This would include a lot of planning to pull off. I thought I would post a poll just to get an idea of how many people would be interested. If it looks like a good idea then maybe we can look at the bigger picture and actually start planning it better. I added the option of it maybe being a bad idea because I'd like to hear the bad points too. Maybe that would help make it run more smoothly...if we work out the kinks as we plan it.

So far, this is what I am looking at: A camping trip where we can socialize and do BF field research. There will probably be a canoe trip as well (great way to cover a lot of ground). It will be a free event other than camping fees (if they apply) and canoe rental (if you need to rent one). Every man for yourself type deal as far as food goes (unless we organize something later).

We have a big window for dates. We could do this anytime from Spring to Fall. Weather must be taken into consideration in the planning. It is normally cold in the area that this is planned. Even on some summer nights. Naturally, it will be colder in the spring and fall.

This is just a small overview of what I have in mind. I know others were talking of getting together just to get to know each other but I think that a research opportunity would be great as well. We could get to know each other at the same time. There will be many things to work out. I think it would be better to do that together, here on this forum. That way, we may have more success and everyone will be happier. Everyones ideas will make this happen. I think it would be a good idea to keep the location off the forum. We may talk about the topography but give no details on the exact site we pick.

Okay, so this is as far as I'm going for now. Who's in?

Angie
That is a great Idea Count me in hopefully it is in the same area we have been.I really enjoyed our camping trip the last time and I thought Bob was cool lets do it.Camp along the shores sound excellent and besides I have never done that and On top we do get to meet new folks .
Mark A

If it's at a time when I'm up there in the summer, I'd definitely be interested. Are you talking about a couple of nights, a long weekend maybe? If you decide on dates early enough I could try to plan my vacation for that time. And if not, I'd still like to have a little get-together, even if it's just lunch.

You can probably count me in.

Just an ex-Michigander here, but would try to make if timing permitted. And if you permit kayaks rather than canoes!

-Vern

Barring last minute hicups, I'm in!

Barring 1428 miles I'm in...oh...uhhh Dammit !!!

Hey it just a few hours away, when you are ready let me know, I would enjoy helping out...

Hey Angie,

I'd be willing to drive around lake Michigan to get there. Let me know when and where. I can supply a couple of canoes for the trip.

WIS

Sounds like fun, but work 6 days a week in the summertime

Angie, Count me in. I live in Michigan too. It sounds like a lot of fun. My husband just asked me 5 minutes ago if I want to buy some property up north so that he has a place to stay when he goes snowmobiling and a place that I can stay in when I go Bigfooting. I would love to find something right there in the middle of all the BF action! I have went BFing up north before with Mark, Jim, Bruce and Bob. You must be the Angie that they mentioned. Let me know when you plan on getting together so that I can get that time off of work.

Angie,

Fantastic!!!

My schedule gets hectic in the summer, but we are self-employed so we do have some opportunities to bend the schedule that others don't.

If I could suggest, how about a 10 day window, say from Friday evening of one week to Sunday evening of the followiing week. People could come and go as they are able to and it may be easier for people to schedule for. There could also be some that could to the whole 10 days.

Mark seems to be independently wealthy and able to find free time. I would bet he would volunteer to monitor the whole 10 days. What do you say, Mark?

I still would like a coffee klatsch or get together for all that could make it, though. Last I knew, that was Nightwings project. Btw, Paul, should be at Gander Mountain next week. If we bump into you, we'll say "Hey!".

Mick

Rhonda,

You did say "YES ", didn't you?

Cool! Thanks all for the replies so far. I got on yesterday and spent about 30 minutes replying. Then I got booted and lost it all. Now that we have some participants we can start planning on how to approach this. I thought about doing this through PMs but then I thought "Why not on the forums?". We can talk about everything on here except the location. Maybe we can keep the exact dates to PMs too but we could all throw out suggestions on here. I would like to discuss some location ideas with some others through PM. First we need to set the date because we want to plan an area that is best suited for the season that we set. We need to look at topography and travel corridors as well as food sources. There are a couple different times in the summer that berries are ready. We also need to find an area on public lands. There is plenty of it but just the right locations need to be researched.

