This report is on the Chattahooche web sight. It is written by Dan Jackson. Are any of you folks familliar with him. I have read several of his stories and he does tell a good story, Robert also has it posted on the monkey chasers board. I found it very interesting.

Let me start by saying that I first saw one of these creatures called Bigfoot, or as
we call him here in Florida The Skunkape, on a warm day in November of 1983. It
was in Collier County, Florida. The encounter lasted only a few seconds, but it
welded itself in my mind forever. I have been searching for it on and off ever
since.
I know that I have been close on several occasions, but nothing has ever come of
it. I have felt his presence near me and even detected his foul odor. I have tried
all kinds of tricks to lure him in close, but none have worked very well. I even tried
a dog on one occasion to alert me to his presence, but the dog abandoned me as
soon as he heard the creature scream one evening. I have tried sitting in trees all
night with a night vision monocular trained on a narrow trail. I have used trip wires
with flares, baits, sounds, and even mirrors. Then one day I remembered
something that helped me when I was an alligator trapper for the Fl. Game Comm.
I noticed that some gators were visiting certain areas about every four to six days.
If I could not find a certain gator, I would come back after four or five days and,
sure enough, there he was.
Over the years, I came to rely on this information and it helped to capture a lot of
gators. I got the idea that just maybe this creature I was hunting might be doing
the same thing. Kind of like eating at home one night and a burger joint the next.
The trick was to watch an area long enough to establish a pattern. I am still
working the area I am talking about, so I will refrain from giving out the exact
location. I will say that there is a large wooded and swampy area that ends at a
small strip mall. There are several metal dumpsters behind the strip mall. There
are also three places in the mall that serve food. It took several nights of watching
the dumpsters and asking in a round- about way how often they are emptied. I
might add at this point that it is not a good idea to be hanging around the back of
stores late at night. The local Sheriff's dept. does not look kindly on this, also if
you tell them what you are really doing they might have you committed.
I stayed back in the woods out of sight as much as possible. I found that this area
was a favorite place for deputies to sit and write reports. This went on for
approximately six weeks - on and off - as I could afford the time to do it. I set traps
at two of the dumpsters that I did not have a direct line of sight on. When I say
trap, I mean I set pieces of the trash that was already in the dumpster that would
make noise when disturbed. I used empty drink cans and put pieces of glass and
metal inside the cans, and placed the cans on the edges of the dumpster lids. If
the lid were opened, the cans would fall out onto the pavement. I even started a
log of times and days that the dumpsters were used. I knew at what time the
stores would empty their trash for the evening, and even which employee would
take this opportunity to step behind the dumpster and smoke a reefer.
The first encounter here took place at about 2:00a.m. one morning. I was in my
usual spot and had placed the cans on the lids as always, when I heard several of
them hit the concrete. I became instantly alert! I noticed that my heart was
pounding so loud that I was sure he could hear it. At first, I could see nothing, and
then I noticed movement at the third dumpster. The area lights behind the mall are
the energy saving type that do not light a large area. As I saw a dark object
moving about at the dumpster, I began to move as silently as possible to get
closer. I moved down to the first dumpster and was walking on the pavement now
which was quieter than the bare ground. I had not checked the logbook and as
luck would have it, a vehicle rounded the end of the building.
The creature stood up and turned to face the vehicle and then moved so quickly
into the woods that I could not believe the speed with which it moved. I was the
only thing left standing in the headlights of the car now. I was lucky this night
because it was not a deputy's car; instead it was an employee who had worked
late. My right side was against the dumpster so he could not see the large
handgun in the holster. He stopped his car and asked what I was doing, and I told
him I was just getting a jump on the other guys who check these dumpsters for
things to sell at flea markets. He seemed to swallow the story and left. I also left
just in case he went to the nearest phone and called the law. I did not come back
for a few nights so things could cool down a bit.
If my theory were right, the creature would not be back for another four nights
anyway. On the fifth night I was back, but I had changed my hiding place. I was
taking a chance by hiding between two dumpsters that were close together. It was
well after midnight and quite cool this evening when I heard something rummaging
in one of the other dumpsters. I would like to say right now that if you do not know
the meaning of PUCKER FACTOR, this was it. The dumpster he was in was next
in line to the two I was between. I slowly raised up and looked over to where the
noise was coming from.
The creature was inside the container and bent over going through the garbage. I
admit right now that I was shaking with fear at being this close to the creature that I
have sought for so long. At this time, for some reason he raised up and looked
right at ME! I guess you could call it a reflex action, but I drew my pistol and
started to take aim. I did this because of the look on the creature's face. It was
not a happy face! I was in fear for my life at this point and the only thing I could do
was defend myself. I have often thought that I could never shoot one of these
creatures, and was sure that one would not harm me. The look on this animal's
face changed that immediately.
Everything happened at once - the creature leaped out of the dumpster and I fired
at the same time! The last that I saw of him was his back as he vanished into the
woods. My shot had hit low and pierced the metal container and went through the
other side and into the next dumpster where it stopped. I vacated the area very
quickly and got in my vehicle and drove the rest of the night until I got home the
next morning.
I have thought about the events of that evening and now have mixed emotions
about this creature. I have still do not know what to think. I do not want to kill it just
to prove it exists, and I certainly do not want it to get its hands on me. I also
remember how frightened I was when I was twenty feet away from him. It is very
easy to state how brave one is when it is daytime and your friends are around you,
but when it is late at night and you are alone and he is very close to you with a
raging look on his face things change. I have not been back since this incident,
and I do not know if I will go back. I will not reveal the location to anyone at this
time either. I have some thinking to do, or as my old drill instructor would say,
"YOU HAVE GOT TO GET YOUR MIND RIGHT". This is a true story that really
happened. I have not tried to profit from this. I tell this story so others who seek
this creature might be wise to recall an old saying. "BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU
WISH FOR . . . YOU JUST MIGHT GET IT"


