by D. Haithcoat and L. Burns
The late spring and summer see droves of folks headed to the woods for weekend getaways or weeks-long sojourns. Exploring the woods in search of the legendary wood ape, also known as “Sasquatch” or “Bigfoot,” can be quite an adventure. However, it comes with its own set of risks. Whether you’re a seasoned cryptozoologist or a curious enthusiast, safety should always be your top priority. This article provides some tips on how to stay safe while hunting for the elusive North American wood ape and includes some technical equipment that might aid in your search.
Preparing for Your Expedition
Research the Area
Before setting off on your intrepid expedition into the unknown, it’s a good idea to first research the “unknown” area you’ll be immersing yourself into. Understanding the terrain, local wildlife, and weather conditions will help you prepare appropriately. Studying maps from Google Earth and getting quality printouts from www.mytopo.com might just help keep you from getting lost. When researching a potential study area, search the web for purported wood ape sightings in and around your target area. Websites like www.woodape.org/explorer and bigfootmap.com are great tools to get you started. Familiarize yourself with local flora and fauna; including the sounds they make and signs they leave, so you don’t mistake them for possible apes in your area. The website https://caltopo.com/about/ and the OnX Hunt app are also outstanding resources.
Inform Someone About Your Plans
Always let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to return. Provide them with a detailed itinerary, including your planned route and checkpoints. This information can be crucial to your wellbeing in case of an emergency. Speaking of crucial, one of the most crucial bits of information you can leave is whenyou plan to return. That way if the unthinkable happens and you miss the deadline, a missing person’s report can be called in and authorities can commence a search.
We also recommend leaving a description of your vehicle, your clothing, and gear with a trusted friend or family member. Although infrequently, hundreds of people still go missing in the wilds of North America. You should also maintain a regular check in schedule with a trusted friend or family member for when you have cell service. Life360 is a great app that will let your family know where you are and will automatically update when it acquires a signal.
One is None, Two is One…
We always recommend going into any wilderness area, no matter how small, at least in pairs. Two sets of eyes and ears are always better than one, and your partner might hear or see something you miss. It’s also just smart. You can take every safety precaution and still become ill or injured. It happens to the most experienced outdoor enthusiasts, so be smart and take a buddy.
Pack the Essentials
A well-prepared backpack can make all the difference toward your safety and comfort. Here are some essential items to pack:
- Navigation tools: Carry a map, compass, and GPS device. Familiarize yourself with how to use them before heading out. We wholeheartedly agree with the practice of dropping pins along your waypoints as you make your way into the great wide open.
- First aid kit: Include bandages, antiseptics, pain relievers, and any personal medications. Training is essential! Having the best kit in the world won’t help you if you don’t know how to properly use it. Deep in an emergency is not the time to try to read directions or find an instructional video.
- Food and water: Pack enough non-perishable food and water for the duration of your trip, plus extra in case of delays. We recommend carrying not only extra water but at least two ways to purify water while in the field.
- Clothing: Dress in layers to accommodate changing weather conditions. Waterproof and breathable outerwear is a must. Items made of GORE-TEX, sturdy boots or trail shoes, and hard-use clothing from companies like Carhartt or Columbia are favorites of our investigators. Wool socks are also good for keeping feet dry, and lightweight wool options are good for warmer weather.
- Shelter: A lightweight tent or emergency bivvy (such as for an oversized rain poncho) can provide crucial protection if you need to spend an unexpected night outdoors. Hammocks and tarps are popular, light, and manageable shelter options for those on the move.
- Fire-making supplies: Bring waterproof matches, a lighter, and fire starting materials.
- Lighting: Carry both a headlamp and a flashlight with extra batteries.
- Multi-tool or knife: Include a multi-tool or a field knife, both of which are useful for a variety of tasks.
- Whistle: Whistles can be used to communicate with teammates and also signal for help.
- Bear spray or firearm: In the event of an encounter with potential wildlife threats, you need to be prepared to respond and protect yourself. Remember that you’re not only responsible for knowing the laws in your area regarding the carrying and discharge of firearms, but also for as well as staying proficient with its use. Answering the question, “What Caliber,” weapon that’s best for you is an entirely separate article in and of itself.