This idea of a get together has been in my head for awhile now. I think it was in Marks "hat" thread that I first mentioned an outing with others. Nightwing and I also mentioned a get together to each other a couple times before that. I dont want this to be just my planning. I think it would work much better if we all had a say in how to do this. I also dont know how well I would do planning it on my own. I am not the best organizer. By doing this on the forum we can all plan this together. I also thought that people that would not be able to make it might help out anyway. Just for the fun of it. Ideas are welcome from everyone. I hope that doing this on the forum will be okay. Does anyone have a problem with it? Is it a bad idea? I think that it will help the participants out as well as help others plan outings of their own. Hey, they can learn from our mistakes.

Now, let me explain how I am seeing this: I just read Welbys thread on Bigfoot hunters. Everyone has some good points but there are many different ways you can go about "Bigfoot Hunting". The deer hunting approach is fine and I do use it at times. Mostly when I am out deer hunting. Yup! It is possible to do both at the same time. While I do think this approach is good, I dont think I am a good candidate for finding a BF this way. For one, I dont have the equipment. I dont have scent lock clothes. I think that the things needed would be much more extensive than what you would need to hunt deer. Not because a BF has a better sniffer than a deer but because a BF doesnt think like a deer.

I think that it is possible to use different approaches on this outing. There is a big area and some people, if they wanted, could go off on their own and "hunt" one. Hell, I'll even participate in some sort of "drive" if we plan one. We need different ideas on the best strategies.

Some ideas that I have are:

Canoe/kayak/tube down a river and pull off in different, promising areas to look for BF sign/prints.

Night-time research. Maybe blasting predator calls, setting up a tree-stand, setting out bait, game cams, night-time walks, etc. Lure one out of curiosity. Chances are that a BF is gonna see you way before you see it at night, regardless of how stealthy you are.

Day-time walks. Researching for sign and going far into BF areas. This might produce better areas to do some night time research.

A drive, as I mentioned above. Place one or two people in some likely areas and have others walk through and maybe drive any BFs towards the stationed people who just happen to have video/cameras.

This will also be a good time to get to know others. Sitting around the campfire at night is also a form of research.

Okay, now the 10 day window that Mick mentioned sounds good. I did manage to have 12 days doing BF research the year before last. I could possibly get 10 days off from work again. What do others think? I was originally thinking a 4 day weekend. We could have the 10 day window but have like 4 days be THE days to be there for those that cant manage 10 days.

Okay, as far as dates...I cannot go on the weekend of April 24th and 25th. I am going to Kentucky for a wedding. I also cannot go the weekend after 4th of July weekend. I have an anual camp/canoe trip with my friends that weekend. Any other dates I will just have to request off work. I have to talk to a relative that lives in the area and get the exact dates that the berries come in. I know it is in July and also again in August. Anyone got any suggestions for dates?

Later on we can discuss equipment, strategies, etc. So, I guess we need to concentrate on setting the dates. Offer some up guys!

And what do you mean "barring last minute hicups", Night?

And Jim, got any ideas to offer?

Angie,

If I could suggest....Dates will be the hardest to deal with. Somebody has to set a time frame, based on bf activity, food availiblility, etc. For instance, August is a booked month for us. First Sturgis, SD then Sturgis, MS then Kenton, OH. On the other hand, so what. If I can't make it, I'm sorry. Why not research dates based on bf and then it is up to us to fit into those dates.

We went north in April last year. I had my sighting then. I would have to say, though, that it is cold at night and has the potential for a lot of rain. Maybe May, early or June...see what I mean? I am sure you will do well in the initial planning. My wife and I will be willing to help in the logistics, once the dates are set.

Mick

Yeah, this is a toughy Mick. Well, it is so hard to pick dates. The area that I am planning has BF activity from Spring to Fall. My sighting was in the summer. Other activity has been in the fall and spring. Personally, I do a lot of research in that area in the fall. I think this is the best time. If we planned it in the fall then we might find it quite uncomfortable to canoe although a lot of people do. We would also have to deal with regular "known" game hunters. For those of us with children it will be hard enough to work around work schedules let alone have to deal with school schedules. All schools generally start summer vacation in early June and end in late August. So, I dont know, maybe June would be a good month. I want to be around some water sources and since it starts getting hot in June then maybe that is when BFs will start visiting cool water sources more. Who knows. Im just speculating here. Berries wouldnt be in but that might be best. Maybe BFs wont be relying on them as a source and will be out collecting other food sources. I guess I need some input on what everyone thinks is a good time. So far, I guess I nominate the months of June and July. This seems like maybe the best time to get a group together. We would blend in with the other campers and canoers. I dont think that a BF will be scared off by us. When we heard that scream it was the 4th of July weekend and there were people everywhere. I have to admit that I am going on a lot of personal experiences when planning this out. Does anyone else have input to offer?