peglegs

If true that is awesome!!
Didnt attack
Would have been nice to get a description of what he claimed he saw.
I guess after the experiences I have had here I am having a difficult time
believing this one due to lack of a series of things. But
Cool stuff Pegleg
And there is no reason why it couldn't be true. Although we don't really have much to go on regarding specifics.

The only thing I know is that Jackson is touting that as copyrighted material.

Whoa that is a good idea either way. Dumpsters backed up to thick forest. Don't know anything about the guy but its a good idea.

From what I gather Dan was with Florida Fish and Game (or a private Gator retreval service) for many years.
He also claims he has retired* from active field investigation.

(*sound like book time?)

He's posted on the various boards for a few years.

Robert

Same here.To little info available, imo.To make an informed judgement on the sighting 100% in favor or 100% against it. Though I have a few reasons for leaning toward the against side,mostly in the form of "fill in the blank" questions.

I have similar problems with these encounters. Of course, when this individual worked for a gator removal service and, for instance, claimed he removed three gators from people's swimming pools on a certain workday, I wouldn't have much of a problem accepting this, because if you've seen one gator, you've seen them all. Yes, I know they come in a variety of sizes, but they all pretty much look the same. My mind's eye can produce a quite accurate representation of what he removed from the swimming pools. Now, why are there no descriptions of what he sighted on the two occasions at the dumpsters? Inquiring minds certainly want to know. A valid attempt at a description (well, it appeared to be about 7' tall, dark brown hair, and stunk to high heaven) would certainly add to the credibility of the sighting. Otherwise, my mind's eye suggests to me, among other things, that he could have been looking into the face of a really PO'ed racoon.

Squatchwatch

I find it irritating that he had such a close observation and we are left to wonder about nearly everything from the appearance to the movement to the odor and sound. All it says is there was a raging look on his face. I even question that.
How can you tell "enraged" from terrified? "Oh you can tell" On a critter that has no description not in the least ? Right. Spose I am being too critical here but I am peeved there isn't more information.