- Communications: Although service can be sporadic, carry your cell phone with an extra battery or external charging cell and cord. For longer excursions you might consider purchasing and subscribing a Garmin or Zoleo device so you can access satellite service to check in with family or contact emergency services. For those with a newer iPhone, you have built-in satellite service but check your model for capabilities and your carrier for any additional charges.
Check the Weather
Weather conditions can change rapidly in the wilderness. Check the forecast before your trip and be prepared for sudden changes. Pack appropriate gear for rain, snow, or extreme temperatures, depending on the season and location.
Navigating the Wilderness
Stick to Established Trails
While it might be tempting to venture off the beaten path in search of the wood ape, staying on established trails is safer. These trails are typically well-marked and maintained, reducing the risk of getting lost or encountering hazardous terrain. Experienced explorers, who know their limits and their environments, often find themselves in a place they don’t recognize or get their bearings mixed up. Seasonal changes make familiar environments look completely different. Be honest about your abilities. Be safe, not a statistic.
Use Your Navigation Tools
Regularly check your map, compass, and GPS to ensure you’re on the right track. Pay attention to landmarks and trail markers. If you become disoriented, stop, assess your situation, and use your navigation tools to reorient yourself. There are different types of compasses, so practice using your compass before you enter the woods. You can’t find your way to safety, if you can’t correctly read your compass.
Pace Yourself
Hiking through rugged terrain can be physically demanding. Take regular breaks, stay hydrated, and listen to your body. Overexertion can lead to injuries or mistakes that could compromise your safety. Remember, however far you hike in, you must hike that distance again to get back out.
Wildlife Safety
Respect Wildlife
The woods are home to many creatures, some of which can be dangerous. Maintain a respectful distance from all wildlife, and never attempt to feed or approach animals. Learn about the local species and their behaviors to understand how to avoid potentially dangerous encounters.
Bear Safety
If you’re in bear country, take extra precautions. Carry bear spray or a sidearm and know how to use them. Make noise while hiking to avoid surprising a bear. Store food securely, away from your campsite, using bear-proof containers or by hanging it from a tree.
Snake Awareness
In many regions, venomous snakes can pose a threat. Wear sturdy boots, long pants, and consider snake gaiters to protect against bites. Watch where you step and place your hands, especially in tall grass, rocky areas, and around downed trees. If you encounter a snake, give it plenty of space and don’t handle it.
Dealing with Human Encounters
Respect Private Property
While searching for evidence of the wood ape, you might come across private property. Always respect property boundaries and obtain permission before entering private land. Trespassing can lead to legal issues and conflicts with landowners. It’s also just not cool.
Avoid Suspicious Individuals
The wilderness can attract a variety of people, some of whom may not have good intentions. Trust your instincts and avoid individuals who seem suspicious or make you feel uncomfortable. If you encounter someone who makes you feel threatened, try to leave the area and contact authorities, if necessary.
Handling Emergencies
Stay Calm
In an emergency, staying calm is crucial to making rational decisions. Panic can cloud your judgment and make the situation worse. Take a deep breath, assess your situation, and think through your options.
Use Your First Aid Kit
It’s surprising how quickly a minor scrape can become infected in wilderness environments. If you or a companion become injured, use your first aid kit to provide initial treatment. Clean and dress wounds to prevent infection, and immobilize broken bones, if necessary. If the injury is serious, seek help or contact emergency services immediately.
Signal for Help
If you’re lost or in distress, use your whistle, flashlight, or a mirror to signal for help. Three short blasts on a whistle, three flashes of light, or three gunshots are recognized as distress signals. Stay in one place to increase the chances of being found. Having a good signaling kit is imperative in the woods. Orion makes many signaling devices from mirrors and whistles to pen flare launchers and orange smoke signals. These items are easily obtained and lightweight to carry.
Technical Equipment for Wood Ape Research
Cameras
High-quality cameras are the preferred choice for serious investigators when seeking to document potential evidence of the wood ape. Here are some tips for choosing and using cameras in the field:
- Late model DSLR or mirrorless cameras: These offer the best image quality and flexibility. Choose a model with good low-light performance, as many sightings occur at dawn or dusk. Some good examples would be the Canon 5D MKIV or R5 models.
- Lenses: A versatile zoom lens (e.g., 24-70mm) and a telephoto lens (e.g., 70-200mm) will cover most situations. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing landscapes. Obviously, the lower the aperture, the better the glass will handle low light.
