HOW TO WRITE AN EXPEDITION REPORT
(Or Squatchin’ Made Simple)

By Kathy Moskowitz and Robert Strain, AIBR


Recently on the Bigfoot Forums, a discussion ensued about the proper way to report expedition results. This paper seeks to provide a simple template for bigfooters to use to organize and present their expedition results. This template can also be used for reporting sightings, sounds, or other types of evidence gathered outside an expedition.

In general, make sure you take copious notes during any field adventure. Making written notes, even of seemingly insignificant events, can be invaluable at a later time for recollection purposes. This is especially true if you have a close encounter with a creature of unknown origin, as that is the time the documented information will be the most useful.

When documenting the results of your squatchin’ adventure, you must consider that the report will be viewed by many people. Every effort should be made to write the report as accurately, yet as concisely, as possible.

Also remember that when completing your documentation, report the facts of what you have seen, heard, smelled and even sensed. Conclusions or interpretations of what you experienced may be made following careful review and consideration. However, please note, if it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck; it’s probably a duck. That is, of course, unless it’s a little person in a turkey-feather merganser costume with a bad case of smoker’s cough, then you’ve got a problem.

The template is as follows:

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SASQUATCH INVESTIGATIONS AT THE (insert name of location) SITE

List the author(s) of the report


INTRODUCTION
Briefly tell the reader the nature of the expedition, where the site is located, what was done, etc. Do this in two or three paragraphs. If possible, include a general map of the site.

NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
Discuss the geographic location of the site. Include elevation, vegetation (trees, plants, berries, etc.), animals (mammals, fish, any prints or scat seen, etc.), temperatures, weather, moon phase, geology, etc.

CULTURAL SETTING
Outline the important information of human use in the area. Is there recreational use? If so, what kinds? How many roads are present? Did you see other campers, hikers, hunters, ATV riders, etc. in the area? Is there trash on the ground? Lots of fire rings?

RESEARCH DESIGN
Explain (as best you can) why this expedition was conducted. Where there previous sightings in the area? If so, describe them. What were you looking for? What kinds of data were being sought?

RESEARCH METHODS
This is probably the most important section of your report. Describe the site in detail, including what vehicle(s) you are using, who is with you (humans or animals), camp organization, duration of event, etc. Also note what methods of evidence collection you intended to use (i.e., if prints are located, how will you handle it – see http://www.bfro.net/ref/fieldres/archaeologicalmethods.asp for additional information of data collection methods). What methods did you employ to lure a sasquatch in? Bait? Sounds? Describe all of what you did, but save the results for the section below.

RESULTS
Here is your opportunity to describe, in detail, what did/did not happen on your expedition. Negative data is still data. If the expedition took place over several days, this information will be enhanced by giving details of the results by day and/or night, rather than by topic (i.e., avoid lumping all print finds together). Provide pictures. Provide detailed measurements and descriptions. Detail where the evidence is now (in your possession or at a lab being analyzed) and/or what needs to happen with it.

CONCLUSIONS
What was learned from this site? Summarize all the various findings made. Discuss how what you learned compared to other bigfooting work done in the area. What old ideas appear wrong? What new ideas do you have? What remains unanswered? What should we do in the future to answer such questions or test your ideas?

Very helpful post. Thanks Bipto!

Don't thank me. Thank Bob and Kathy!

Can I add?

-- If you can't see them with your own two eyes and you're not 100% sure what you're dealing with, avoid referring to whatever you're dealing with as" bigfoot". As in: "The bigfoot then circled the camp," "Then we heard the bigfoot running up the river," etc.

-- Avoid making assumptions about the motives behind their behavior. As in: "They got nervous and moved off," "They were attracted by my son peeing on the base of the tree," "I knew he was angry that I shot that rabbit," etc.

Nice write-up, guys!

Those are excellent adds.

Bipto, just what is needed


Stacy

Another thing, I don't know if it's in here and I overlooked it, is don't string people along by making an introduction post. "I saw a sasquatch and have the best evidence, keep tuning in until there are a ton of people in here posting and ticked off, and then maybe I'll tell you!" If you want a lot of people's attention, the number of posts does not reflect how many people have or will view your site, you can see by the number of views the true number, it is a lot higher than the replies. Also, any encounter is going to get a lot of attention, questions, etc. AFTER you make the initial report. If it's long, it is easy enough to write it in any text program like Word and copy and paste it in here when you are ready to post it. If you are worried about details that will give away the location, or are worried about protecting the sasquatch, omit the details and those that ask questions that you feel you can trust with the information PM them.