I hate to say it reads like fiction but to me it does. And not even good fiction.
I like the idea but its also odd that on the day he chose to go there, it was there
what are we two for two ? That is odd too. I forgot about the journal. Maybe so.
Talk about lucking out. Two for two. And seeing the first one in 83.
Ok whole damned thing is odd. But then I feel odd.
He woulda really felt odd especially if it reached over and grabbed his tongue. Or stuck his digit in the guy's eye. Or pulled out a half ripe tomato out of the dumpster and stuck it on his forehead and it started to slide off. slowly. That would be odd. Oh sure, gravity too. I think I should stop posting on Sunday nights late.

I read Dan Jackson's report on the GCBRO message board.

Is this also the same man who reported using mirrors in trees?

None of us should condemn a proclaimed researcher,
only don't condone the tale
if it cannot be substanciated. :rolleyes:

The Internet is producing more and more .....
ahem Writers.

Robert

Me too, and while I hate to say this here (since they won't allow posts on their board that even MENTION any other organization's name---gimme a freakin' break), his more detailed description of what he saw is included there.

I just couldnt stay away. the fishing wasnt really that good anyway.

I do believe Dan is having the encounter drawn by Bill A.

http://www.network54.com/Forum/message?for...geid=1050179993

SkunkHunter

I can live with abridged versions of encounters on a forum board...but if you looked the thing in the eye...COME ON, what'd it look like!?! Was it going for veggies or fast food discards? Lotsa ?'s...little answers...

The Description of the creature is near the bottom of this post. At least to me it only raises more questions in my mind instead of answering the ones I already had.

My reason for posting this article was for the concept not the content of the article. I realy wasnt interested in what the monkey looked like or smelt like . What caught my attention was the concept of the article. As i inderstand the article , Dan has formulated a hypothisis. The hypothisis consisted of two parts. One being that monkeys do eat out of dumpsters, and two, based on previous expierences (catchin gators) they donot return to the same feeding area EVERY NIGHT, but may do so on a somewhat regular pattern. Next Dan set up an expierment to test his hypothisis. He found a likely area, He formed a stratagey to carry out his expierment. Dan has written a document explaining his expierment and the results. For a hypothisis to become a theory said expierment has to be repeatable. Now JimF or any of us can do the same expierment and compare the results. Folks to me this is what is called Bigfoot (scientific) Research. In my opinion this type of research will catch the eye of the scientific community. My hats off to Dan Jackson (hope I didnt blind anyone )Well folks there is my arm pits , stink as they may
Jim Mahan (peglegs)

Actually Pegleg I have tried a similar approach in the past.Not at a mall dumpster,but at the dumpsters of a large produce stand off of sr 80 not far from Labelle.Lots of rotting fruit and a fairly overpowering stench that can be smelled for miles.For awhile I 'staked' it out,but never saw anything,heard anything or smelled anything (well except for the thrown out fruit).I still check out the area, though infrequently.The surrounding area imo would be better suited for a BF to roam and remain hidden.There is also a game trail that leads off into the swamp and wooded area about a half mile behind the stand.The only animals that were seen(by me) were racoons,opossums,and deer.And they were all aware of my presence and did not venture to close to the dumpsters while I was there.I'm not saying that its a bad Idea on Dan J's or my part just that if I had seen something more than what I had,in such an area there would imo be more evidence to support it.Most dumpsters unless brand spanking new have a noteriety about them of "grabbing" on to anythingthing that hangs loose on a body,Clothes hair,(sharp edges for skin in some cases ,ouch)It just seems to me that a Bf raiding dumpsters would leave similar traces of itself,especially if reaching inside the dumpster,or stepping on the broken glass from the bottles that had fallen.Also if it was moving as fast as claimed,the direction it went shoukd have yeilded some form of evidence, a trail,footprints,more hair samples etc.other problems I have include that have seen nothing mentioned about it being seen by anyone who works there,security,employees,maintenance or any follow up reports of occurances or evidence looked for the next day.Wouldn't you try to find something to prove if to no one else,then to yourself what you saw was real ? I would.Thats the research part of it as much as the experimentation to provoke the encounter,finding evidence to back up your claim.Its good to have ideas on how to find one,but even better to walk away with some form of proof that you did.otherwise all it is is a sighting report.unverified at that.once again my opinion for what its worth.

