tracking sasquatch

Casting prints is the easy part! Finding them can be tricky. When it comes to what to look for, here are a few tips:
  • Search along water sources, as Sasquatch usually hangs out there! Additionally, tracks are easier to spot in the mud or sand.
  • Look for defined toes or heel impressions. A Sasquatch footprint is more than just a break in the leaf litter. Remember, this creature is HUGE & will leave an impression thank sinks into the soil!
  • Take a look at your surroundings. Carefully walk around the area to look for other impressions. You will always see a trackway rather than just one print. You will want to cast ALL prints in the trackway, as this is the best way to analyze the locomotion of these creatures. Be careful not to step on any toes! No pun intended.
  • Be prepared! Bring along casting materials & evidence markers so you can clearly identify prints & document the evidence the right way

documenting tracks

When casting prints, you've got to do it right! I remember when I found my first possible print. I got way too excited & rushed the casting process. It is so important to research beforehand & prepare yourself for evidence collection! Luckily, I've got you covered. Head to the shop for some expedition gear you'll need to cast a print!
What you'll need:
  • Bucket
  • Evidence marker
  • Tape measure
  • Hydrocal White plaster & water
  • Field notebook & pen
  • Gloves
What to do:
  • Take measurements of the individual prints as well as the step length & stride
  • Photograph each track  with a scale item such as a tape measure. At least 5 photos per track is ideal
  • Sketch a diagram of the trackway in your field notebook (include measurements)
  • Carefully remove any loose debris from the tracks without touching the soil in the print
  • Mix plaster with water until you have a pancake batter consistency
  • SLOWLY pour the plaster into the track, covering the entire track & 1" outside of it (this will ensure you capture all details)
  • Use an open hand to pat down the plaster, forcing it into smaller crevices
  • As the plaster dries, use a pen to lightly engrave the date & location into the cast 
  • Let the plaster harden for 20-40 min & while it dries, take a look around for any other evidence
  • Using a knife or other tool, cut around the print & slowly lift the cast out of the ground
  • Avoid touching the cast until completely hardened (at least 5 days)
  • Wash off the cast with a hose & gently remove dirt without scraping the cast (this may remove fine details like dermatoglyphics) 

THINGS TO ​READ

collecting hair samples

Always collect hair samples with tweezers. Place them in a paper envelope & refrain from touching them to avoid contamination. Ask a local wildlife expert to check them out before getting them tested.

choosing a field location

It's important to look at sightings in your area. Pay close attention to what type of encounters are being reported (vocalizations, sightings, road crossings.) Plan your research around that! Above all, find a location with viable habitat that might support these creatures. 

respect sasquatch

Sasquatch is an unpredictable animal, just like bears, mountain lions & some humans. Please treat them respectfully during an encounter. Do not approach them & do not make them feel threatened. The best thing to do is slowly back away from them & leave the area if possible. Remember, this species is endangered! 

THINGS YOU'll NEED

Picture
 Mixing plaster in a plastic bag, stepping over evidence without having a way to mark it & using unreliable scale items next to prints made me realize that perhaps the most important tool was missing from the Bigfoot community: proper field work gear! That's why I decided to create the very first Sasquatch Expedition Product Collection! This product line is the first of its kind, aimed toward eager researchers looking to analyze & document evidence. This collection has a focus on reusability & elimination of plastic waste! 

Footprint Casting Collapsible Bucket

$25.00 $20.00

Wrist Ruler

$10.00 $8.00

Evidence Flag Kit

$15.00

Bigfoot Bandana

$10.00

A Quest for the Truth: A Historian's Argument for the Existence of Sasquatch

$14.00 $10.00

recording & analyzing audio

Always bring an audio recorder out in the field! It is a great way to document evidence like vocalizations & wood knocks. Have it recording all day so you can be sure to capture anything that catches you off guard! Use a free program like Audacity to enhance your audio, eliminate background noise & focus in on the sound in question.