First of course is locating and becoming familiar (by topo map and Sat image) with a prospective large parcel of habitat where sightings or other evidence has already been consistently noted. The Okanagan National Forest area would be a very high on my short list, though I’d stay clear of the summit areas or terrain above 5000ft ASL. A remote, high conifer forest away from hiking trails and other hikers/backcountry campers etc. etc. would be ideal. The normal criterion for the location/finding apex predators should be foremost. Almost any of the well forested major drainages at mid elevation look like good areas to me.

The party should consist of two people only. Emergency GPS locator beacons is essential as is a comprehensive first aid kit and normal small emergency items. Each party member should be in excellent physical shape and experienced in back country hiking /camping / survival. Ideally and for too many reasons to go into here, party members should have extensive and successful big game hunting experience. Supplies and equipment should be limited to what 2 people can comfortably carry for extended hiking stints. Backpacks should be MOLLE spec, large overnight assault type, equipped with Camelback™ reservoir, either (2) 200 oz. (1) 400 oz.

For the above mentioned area, timing should be 2-5 weeks after snow melt.

No call blasting, no infrared gear, passive thermal imagers OK and desirable. No pheromones (unless you can talk a mature female sasquatch out of some of hers—tell her its “for science”) . Human scent masking products recommended, real fox urine is best, avail. online. Odor combating (hunting) clothing OK. Quality headlamps needed, (Princeton Tec apex™ or equal. best w/ rechargeable AA batteries. (1) Small solar charging system needed (see Sundance Solar; Voltaic Fuse™ solar charger, backpack mount; for charging a wide variety of batteries). Several sets of rechargeable batteries as required by devices carried. Two way radios needed (Midland GTX 100VP-4™- with tactical throat mics / headsets) Small digital audio recorder such as Tascam DR-03™ with TASCAM TM-ST1™ needed. NO gamecams! Survival whistles needed.

Small, unobtrusive digital cameras video recorders needed, capable of interfacing with thermal imager ideal. Game Ear™ hearing aids w/ extra batteries needed. Large size UDAP™ bear spray for each in party w/ holster needed. Specimen bottles (sealed sterile) needed. Sterile swabs needed. 25’ Cloth measuring tape grad. inches and mm / cm needed. Light weight plaster cast material and supplies OK if added weight permissible, we already have a kazillion cast samples).

2 or 3 man, 4 season Tent needed. Katadyn™ water filter system needed. Quality L/W sleeping gear needed. Inclusion / exclusion of these items listed above are mission critical, other items may be chosen as required as per team member agreement but should not include electronic devices other than those shown above. The absolute minimizing of stray electromagnetic oscillations cannot be overstressed.

The rest is easy;

Hike traveling a predefined route, between several prospective campsite areas, pick good campsites not too far (75 yds.) from game trails but not right on them either. Listen closely with at least (1) Game ear on at all times. Look for sign, spoor—think “outside the box”. Keep a detailed journal, photo-document each campsite and anything interesting. Keep your head on a swivel. Utilize still hunting technique randomly or as sensed necessary (walk 3-7 steps-stop, motionless for at lease 1 full minute, better with 2 min pauses—listen carefully). Be alert to hunches, feelings of being watched etc. Watch ridgelines from a distance downwind of them, trying to remain hidden. Don’t be in a hurry. Expect the unexpected at every new vantage point. Stay within eyesight of each other at all times. When walking together (not still hunting) normal non-boisterous conversation is OK; He / they know where you are most of the time (not always). Ideally, while bunking team should take watches; 3 hours each works well.

Allow any campfire to burn out after turning in. Enjoy, have fun, relax. Abide by low impact camping protocols at all times and don’t store food of any type within 100’ (or more) of tent. Acquire and read Stephen Herraro’s, “Bear Attacks their Cause and Avoidance”, even in areas of black bears only. Oh Yeah…have your camera ready at all times. Good luck.

As far as the claim by someone that the picture subject was he himself; that seems a fantastical claim that neither he nor anyone else can substantiate. I doupt it.

Kahil – That makes sense, too.

It appears like Cliff’s been working with the original photographer in this case. Getting his location, focal length, etc. I’m guessing they’ll have Bobo play the squatch again, and get an approximate size, but that will only have a visual impact. I’m sure it will be far from accurate.

I’ve always thought these pics were very curious.