Well ... as far as i know, er think ...
They are creatures of habit, until they feel uncomfortable, then they change up.
If they do "action A" on tues nights and "action B" on wed nights, its a good chance they will continue to do actions "A" & "B" until they feel someone knows. Then they will do action "C" instead.
They tend to follow the same trails from point A to point B, example : from bedding area to food source. Usually a direct line.

I dont doubt that they find grub food in dumpsters. Lots of animals do. What amazes me about the whole report is that they didnt notice him hiding nearby these animals are keenly aware of humans, even if they are laying down and under a pile of cardboard

I read that report on the CBO board last week and have thought about it some over the weekend..

There are some things that bother me about the report and the methods employed.

I have no problem at all with the concept of staking out the dumpsters. In fact I think it's a highly viable method, if you can pinpoint a location of repeated visits as he seems to have done.

But... If you locate a spot, and apparently spend quite a bit of time there I would think you'd be better prepared for an encounter.

I'm not sure of his goals. To obtain documented proof via photo's or otherwise? From the report I don't get the idea that he had much in the way of camera equipment. I don't think that cameras were even mentioned in the report.

Or was it to obtain a specimen? If so, did he seriously think a handgun would be sufficient to drop one of the critters? To say nothing about discharging a firearm within city limits (?), or at least a populated area. Especially in an area known for law enforcement hanging out. I'm not sure that was the wisest course of action.

It seems to me that if the account is true, and the critter was repeatedly visiting this site in such a way, a valuable opportunity was wasted. It just seems that there could have been a number of different ways of handling the surveillance of the area.

I dunno. Something isn't jiving. Unless his goal was simply to see one. I agree with the concept, but I think this report is questionable.

If this is true he should have just chilled out and not scared the creature off and he might have watched it for a month documenting it. Put up a hidden camera. He really blew it when he scared it off. It won't be back now if its true.

That's what bothered me about this 'report' as soon as I started reading it - he thought to bring a pistol, but not a camera?!

He sat out in the woods behind a dumpster for a number of nights, saw the thing a couple of times, didn't bother to gather any evidence - either with a photo or by shooting the thing, and now won't go back to the dumpster or tell anyone where it was.

Doesn't sound like research to me.


-Ray

"This is a true story that really happened." Granted...if it's true then it happened and if it happened it's true. But why do I always have trouble with a report with that caveat in it?

Dan didnt make it clear in the article if he had seen other sign of bf in the area befor he started his observation Jim , but i think this would need to be done befor the expierment to be valid. Did u check out the area Jim or did you go by the fact it looked good for bf. Im trying to remove the word "assume" from my vocabulary........lolol

[Wouldn't you try to find something to prove if to no one else,then to yourself what you saw was real ? I would.Thats the research part of it as much as the experimentation to provoke the encounter,finding evidence to back up your claim.Its good to have ideas on how to find one,but even better to walk away with some form of proof that you did.otherwise all it is is a sighting report.unverified at that.].......Jim this is where I really get confused . If the foot prints, hair samples, DNA, photos, video, ect. arent accepted as proof of the big guys existance, how can it be considered proof in a report? Im not trying to split hairs so to speak, but some day I hope to have something to add to the Research of bigfoot and I dont want to be labled a liar or hoaxer. I really appriciate you guys feed back

Jim Mahan (peglegs)

Sounds like a book is in the works...

re:after reading
by Dan Jackson
Al,I know what you are saying about having someone with you in the woods.I just never seemed to be able to find the right person that either had the time to spend away from home,was gutsy enough to be miles from anywhere at night,be able to remain silent,not run like a track star at the sound of huffing at close range,or in general someone that I felt comfortable with and had confidence in.I no longer travel in the woods as I once did,and I am in the process of writing about my twenty year quest.I feel very fortunate to have experienced the things I have seen and heard in my times in the swamps of Florida.Thank you for your kind words.
Dan Jackson
The Skunkape Hunter [retired]


Posted on May 25, 2003, 6:00 AM
from IP address 67.31.198.122

http://www.network54.com/Hide/Forum/messag...geid=1053864010

So...I have to wonder.... PR for the upcoming book?

