances or family members like to trick you? Maybe you know someone who wants to trick you? Could they have known where you would be?

A hoaxed track may be extremely convincing, so your best option is to document it as thoroughly as possible. You may not be convinced it is a hoax at first, but proper documentation and peer review can help you make a more informed decision.

Conclusion - Do not be so excited as to miss the little details. Regardless of what you think, if the evidence is enough to convince you that it deserves futher investigation, then do your best to document it in as much detail as possible with multiple photographs, measurements, and field notes containing time of day, date, location, and anything else worth noting, as mentioned previously. It is of the utmost importance that when presenting evidence for further review you are able to accurately portray the evidence in question. The fewer questions that need to be asked, the better results you are going to have.

The “Media”

There are several types of media or material to use in casting tracks.

* Plaster of Paris - not recommended as it is too brittle to last.* Dental Stone - Used by the F.B.I.* Hydrocal - Most commonly used for casting by researchers.* Ultracal - Requires less water to mix.

The “Tools”

* Ruler/tape measure/photographic ruler* 35 mm or Digital Camera* Casting media* Water* Bucket or other suitable container.* Mixing sticks* Latex gloves* Barriers* Hairspray or other spray or aerosol fixative* Journal

The “Basics”

Place measuring device along length and width of track. Take pictures and make sure the measuring units are viewable.

When measuring the width, do both the front and back of the track, so that this information is documented.

With these details, write them down in your journal for further information along with the cast.Take these pictures from all angles but do not place baby powder or flour into the track to make it more visible. If the track is not viewable with the camera, chances are, it’s not worth casting.

Preparing to cast

Before mixing your casting media and pouring the cast, the cast should first be properly prepared. In order to ensure a quality cast, a barrier should be erected around the track. One of the simplest barriers available is cardboard strips. These strips should be pre-cut to varying lengths. Once the appropriate length strips have been selected, you should notch the two end strips as illustrated below.

After notching the end strips, place them into the ground at a minimum of 1/2 “ from the edge of the track. This will insure that the track itself is not deformed by the pressure being applied to the ground. If the ground is too hard, the barrier can be left on the surface, and loose soil can be applied to the outside of the barrier to prevent the casting media from spilling out. Once the end barriers are in place, the side barriers should be inserted into the notches. Again, the side barriers should either be impressed into the soil or properly reinforced on the outside of the barrier. The end result is pictured here.

Mixing the medium

Now that you have prepared the track, it is time to mix the media. Most gypsum manufacturers recommend the use of latex gloves when handling and mixing media and this recommendation is carried over here. Another important rule to remember is always add the medium to water, never the other way around. Whether you are using pre-measured amounts of the two or simply “eyeing it”, the medium should be slowly poured into the water while continuously stirring the two with a mixing stick.

Once properly mixed, the slurry should have a batter-like consistency. A slurry that is too thin will be harder to contain and may not properly set up. A slurry that is too thick will not capture as fine a detail and may actually damage or alter the track during the pouring process. Before pouring the slurry, you should also tap the sides of the container until all bubbles have been discharged from the slurry.

Pouring the cast

The track is prepared, the slurry is mixed, and now it is time to pour the cast. In later installments we plan on dealing with splash casting, but for the purpose of this primer we will use a simple pour. The slurry should be carefully poured into the track at a minimum height. In my personal experience, I’ve poured directly into the heel or center of the track, or poured to the side and allowed the slurry to seep into the track. Unless the soul is especially light or dry, pouring directly into the cast as a minimum height should not affect it. Since a direct pour is the most common method employed, it is the one we will use for this demonstration.

As noted, the slurry should be poured at a minimum height and at a slow pace. The slurry should be allowed to slowly fill the track and the area between the track and barrier.

Note that the thicker the layer of slurry, the stronger the cast will be, but this will also increase drying time. Some online articles have suggested using sticks or other reinforcement to the casting media. If you are using a quality media such as Hydrocal or Ultracal, this is not necessary. In fact, adding artificats to the casting media can actually jeopardize the cast as they may introduce air pockets. These air pockets not only weaken the cast, but can also cause it to crack or break under changes in temperature or pressure.

Once the cast is poured, the waiting begins. One should refer to the manufacturers’ recommendations for the amount of time required for a cast to dry. Hardening times will vary based on type of casting media, thickness of the slurry, soil conditions, temperature, and other factors. If you are unsure, a good rule of thumb is to wait until the top surface of the cast has completely dried, then allow an additional ten to fifteen minutes. Keep in mind that you’ll only get one chance to cast the track, and therefore it is better to err on the side of caution than to rush and attempt to pull a cast before it’s ready.

Lifting the cast

When the time comes to pull the cast, gently insert your fingers under the two longest sides of the cast. This is another advantage of employing a barrier during a casting, as it will allo a wide enough surface area around the cast to exert pressure against it without actually touching the print cast itself.

Using a light rocking motion, slowly work the cast free from the soil. Once the cast is free, you should not attempt to clean it, as the casting media may still be soft enough to be damaged by even slight contact. A cast should always be handled from the top, and never from the print side. Gently wrap the cast, dirt and all in a towel or bag and stow it safely for transportation out of the area.

Cleaning the cast

The cast should be allowed to sit overnight before being cleaned. A soft brush can be used to remove the majority of dirt from the surface. Again, always handle the cast from the top side.

Assuming you have used a quality grade gypsum cement like Hydrocal or Dental Stone, the cast can then be washed. When washing a cast, avoid the use of any types of solvents or cleaners.

Warm water and a small amount of mild dish soap is more than adequate for these purposes. You should never scrub the surface of the cast, as this could potentially destroy any details. Instead, allow the water to gently run over the face of the cast while employing the same light brush strokes used when removing the loose dirt. After cleaning, set the cast aside somewhere safe and allow it to dry.

Trackways

A trackway is a set of impressions left by an animal over an extended distance. Even a set of 3 prints is considered a trackway.

Bigfoot trackways are very rare, but in the event you encounter one, documenting and casting these trackways are necessarily important to be done correctly.

Although many suspect the tracks shown here being measured by John Green to have been hoaxed by Ray Wallace, you should note that John is measuring the stride length between the tracks, trying to debunk whether they are hoaxed tracks or not.

Documenting trackways

* Measure all tracks found, width, length and depth.

* Photograph all tracks, including photos of the entire trackway, using small marker flags to signify the location of each track in the photo.

* Measure the stride length between the tracks.

* Note any obstacles that would cause deviation of trackway.

* Note direction of trackway.

* Note weather conditions.

Casting trackways

* Always cast right and left tracks, multiple tracks of each.

* Always cast more than one track.