QUOTE
Inside the Bigfoot expedition briefing
By Robb Lucas - rlucas@dailypress.net
Approximately 50 people dressed in camouflage or dark clothes stood in a dimly-lit log cabin listening to a “scream,” recorded the night before.
Thursday was the first of the four-day BFRO expedition in eastern Marquette County, but several investigators arrived earlier in the week to scout the search areas.
Also in the room, tables laden with waterproof suitcases filled with electronic and camping gear, walkie-talkies, recorders, cables, plugs and connections, cigarette-lighter chargers, backpacks, bug spray and four helmet-mounted thermal-imaging camera/recording devices valued at $10,000 each.
Other than the occasional “hunting” knife, there were no visible weapons.
About half of the people attending the briefing were BFRO “first-timer,” others were search veterans, some with six or seven expeditions to their credit. The expedition leader, Matthew Moneymaker, 41, has logged 30 bigfoot expeditions since 1995. His briefing lasted about 45 minutes.
First-time researchers, Moneymaker said, should stick close to the veterans at least the first night. All researchers should “stay within radio contact,” both for the sake of safety and in order to be allowed to participate. Those carrying radios should use earpieces to limit noise.
Some groups, Moneymaker said, will be pitching tents and spending the night, others will “listen and observe” until about 2 a.m.
The technique being used was “sounding,” the idea being to lure the animals in close. Sasquatches are more curious than aggressive, Moneymaker said, although if they feel threatened they will vanish in a hurry.
He advised those taking part to act naturally — “talk softly and enjoy the experience as if you would when camping.” Most important, he said, don’t “freak” if they sense they are being watched or followed. Always remember, he said, the idea is to lure the creatures within camera range.
When using light at night, Moneymaker said, the colors blue, green or red are preferred.
Just before a “sounding” to attract a bigfoot, there will be an announcement, “10 seconds to a howl” or “10 seconds to a ‘double-knock,’” Moneymaker said, and at that point everybody should listen for a response.
By Robb Lucas - rlucas@dailypress.net
Approximately 50 people dressed in camouflage or dark clothes stood in a dimly-lit log cabin listening to a “scream,” recorded the night before.
Thursday was the first of the four-day BFRO expedition in eastern Marquette County, but several investigators arrived earlier in the week to scout the search areas.
Also in the room, tables laden with waterproof suitcases filled with electronic and camping gear, walkie-talkies, recorders, cables, plugs and connections, cigarette-lighter chargers, backpacks, bug spray and four helmet-mounted thermal-imaging camera/recording devices valued at $10,000 each.
Other than the occasional “hunting” knife, there were no visible weapons.
About half of the people attending the briefing were BFRO “first-timer,” others were search veterans, some with six or seven expeditions to their credit. The expedition leader, Matthew Moneymaker, 41, has logged 30 bigfoot expeditions since 1995. His briefing lasted about 45 minutes.
First-time researchers, Moneymaker said, should stick close to the veterans at least the first night. All researchers should “stay within radio contact,” both for the sake of safety and in order to be allowed to participate. Those carrying radios should use earpieces to limit noise.
Some groups, Moneymaker said, will be pitching tents and spending the night, others will “listen and observe” until about 2 a.m.
The technique being used was “sounding,” the idea being to lure the animals in close. Sasquatches are more curious than aggressive, Moneymaker said, although if they feel threatened they will vanish in a hurry.
He advised those taking part to act naturally — “talk softly and enjoy the experience as if you would when camping.” Most important, he said, don’t “freak” if they sense they are being watched or followed. Always remember, he said, the idea is to lure the creatures within camera range.
When using light at night, Moneymaker said, the colors blue, green or red are preferred.
Just before a “sounding” to attract a bigfoot, there will be an announcement, “10 seconds to a howl” or “10 seconds to a ‘double-knock,’” Moneymaker said, and at that point everybody should listen for a response.