Well ya don't run around telling everyone your so and so the skunkape hunter.....
unless someone else has already used the crocodile hunter ahead of you.

Yep book time kiddies.

Robert

I sort of feel sorry for anyone that comes out with a book after mary's or a recording after ROBO.
pegleg

Not if said book (if the point of the book is to present "fact" concerning the life and times of Mr. Bigfoot) is accompanied by the necessary hard, verifiable documentation. If nothing else, the MG/JC incident might show those who intend to publish what will and will not be accepted, and how to present it.

Recordings, however, may be a different issue.... I'm not sure what will be accepted there now...

Judging from Skunkape Hunter's "report" though, I'll not hold out much hope for his book....

"So, there I was... Standing just 20 feet from an enraged Sasquatch. Staring eyeball to eyeball with him. And it occurred to me, it was going to be him or me....."

Pegleg, first I commend you for bringing it forward. Second, its hard to judge these things as they come along. The learning curve continues and its probably just a good idea I refrain from any more tomato slinging. But I will stick to my initial comments. I think the techniques he describes are worth our time but without any verification attempts (maybe there were some, it sounds like a whole lot of stuff is missing and is to be found on the GCBRO or other places I am unfamiliar with. I keep hearing voices saying "Caution!" "Stir your drink!" "Did you remember to get batteries?" I hope its interesting accurate stuff. But I sure have my doubts.
So I will leave it at that and if something good comes out of it, I will be the first to pat the guy on the back. Providing the sas didnt sling other veggies at him and stink him up.

SR I do understand where you are commin from. I have a hard time gettin my point across sometimes. Well most of the time As far as the article being true or just settin us up for another book I couldnt care less. What I saw was a good expierment for bigfoot research.
As Jimf pointed out , footprints, hair samples, ect are just as important as expiermentation. Ill be the first to admit I enjoy diddy boppin through the woods lookin for foot prints and other bigfoot sign and hoping for a glimps of the hairy critter. I spent last night in our research area and i didnt see, hear or smell anything, but, damn it was a beautiful night here in southern oklahoma.
Im sitting here wondering when will it be time to take bigfoot research to the next level and if we do will it be accepted.
Jim Mahan (peglegs)

Well Jim I guess its like anything else. When we learn enough about it so things of importance are repeatable, then you got something. I miss the woods myself looking forward to getting back out there. All I can say is document document document tape recorder, camera. Get anything. Everything. and have FUN.

Sorry Jim (that so sounds like I'm talking to myself :rolleyes: ) I'm really quite terrible sometimes about getting my meaning across. OK I'm sufficiently tired now so hopefully it will go better for me. The area I went to was because of a few reported sightings there over a period of time and that it would be along one of the north to south travel routes that we've discussed before.Which Is why I chose it,acess to water,food sources,and lots of possible concealment are the others. What I meant by unverified sighting is like my own and several I have read from others here and elsewhere.No one else saw it there is no corroboration in the form of a second witness,tracks,hairs etc. Only a persons word.(which sometimes, especially if you don't know the person just isn't good enough anymore,sadly) There is no mention of a follow up on the sighting either by an outside source,or by the individual involved.No "I went back the next day after I calmed down, and found..." .No reason mentioned as to why this area,this mall in particular,not even the details of where it is to see if such a place exists or did at any point in time.Imo if your going to claim a sighting at least let the area be known so even if you don't plan on a return perhaps other may go to check it out for further investigation.Hmmm.... what about presume ? will it make a 'pres' outta you and me. Sorry Peg too many squatches and crazy stories going around as of late..I'm starting to bypass skeptical and fall head first into cynical about a lot of things. Hope this made more sense ???