(edited to say) In a nutshell, your topic should begin with the initial post being the report.

AWESOME ADDITION Kathy & Bob!

This will be very useful in the near future...

The QuatchWatcher

Hope so.

I am overwhelmed by the utter brilliance of these two. Clearly they are the future of bigfooting.

Thanks Stacy!

Those are very valid points, for sure...

And I'm certain there may be other factors to consider along those same lines...

I think we tried to encompass such situations with this sentence:



And while it's not mandatory the report be reviewed by the BFF... it would be nice, no?

Oh yes... and one more thing...

If compelling evidence is found… please feel free to forward on to me asap…

Yeah, they're a couple of great kids. Sky's the limit for them, yup.

Might I add, If you got BF in a clear view, on film, only 10 ft away with sony vid cam, make sure the bat is fully charged, and forget the other stuff...... till later...

Opps almost forgot, Make sur the lens cap is off

Think it will work?
Nice Bipto!

Be sure you don't have a cleaning tape in the camera! [pointing at Cochise]

So after all that. The Oct Salmon RUN EXPO WIIL BE POSTED ' eventually Right?

hi bipto & researchers the best way to write up a field report or expedition report is tell of what possible sasquatch evidence was found & photographed. and always write down possible encounters with sasquatch creatures. try never to leave anything out of the report unless your trying to protect a eyewittness. looking forward to seeing new expedition reports here. always have a camera on you all at times you never know when might see or find something inportant. thanks bill

Bill, great post! I agree with everything you said.

Bill.....raise your right hand in the air and pretend I gave you a high five!! You my friend are awsome and spoke volumes!!

Is there a resource like this one for taking a witness report?

I have the opportunity to interview a witness in my area, and I would like to know how to do so in a manner that would be helpful to researchers. By the way, this is not a HOT sighting...It is a recollection of a childhood encounter.

I was thinking that although it is rather run of the mill, the context of where, when and with whom would be important to anyone tracking sightings over time in this particular area (and there have been some).

Please advise!

Smitty

Smitty, this link should help.

http://www.sasquatchonline.com/content/view/15/31/

Thanks, ACS! That is exactly what I needed.

Smitty

My Problem with this aspect of our study is that it keys the common everyday man/woman into the thought that bipedal anthropology is something almost anyone can witness if within the realms of such animals. The fact of the matter is that only those of us with enough experience, and those of us with enough general consul, really know where those really good areas of potential encounters exist, and realize we have a very low encounter possibility even upon our arrival in said areas.

These bipedal anthropoids do not meet and greet humans, and in most cases stay away from us. It is probably a good idea to keep records when in potential "hot spots", but to suggest to the general public that maintaining a log is a viable factor is almost the same as expecting Christ to appear and documenting that! In reality, Christ is more likely to appear to the general public than a bipedal anthropoid.

Historically we know that these animals normally offer only a fleating glimpse, and we should never expect anything more than that. If a person had a camera ready every time one appeared, we would have had much more video than that offered in the Patterson Film. If a person had a high powered rifle in his hands every time one was witnessed, there would be no doubt by now that they exist. If a truck driver decided to run one over, it would be clear by now. However, none of these things have happened, nor are they predicted in the future.

To suggest that people document evey noise made, movement in the bush, bump on a log, is almost inviting paranoia. I simply see no reason for anyone, even a researcher, to follow the guidelines suggested above ... based on common sense alone!

I've been involved in this study since 1976, witnessed a three day study of the Patterson film at Rene Dahinden's trailer in 1980, and since that time have been close to a bipedal anthropoid at least twise, but still have never seen one. I know I saw one on the film I witnessed, but have never had one walk in front of me. To suggest that I know how to keep records would be like suggesting I know how to fly the new Airbus A-380. I have it on my flight simulator with real world flight dynamics, but I doubt I'd be ready for a real-time cockpit view.

There is really no reason why anyone should follow or utilize the guidelines illustrated above, based primarily on common sense.

Douglas E. Trapp
Irving, Texas

Mr. Trapp,
I have to humbly disagree with you. I find this protocol to be of great use when reporting back from being 'in the field'.

I agree socaldave!

If someone doesn't find it useful, by all means, don't use it. But, don't disparage those that do...

Well said.