Any votes for June or July?

I will say that I wont be able to make it on the dates of July 16, 17, 18 and 19. I'll be camping somewhere else with some non-BFers. :rolleyes:

The only time that would be bad for me would be April. Any other time is fine. I like the idea of the 10 window with the 4 (to be there) days. I hope we can put this together where everyone can be there at the same time. It would be nice to meet all of the Michigan BF researchers.

Angie,

Accept for the month of August and September and the week of July 4th, if you use a 10 day window, my wife and I should be able to participate some of the days and possibly all of them. Good Luck. Let us know if we can help with logistics. Could you PM me with general location? Would like to check my notes and see if I have any history of encounters, there.

As far as dates go, I would prefer mid May to early June. Although the weather can sometimes be dodgy around then, I think the lack of crowds is a bonus as well as increased animal activity. The 10 day window sounds a little large; an extended weekend trip would make it easier to meet everyone.

As far as location goes, I would prefer the NE Lower. Without getting too specific, the Huron National Forest and Oscoda County is the area I would recommend because of historical reasons, as well as personal knowledge. I could recommend a couple of good locations in that area.

Hi Angie
Anytime anywhere is ok for me. I am trying to talk my wife in going so that I am not the only one and this way she can meet most of the folks I have hung out with.So I am available anytime you all plan it.Another thing Bob and I are planning to have a meeting here in Detroit where we can all come and have some good Mexican food at our restaurant in Febuary So Mick and Sas and Angie and Bob if you all would like to come let me or Bob know so that I can count heads.Also Night wing If you want to make a trip down to downtown Detroit and Have some good food you are welcome a well.We just want to also meet the folks who have the same interest as well as all of us do.Like this Idea Angie and I hope alot of you can make it .If it is the place where you had the scream well I am sure that the Sas will be there cause they seem to be in this general area all year round.I believe that they have a pattern that fits like the pattern that gorrilas have.I believe they move where the food is abundant.They are large animals and need alot of food to keep that energy level up.Who knows maybe with all the folks who plan on joining we might be able to get them on film.Well anyhow great idea.Lets do it and have fun.
Mark A

Late June through mid August is my vote for the best time frame.
Weather is likely to be warm enough then for comfort, and at least for me, that is a time frame with some open time.

Ah, nothing in particular, just always toss that cavette in case life gets in the way!

I occurs to me that Michigan is only two states and a couple of inland seas away from me. When you guys get a date range figured out...you never know!

that would be cool!
a midwestern version of the infamous willow creek camp out!
someone better bring army men...

this is looking interesting. When you get some dates together maybe just maybe... and the ten day span looks good for people coming in and out. Neat stuff you guys.

I might have, but my schedule is never for certain so I don't think I'd be able to do that

Mark,

Sass and I will be in Detroit on the 15th of February to do a show at the Fair Grounds. We had hoped to arrive on the 14th for a meet with you and Bob and whoever. The 14th part, right now, is iffy, but we should, possibly, maybe, be able to make it. Regardless, we can stay over after the 15th and should be able to see you guys then, instead or as well.

Sass and I just forced a window for ourselves between July 11 and July 18. Oops, just remembered Angie said something about that weekend being reserved already. Setting the dates are going to be tough. Well, hope we can soon, so we can put it on schedule.

Rabid suggested May to June. Maybe then, huh?

Mick

Okay, so some dates to offer up. How about the 4 days you have to be there are June 11, 12, 13, 14? For the 10 dayers you will have to offer up the rest. It might be good to continue the 4 days through the next week and end it on Sunday the 20th. Im not sure if I will be able to make it the whole 10 days because of work.