This has probably been said already but, I'm wondering why would he sneak up to the dumpsters with a handgun but not a camera. What did he think was going to happen when the bf noticed him? Maybe it was too dark for a picture instead of a shot but his other descriptions sounded like there was enough light to get a good look.

I dunno? Just my worthless 2 cents.

Edit: OK. I went back and read about the encounter again. It was the first time he saw it that he was sneaking up on the dumpster. The second time (when he shot at it) he was already hiding betweent the dumpsters. That clears all that up I guess.

There's a lot of things in this I still don't get. It may well be covered in the GCBRO area but it seems weird to me.

'Nuff said

I liked the pic of the enraged bigfoot that someone drew for him at the bottom of the "account", it was cool looking and kinda scarey, too.....

OK it was all a big mistake....

here is the REAL culprit behind the dumpster incident......too bad Dan missed when he shot at 'im

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,88259,00.html

[QUOTE]here is the REAL culprit behind the dumpster incident......too bad Dan missed when he shot at 'im

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,88259,00.html

"

That the main reason I took mi pistol on the rare occasion that I hit the field. Its not the Skunkapes, its the freaky anarchists and such that keep me armed.

I worked at a gunshop for 6 years and when the freaky conspiracy idiots would come in I would just listen to the crackpot theories and smile. Then I would pretend to be speaking into my shirt collar as if I was wun uv dem damn gubment aigents. I own "assault" weapons because of the freaks out there, not the govt.

So in this true story, was his gun used to try to collect a specimen or was it for self defense ?

SR I found the following tidbits on the Chatahoochee boad.

I stopped taking cameras over a year ago.My reason for doing this? I have never seen a pic that was not critisized as being fake.No matter what the circumstances or quality of the pic,it is going to be called fake.There are certain parts of my story that was left out on purpose.The reason being the method I was using to harvest a creature hopefully without killing it.I have already given out the secret to finding one of these creatures,it will take time and patience but it works.Take care
Dan Jackson
The Skunkape Hunter [retired]


My weapon had been magna-ported,which means there were two slots cut into the end of the barrel.Instead of one flame out the barrel,there was three.I believe that this is what deterred him.When he lunged out of the dumpster he was coming at me!This is the encounter that helped me to make up my mind to retire from active field research.I feel that I have done all that I can do,and I do not want to go alone anymore.Take care
Dan Jackson
The Skunkape Hunter [retired]

I'm sorry, but that makes no sense to me whatsoever.Granted as a photographer I suck.Half of my pics don't turn out,and the other half are of my thumb,but damn,at least I make the effort.If its honest and truthful so what if its scrutinized ? Withholding info and statements like that are WHY its scrutinized.Its a photo of a bigfoot for gods sake .or at least its supposed to be,Do you think making the claim of the sighting is going to be less scrutinized without the photo ? :rolleyes: Its things like that that make me relize exactly why I'm so critical of anything said in a report or sighting or any info that comes along.Why bother ?In 20 years I'll have no evidence,no sighting for myself,no ideas that I can prove worked,and no verification of any claims I've made (*please note this is sarcasm*) Then I can retire.Retire ? where do I go, the home for ex-Bf'ers ?What do I send in for my ssoc claim ? Is there a pension fund for this I didn't know about ? geez.Retired ? when did that phrase start to find popularity in this field ? Hate to break it to you,but everytime you drive down a backroad or glance out among the trees even for a second YOU ARE IN THE FIELD !!!!If BF enters your mind for one split second while on a "nature walk" or simply out hiking YOU ARE IN THE FIELD !!! Maybe its just my interpetation of field research.But since when did it require a concentrated effort by a group or individual actually out looking?.Don't most sightings/encounters happen by chance or pure dumb luck in the first place ? Personally I don't know Dan ,but dammit if you're going to claim you have info to pass ,Don't sit on it, pass it on.Its exactly this kind of thing ,to me at least, Thats starts to chip away at what credibility others were starting to gain for this field.Its like watching the magicians sleight of hand,too busy looking at the right to see what the left is doing.We get so caught up in the report or circumastances of the event that we miss some of the other things said that seem to be there for no other reason than to throw off the track of what wasoriginally claimed .Granted as far as field work goes I'm still a 'newbie'(I hate that word) still learning or trying new things .I help others when I can,or sometimes act as a freind who listens,gives advice or takes it or once in a while can just make you laugh or think (hopefully both) But if I'm going to claim I have a way to find proof of a Bf I should come forward with it or just shut the hell up in the first place.Sorry if this offends anyone but after hiking in 90 degree weather for the better part of the day with nothing to show for it,I'm more than a little fed up with claims of grandeur by what for the most part seem to be publicity seekers who better serve "the community" by being relegated to the realm of the tabloids.IMO.