- Tripods: A sturdy tripod adds stability, especially in low-light conditions or extended focal length shots. Consider a lightweight, portable model that’s easy to carry.
- Remote shutters: These allow you to take photos without touching the camera, reducing the risk of blurry images. Remote shutters are great for shooting from a blind and at longer focal lengths.
- Extra batteries and memory cards: Always carry spares to avoid running out of power or storage space.
Thermal Imaging Devices
Thermal imaging devices can detect heat signatures, making them invaluable for spotting the wood ape at night or in dense foliage. Here’s what to look for in a reliable thermal device:
- Handheld thermal cameras: These are portable and easy to use. Look for models with high resolution and a long detection range. Helion, AGM, and ATN are brands that have been tried and tested by the NAWAC in the field.
- Monoculars and binoculars: Thermal monoculars and binoculars provide a closer view and are ideal for scanning large areas.
- Drones with thermal cameras: These can cover large areas quickly and access difficult terrain. Ensure you’re familiar with local regulations regarding drone use. As wonderful as drones are, they take an expert hand to pilot in thick brush, are loud, and have difficulty “seeing” through leafy canopies.
Audio Recording Devices
Audio evidence can be compelling, especially if you capture unusual sounds or vocalizations. Here’s how to get started:
- Digital recorders: Choose a high-quality digital recorder with good battery life and storage capacity. Some models are designed specifically for field recording.
- Parabolic microphones: These amplify distant sounds and are ideal for capturing calls or vocalizations. Look for a lightweight, portable model.
- Omnidirectional microphones: These capture sound from all directions and can be useful for setting up unattended recording stations.
- Hydrophones: If you’re searching near water, hydrophones can capture underwater sounds that might be missed with standard microphones.
Trail Cameras
Trail cameras, or game cameras, can be left in the field to capture images or video of passing wildlife. Here are some tips for using them effectively:
- Placement: Position cameras along known animal trails, near water sources, or in areas with reported sightings. Mount them at a height that matches the expected size of the wood ape.
- Camouflage: Use natural materials or camouflage tape to conceal the cameras. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight to reduce glare.
- Settings: Set the cameras to take multiple photos or short video clips when triggered. Use the highest resolution setting for clear images. Avoid placing the camera where weeds, moss, branches, or even water movement will trigger the camera.
- Battery and memory: Choose cameras with long battery life and ample storage capacity. Consider using external battery packs for extended deployment.
GPS and Mapping Tools
Accurate navigation and documentation are critical for a successful expedition. Here’s what you’ll need:
- GPS devices: Handheld GPS units are reliable and don’t depend on cell service. Look for models with topographic maps and waypoint marking capabilities.
- Mapping apps: Smartphone apps like OnX Hunt, Gaia GPS, Avenza Maps, or AllTrails can be useful supplements. Ensure your device is fully charged and carry a portable charger and cord.
- Paper maps: Always carry a physical map of the area as a backup. Familiarize yourself with the terrain and landmarks. www.mytopo.com is a great resource to get custom maps done of just about any area in the continental US.
Night Vision Equipment
Night vision devices can help you navigate and observe nocturnal wildlife. Here’s what to consider:
- Night vision goggles: These provide hands-free operation and are ideal for navigating in the dark. However, they take LOTS of practice!
- Night vision scopes: Mounted on a camera or binoculars, these can enhance your ability to spot wildlife at night.
- Infrared illuminators: These devices emit light that is invisible to the naked eye but enhances the performance of night vision equipment. It should be noted that through our research, we’ve found that IR light may alert apes to your presence.
Other Useful Equipment
- Walkie-talkies: Reliable communication is essential, especially in areas with no cell service. Choose models with a good range and battery life and test the range before you separate from other teammates.
- Portable power banks: Keep your electronic devices charged with high-capacity power banks. Many can also be recharged with solar panels but remember that sunlight is scarce on the forest floor.
- Notebooks and pens: Document your observations, locations, and findings. Note weather conditions, flora and fauna, and other activities such as sounds and smells.
- Camouflage clothing: Blend into your surroundings to avoid startling wildlife. Many seasoned investigators recommend gearing up as you would for turkey hunting.