To save you some time on looking it up on a calendar....June 11th is a Friday and the 14th is a Monday. We could also change that to Thursday, Friday, Sat. and Sun. Or even Sat, Sun, Mon and Tues.

What do you guys think?

Bipto, Steamrunner, and all of those that do not have experience with the Michigan Mosquito, welcome. Would love to meet all. Bipto, your mention of a couple of inland seas tickles me. Our work dictates we travel and it is amazing how most people in the USA, away from the Great Lakes, have no clue of the size of these lakes.

I mention I live on the shores of Lake Michigan and I will hear how their aunt lives on a lake and how nice it is to visit. When I mention this is like a sea, but fresh water and nothing that will bite you, sting you or eat you, most look dumbfounded.

Another thing that I have noticed when I get away from the Great Lake States is that when most people learn that I am from Michigan, they will tell me they have never been there. I came to realize that Michigan is not on the way to anywhere. If you go through it, you usually chose to turn the wheel and enter one of the Peninsulas. It is a beautiful state, but most Americans have not been to it and, probably, will not be going to it, ever. It's a shame, really.

People of the United States. Michigan is beautiful, with tons to do and see. The history dates back to the 1700's with early explorers using the waterways to penetrate North America. Niles Michigan is the only city in the United States to have had five foreign flags flown over it. Go figure.

End of Rant. Hope all can make it.

Mick

Hello Angie, Those dates in June would be fine for me. Actually, anytime in June would be good.

Angie,

Since I PM'd you that those dates are ok, I checked our schedule and found that the starting weekend we are scheduled to be in the Cincinnati area. We will be there on Monday, though and will stay the rest of the week. Sorry we miss the first weekend.

Well, maybe we should start to list some things that we would be bringing. We have:
1. A generator, reasonably quiet.
2. An invertor
3. A couple of battery packs.
4. We have a 20' by 10' canopy that would make a great community gathering/mess tent. We can loan to somebody to put up, since we won't be there the first few days.
5. Video camera with still capacity and night vision and motion activation.
6. Gas lantern and 3 burner cook stove.
7. A couple of tents we can loan.
8. Somewhat portable CD player for broadcasting into the night. We'll have to use invertor for this.

Our goal by then is to have a couple of cam trackers. Will be using Nightwings expertise for this.

Well, hopefully this will get this thread active again.

Mick

I mentioned this to Angie in my PM back to her, but as specific plans start to get made (i.e., location, dates, who's attending) I think it would make sense to set up a private thread for those attending. It would be ONLY for that purpose and would be retired and/or made public after the event was over.

Comments?

The idea of a private thread for this sounds like a good idea. It would make it easier to share specifics without having to PM a bunch of people, and it would also not tie up this thread with all the various odds and ends.

I am for a private thread...the dates so far are promising for me...

I am gamed for what ever goes down.Just to be able to meet new folks who share the same interest is great and who knows what might happen where ever it may be.I like the dates and the idea of a get together.Hope to see all who will be there.
Mark A
ps-By then I might have a few more toys to share with all.

good idea bipto.

good time as any Angie.
I will not be able to make more than a couple days at a time(retail sucks...), but would be able to drop in and out a couple of times if all goes as planned.(it's only about a 2.5 hour drive for me).
May have to pass on the canoe trip portion, but would be happy to provide 4x4 trasportation if we do a road trip or two during the event(the trails in Montmorency co./Pigeon river area are awesome...but many require 4 wheel drive to access.)

I can add a NV device, and a hi-powered electric predator call....will be looking to purchase an MP3 or CD powered call by that time, so using cleaned up calls off the net may be a feasibility.
Cam trackers as well.

I think a private thread for the location and dates is a good idea too. I only wanted to do this openly so others could offer ideas if they wanted. Sort of a way to involve everyone. I'll say once again, that I thought it also might help others to plan their own research outings. Whatever everyone participating wants to do is fine by me.