Great post Jim! I'm glad you brought up the point of doing "research" anytime you are driving down a road and look into the woods. I agree that being in the field covers a broad range of activities. I know that I drive certain roads for the sole purpose of trying to see "something". And, sometimes, if I think there might be something I'm not seeing from the truck, I get out at certain spots and look around closer. I may find something that I don't understand, but if I think it's important, you can bet I'm going to share with somebody who might. Maybe that's just being an enthuist, but to me I guess it is research.

I think the key is to be prepared for whatever happens, ie camera ready, maybe a notebook and pen to take notes, etc. Who knows, you or I might be the one to find that piece of evidence that will lead to the truth.

Thanks Pegleg.

More questions below. Great points Jim, JL . I just wanna throw in my two cents which has no doubt already been said.. but if it helps someone then I contributed.

D Jackson wrote the following and it was brought up by Peg, & I threw comments in behind it.

"I stopped taking cameras over a year ago.My reason for doing this? I have never seen a pic that was not critisized as being fake.No matter what the circumstances or quality of the pic, it is going to be called fake."

My question to this is, "How many images do we have to choose from?
I don't think that we have much. I don't consider out of focus, tiny images
that don't show anything worth considering. They either turn out or they don't.
They could be real but you can't tell. As bad, imho, are the images where its either close or distant and obstructed by cover (say forest) AND its out of focus. Steady that camera! Put it on something so there's no camera shake! Talk to Ken Ken Ken Yielding and some of the other people. There's great ideas, from all the photographers that contribute here.

Let's see a National Geographic image of a sasquatch. I don't think there are any. So I would think that would suggest to people who are comfortable with their image makers to get out there and get ready. Film or digital, big lens or not, be ready. Have it with you. If more people did, there would simply be more pictures.
Sure, night stuff is tough. But if you got a decent lens, can get a view and steady the camera or have a close encounter and use a flash sooner or later the images we seek will come through. But not if everybody follows DJ's advice. Just my opinion of course. And regarding calling EA photo fake. I don't think everyone does when a "hit" is made. How many hits so far ? Let's start with the Patty film.
What do you think about that ? To me, with the added technology thrown at it the past three decades... it's held up really really well. Why? I think its real. Back to Jackson comments:

"There are certain parts of my story that was left out on purpose.The reason being the method I was using to harvest a creature hopefully without killing it.
I have already given out the secret to finding one of these creatures,it will take time and patience but it works.Take care
Dan Jackson
The Skunkape Hunter [retired

Am I missing something regarding the method he uses to harvest a creature without killing it ? Jim ? Jim ? Is his secret time and patience ? If it is, seems like with a little of that on the camera technique in the proper area, that might get us a better image. Especially if you have people in the field all over the place.
When a series of images start to show up and they show similar characteristics,
and they have some backup verified data, it seems as this would point to the
real thing. The Patty film had that. "Incredible claims take incredible evidence." And certainly an incredible amount of it.

