I was just wondering if there had been any decisions (no matter have preliminary) on where BFRO field ops would be conducted for 2005?

There will indeed be BFRO expeditions in 2005. Tentatively, right now, Bob Strain and I will be in charge of the California expedition (subject to change!). We will be in an area heavily researched and well known to us.

Since we are just in the planning stages, what would make an expedition worthwhile to you? Is it fancy equipment? The experience? The guides? The location? The cost?

Here is a chance to make your opinion known on what an ideal expedition would be for you. Please though, don't bother basing the BFRO or the idea of paying for an experience. If you can do it on your own, you should. These expeditions are designed for those that would like to learn from experienced people so they can go out by themselves or with like-minded individuals.

Although the fancy equipment is neat and can be a nice assett to a research outting, I find the following more important (to me at least):

1. The experience - this is what it's all about. Hopefully not only will you gain a bit of field experience, but luck out and get a possible BF experience to go along with it (although I realize that is unlikely...but one can dream.)

2. The guides - having good, experienced, personable guides is of utmost importance. Not only will it make the outting more memorable, but one will enjoy the good company, and hopefully learn a lot (and maybe walk away with a newfound comrade as well!)

3. The location - yep... location, location, location.

4. The cost - What it all boils down to.. I wish I could afford to spend a good sum of money to go on field excursions with experienced researchers, but I am in the same boat as the average American and the family and bills have to come first. (Although, maybe if I asked my hubby reeeeeal super nicely... a birthday present if you will..)

To me, it would be worth saving the money if I was confident about the experience of the guides I would be with..
I think $1200 a person is kind of steep, but then again, I don't know how much an outting like that would cost.

For now, looks like I'm on my own.

We were trying to go to the new mexico expidition but we cant afford it.My wife is in retail management and we have to work around her schedule. Ther are times when you cant do things due to inventory and certon sales seasons. We are planning to do one next year and maybe do the camp out option,or not depending on what and where.I would like to see enough equipment to go around.I am talking about stuff most people dont hae. Alot of folks have some sort of radios and cheap nightvision but the stuff like infrared thermal cams are what are helpfull for night time serches.

I'd just like to say that if you need medical support (these operations wouldn't tend to lend themselves to rapid evacuation if something bad were to happen; not that it would-but it would be nice to be prepared.) I am more than willing to offer up my time. I could bring my own medical equipment and camping supplies and I hopefully will more than likely be moving to the PNW no later than May 2005.

Beyond that, I would just like to see more frequent operations.

Out of curiosity where in N. California? I live in Sacramento and have hunted the Sierra's, Coastal Range, and fished the North Coast before. If you can't expose the local just give me an approx area. You can even pm me. It would be much appreciated since I am interested in BF area/activity here in my home state.

What would make it worthwhile to me? Real, natural, unadulterated sasquatch evidence/sign! While I would certainly appreciate the people and the country, I would feel very let down if I didn't experience something left behind by your animal and I would continue to think it's all possibly bullshit. That's just me though.

t.

Hi Hairy Man!

For me it simply comes down to cost. I would place the guides next in order of importance, with equipment as last. I look at a BFRO expedition more for the social interaction and knowledge base -- equipment is nice, but being there is more important.

My suggestion is keep the cost to $100.00-150.00 per day, if we are supplying our own food and camping equipment--which I prefer. This seems to be more in-line with what the wilderness and primitive skills schools charge.

I believe a problem was not understanding where the $1200.00 (+/-) was going, versus what was being provided.

Just my two cents.

Something for east coasters would be a plus. I need something within driving distance. A plane ticket on top of the cost would be too prohibitive for me.

There are a few spots in the eastern part of West Virginia about which I'm very curious, including around Dolly Sods Wilderness and the surrounding area.

The Michigan UP, southeast Ohio, various places in Pennsylvannia, and even Maine might be good candidates (but I couldn't drive to Maine )

I'm hesitant to recommend my own state (NC), because I don't have a good feel for it yet.

It would be more difficult, but one of the more swampy areas in the southeast might be good too. It just depends on how much ruggedness people will tolerate.

My vote would be for Michigan. But if anybody needs a medic for their trip, let me know and I'll see if I can make it. I am happy to help out anyway I can.

I would vote Skamania county!

Me too....then maybe I could just play shadow

Out of curiousity, how many of you would be willing to go on a hands-on expedition in Russia in 2006 ?

I would love to! In what area?

Adamsclimber: What area in Skaminia would you recomend? Forget about the Terrain and the bugs we are interested in the areas with the highest/capita reports no matter where.

If the big guy can stand the bugs and the terrain we can to!

Heck, Magikern, if I knew that why would we be here? Just personally, I like the Bear and Panther Creek areas because they are relatively close.....but up tight and near either Adams or St.Helens seem reasonable......gotta give me a little time to learn my relatively new "backyard" before I could even begin to put together a realistic picture....its a lot of country out there and being over on the East-side, I will admit to losing some touch with areas I used to know well.

Got a couple of places that just look inviting by the maps and stuff...just haven't had the chance to get there YET

Gotta couple things simmering on the back burner and we'll all see if there's anything to be made of them....to be honest probably not a darned thing, but its a pretty good excuse to get out and have some fun

Paul, just curious would that potentially involve the Kamchatka or what the heck is the other Yakitat?
Heck, you've probably got better contacts there now than I do, but back a few, ok 10 or so years ago, I was slated to go over and help with a "Westernized" sporting-goods outfit and guide deal......was very interested, but took the "good family guy" way out.

But would be willing to rattle some cages and see if anybody answers with any info if you would like.

I thought you have heard some inside tips! Is there a lot of talk of BF in your area in general and do you know any trackers that may know where to search.

If there´s to much talk about BF, people may think that anything moving in the wilderness is our ape.

Russia would be cool. The Kamchatka peninsula is supposed to also be home to an animal known as the "God Bear" which is believed to be a surviving population of a Ice Age species of bear. If I had a way to go ($$$$), I'd be there in a heartbeat, as I am all about traveling to new places.

What I have in mind would be very inexpensive - ie completely non-profit making, enroling the help of locals.

No large groups either - no more than a dozen or so, including local guides.

This is very much in the preliminary stages - I originally had an area in he caucus mountain range in mind, but have been advised that the area is no longer safe due to local rebel fighting.

When I have more detail, you guys will be the first to know.

If you need a medic (and I could also serve as a medical resource for the locals while we are there if need be) count me in. I'd be more than happy to help out by volunteering my skills and time.