Field Techniques for Wood Ape Research
Setting Up Base Camp
Choose a safe, strategic location for your base camp. It should be near your search area but away from potential hazards like steep cliffs, dense underbrush, or animal trails. Ensure your camp is well-organized, with food stored securely and waste properly disposed of to avoid attracting wildlife. We have found that apes tend to like high ground with well-covered approaches.
Conducting Daytime Searches
Daytime is ideal for initial reconnaissance and setting up equipment and identifying “hide” locations. Here’s how to conduct an effective search:
- Scouting: Identify potential hotspots based on reported sightings, tracks, or other signs of the wood ape.
- Tracking: Look for footprints, broken branches, or other physical evidence. You need some form of measuring device, a camera, and a way to take notes (your cell phone probably has a note app). Take detailed photos and videos, if helpful, and note measurements of any findings. There are several 3-D imaging apps available for mobile phones. Research the ones that work best with your device.
Collecting and Analyzing Evidence
After gathering physical evidence, it’s crucial to analyze what you’ve collected. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Photographs and videos: Take time to carefully analyze high-quality images and video. Use multiple angles and include a reference for scale.
- Audio Recordings: Analyze recorded sounds for patterns or anomalies that could indicate wood ape activity.
- Footprints and tracks: To document a track you should measure the length, width, and depth. Note the type of soil and characteristics of the soil in which the track is located. If you find multiple tracks, note the length of the entire trackway, drawing a diagram of the trackway and any environmental objects. Measure from the heel of one foot, to the next heel of the same foot to find the stride length. Casting footprints using plaster to preserve them for further analysis after documenting with photos, notes, and 3-D scans if you have the app. Practice making casts at home before you need to make them in the field; it isn’t as easy as it looks. Make sure you have enough plaster and water needed for the volume of the cast.
- Hair samples: Carefully collect any hair found on branches or fences. Carry sterilized tweezers, sterile paper envelopes, and plastic zipper bags to store the envelopes in or envelopes so you can store samples for DNA analysis.
Safety Tips Specific to Wood Ape Research
Stay Aware of Your Surroundings
In your quest to find the wood ape, it’s easy to become engrossed in the search and lose awareness of your surroundings. Always stay alert and keep an eye out for potential hazards, whether they’re natural, such as uneven terrain, or human-made, like abandoned structures.
Work in Teams
It’s important enough to state again; solo expeditions are dangerous. Working in teams not only increases your chances of spotting a wood ape but also provides mutual support in case of emergencies. Establish clear communication protocols and stick together, especially during night searches.
Use Red Filters on Flashlights
Bright white light can disturb wildlife and attract unwanted attention; it also takes a long time for your eyes to adjust when the lights are turned off, which could lead to a trip or fall, or cause you to miss a visual encounter. Use red filters on flashlights and headlamps to minimize disturbances and still provide enough light to see. Red light is less likely to disrupt night vision and interfere with potential wood ape activity.
Maintain a Low Profile
If the wood ape is as elusive as reports suggest, it’s essential to minimize your presence. Once in a good location for observation, avoid loud noises and sudden movements. Camouflage clothing and equipment will help you blend into your surroundings. The less intrusive you are, the higher your chances of observing the wood ape.
Record Everything
Document your entire expedition in detail. Note down times, locations, weather conditions, and any unusual occurrences. Detailed records can help identify patterns and provide valuable data for future research.
Respect the Environment
Leave no trace of your expedition. Pack out all trash and waste, respect wildlife habitats, avoid damaging vegetation, and use biodegradable soaps. Ethical field practices ensure that future researchers can continue the search for the wood ape in pristine conditions.
Consider the Psychological Impact
Searching for the wood ape can be a mentally and emotionally taxing endeavor. The isolation, long hours, and potential dangers can take a toll on your well-being. Be prepared for these challenges and take regular breaks to rest and recharge.
Conclusion
The search for the wood ape is an exciting and adventurous pursuit, but it requires careful planning and many considerations for safety. By preparing adequately, using the right equipment, and respecting both nature and potential evidence, you can enhance your chances of a successful expedition while ensuring your well-being and that of others.
Remember, the quest for the wood ape isn’t just about finding an elusive creature; it’s also about exploring the beauty and mysteries of the wilderness. Stay safe, respect the environment, and enjoy the journey. Whether you find conclusive evidence or not, the experience of delving into the unknown and connecting with nature is a reward in itself. Happy searching!