These posts are from a duplicate thread. I didn't want to lose them:

I've just got reservations for a whole host of reasons. The biggest is I don't know enough about the guy and secondly, what I do know causes me to wonder.

So until I have something compelling, I will simply remain undecided with lots of questions. It might be that there was an experience but I would question what specifically happened. Add the idea that there is a book... I dunno. The idea of books is either to make money or help people or ?
If secrets are not told or new information isn't present or if there are questions with the material regarding legitimacy, it might be that making money is the purpose. On the other hand, one of the comments I made is something may have happened to "cause retirement".

Hey everybody has different feelings. That might be the most compelling evidence of all regarding the "truth" of this.

I definitely have my reservations concerning Mr. Jackson's "encounter" but the thing that really sticks in my craw with this is his first statement that we in Florida refer to this as a Skunk Ape. Excuse me Mr. Jackson but I damn well do not refer to it as a skunk ape and I'll thank you kindly not to speak for me being the Florida resident that I am.

I also find the "retired" moniker to be funny as hell! What kind of pension plan do you get with that? :rolleyes:

Some of my thoughts...

First regarding photos. I don't think we judge them as harshly as most people claim. If they are blobs and look like just shadows and bushes, yes, we judge them harshly, but that is because you can't actually see a living breathing creature with eyes, and a nose and arms and legs.
The ones that are more detailed, ie the Myakka photos and Patty film don't fall under such scrutiny and are accepted by some as being real and are still under investigation to date.
The other (3rd) category that pics fall under are obvious fakes...done with graphic programs or people dressed up in costumes. These are usually exposed for what they are fairly easily due to one or another aspect. Some dismissed in the past, Ivan Marx, Cliff Crook..etc were exposed by the person's reputation for lying and hoaxing.

So give us some good photos of something obviously there of a living breathing animal and from a respected person in this community and I don't see a problem with people listening and being open-minded. JMO

About Dan keeping the area secret. He stated he would share the area with other researchers in Florida that wanted to continue investigating the area through private e-mail, but would not announce it "publicly" because as you all well know, some would ruin any chance of pursuing any real research by running right out there to the location and scaring off every wild animal for miles.

Hope it doesn't hurt his feelings too badly if I don't take him up on that offer. :rolleyes:

I had a thirty min. telephone conversation with Dan Jackson last night. It removed any doubt i had about the validity of his report.
Pegleg

Well Bang! That sure brought this one to a stop. Pegleg, you sound as though you are comfortable with the sighting. That is a good sign. Anything else mentioned that would be applicable here ? I know some of us (probably me) were rough on DJ when he was kind enough to bring it forward. Of course, I didn't hear from him and maybe I should go talk to him. What do you think and why do you feel comfortable now with his comments ? I take it he knows a significant amount on the subject matter if he is going to do a book. Any idea when the final product will be out ?????
By the way, Pegleg, good going on following it up.

hey SR
That critter put the fear of god in dan that night. It shattered his concept ,after 20 years of research, of bf being a passive animal. I could tell by his voice. What people have a hard time understanding is Dan has a differet agenda than most researchers. He wants to prove bf existance like most, but he understands that pics, prints and such arent goin to do the trick. He isnt interested in proveing his story to other researchers either. If u belive him fine and if u dont thats fine too. He accomplished doing what he set out to do with this situation, and a little more.........lolol. He wanted to see if a pattern of some what could be established with the feeding of bf. As far as the book goes, it is still in the outline stage. He said he is writting it hopeing it will benifit others in thier quest for bf. there are very few people in the bf community that really impress me with thier research and Dan is one of them. He was very open to any question I ask him. He didnt have to stop and think a question over. He didnt BOAST about his accomplishments. He didnt tear other people down to build himself up.
I ask Dan if he would be willing to turn his research area over to another researcher and he said yes, after he met with him and fully understood what needed to be done. Dan says he is through researching, but im hopeing after the shock wears off and the book is written he will return to researching.
Pegleg

Great reply P
Bet he does!!