Okay, as far as equipment I can offer:

GPS unit
1 still-shot game-cam
Hand-held video camera
Hand-held still-shot camera
2 tree stands (one is a climber), and actually could arrange to get as many as 5 more
1 set of 2-way radios
I'll purchase bait (and will use myself as bait )
I'll purchase better casting material (just have hardware store kind now)
Have access to predator caller (but know Mark has a good enough one)
Have access to hand-held nightvision
Maps of area (may look for topos, aren't they pretty expensive?)
Campfire tripod (havent used it yet but want to try it out)
Rechargeable Spotlight
All the basic camping neccessities
Will purchase some kind of recording device

That's all I can think of at the moment. I'll add more as I think of them.

Also, I will be bringing my pepper spray (thinking about buying some UDAP). This is just for my own personal security. There are predators in this area. Black bear, cougar and coyote. I'm not worried about the coyote but they are a predator. I plan on doing a lot of things at night. I guess, everyone should plan on loosing a little sleep. Actually, if you're not into doing the night stuff then you dont have to. I am thinking that there are many different roles that people can play in this thing. If you want to sit at the campfire then that's fine. There are plenty of things that we can do. I'm sure we will be traveling to different areas away from camp. I wont say that we will have an actual encounter doing this but we can definitely give it our best shot. Collecting evidence, such as casts, is something I am optimistic about. We also may get some vocals recorded. Anything we can get that is BF related will be my goal.

We also need to figure out what to do with any evidence that we collect. Ideally, I would send any casts to Jimmy Chillcut. There is also the idea of sharing our evidence amongst ourselves. I guess if you're on your own then you would have exclusive rights to the evidence you gather. BUT, if evidence is gathered during a concerted effort then I think the evidence should be shared with everyone who participates. I dont know how logistical this should get. Should we sign a contract before hand? I'd like to think that I could trust those involved but to be realistic, we dont know each other at all. Wouldnt want someone to take the evidence and run with it with no guarentees of what will come of the evidence.

Well, those are some other things I have been thinking about. Dang, there are a lot of aspects to be considered here.

Angie--

In regard to topographic maps, they can be downloaded and printed from the Michigan DNR website. When you print them, the scale is much smaller than a purchased topo and this can make them a bit hard to read, but I have used them on many occasions. Last I can recall, USGS sold them for about $7.50 each, but don't hold me to that figure.

-Vern

You probably don't need to purchase any casting material. I plan on bringing 100 lbs of hydrocal, which should be sufficent for casting atleast 5-6 large tracks. But I guess it never hurts to have more though.

I would be up for it.

I might scare you all with my fireside / camping style though. I tend to be a bit....um.....renaissance.

OK, you have got to elaborate on that!

Not to detract from the thread.....but when I go out into the wilds I go a bit over the edge.

Leather pants, boots, fluffy pirate shirt (or leather shirt), sword belt with broad sword and knife, and leather cloak. I also like to sleep on the ground in the woods at night.

Anyone still want me to attend? I am harless.... I swear.... Toss a horse into the picture and I am all grins.

Did I mention I should have been in LOTR?

From Angie



I bought pretty good maps from the National Forest office in the area last year and they were pretty reasonable. I don't remember, but seems that they were 4 or 5 dollars each, with pretty good detail.

Should be able to pick up what we need once we get there.

Has a spot been selected yet? I have camped every year on the shore of LM. In the Ludington Manistee area. There is a park just inside the H-M national forest that is right on the shore. I venture into the wilderness into what is called Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness area.

Too far to carry generators but it is pretty remote in there. Up by the parking lot there are TONS of humans running around.

The camping store by me has HUGE topo maps. I don't remember how much they are but I think they are 24 x 36 or so in size.

I have been backpacking and hiking for 15 years now so I have tons of that type of gear. 6-person tent comes in handy too :-)

Provided I don't have any dog shows planned for the chosen weekend I can always get time off.

I actually know a guy who had a couple of encounters in the Manistee Nat'l Forest. Well, let me rephrase that...one possible, and one probable encounter. It does seem like a likely spot! Then again, that whole area going up 33 on the NE side seems very promising also.

I am checking out a couple of areas tomorrow up there..hoping that a combination of snowshoes, logging trucks, and thick ice will make egress into some generaly forbiding areas a bit easier(at least...snow is easier to deal with than bottomless mud..)

Good luck and have fun NW, but you just be careful if you're going out there alone.

Hi Angie,

Count me in...I am a friend of Renthorin.

I should be able to get free for this...