Preachin', Teachin' & Outreachin' ...

     Howdy!  As a member and investigator for the North American Wood Ape Conservancy, I feel the need to point out that one of our team’s goals in the ongoin’ quest for this yet undiscovered, mystery animal is community outreach.  I feel that public awareness as well as reportin’ only the facts is extremely important, especially since most folks seem to view what we do as a “fringe science”.  This is a real, livin’ species … a genuine flesh and blood animal.  Period.  But in these days & times of mass-media, “surreality TV”, pseudo-documentaries, mockumentaries and internet hype … “Bigfoot” has become a fad as well as the cryptozoological mascot for mass conjecture and skepticism alike.  I’m not askin’ anyone to “believe” in “Bigfoot”; however, I do feel the need to educate everyone with the truth about the North American wood ape.  The truth must be based on facts and backed by evidence.  Hopefully one day very soon, that evidence will be presented to science and the world in the form of a type specimen.

     The North American Wood Ape Conservancy is not a social club.  We are a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit scientific research organization, as recognized by the Internal Revenue Service, comprised of volunteer investigators, scientists and naturalists.  What that means, is that we are not tryin’ to sell y’all anything.  Period.  Our goals are sincere, and our motives are not profit-driven.  Our mission is to investigate and conduct research regardin’ the existence of the unlisted primate species known as Sasquatch or “Bigfoot”; to facilitate scientific, official and governmental recognition, conservation, and protection of the species and its habitat; and to help further factual education and understandin’ to the public regardin’ the species …

NAWAC investigators Daryl Colyer and Travis Lawrence
answerin' some questions for the Baytown crowds in 2014. 

     Since joinin’ the NAWAC, I have personally been involved in only one event as far as any public outreachin’ goes; back in November 2014 I had the privilege to volunteer for the Nurture Nature Festival held at the Baytown Nature Center.  With over 2,500 folks in attendance, the NAWAC provided the general public answers to any and all who asked about these animals.  But that was just the tip of the iceberg as far as the NAWAC’s public outreachin’ goes; members speak for such groups as Legacy Outfitters, local schools, colleges, outdoor and sportin’ expos such as those held by Bass Pro Shops and Gander Mountain.  The largest of such events is next Saturday, so if you would like to see for yourself what-all the NAWAC has to offer, take note of the upcomin' event:

     The Texas Wildlife and Woodland Expo will be held next Saturday, March 28 from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. at the Lone Star College-Montgomery in Conroe, Texas.  This will be our fourth year in attendance for this awesome, free family event, which had over 5,000 folks in attendance last year!  The Texas Wildlife and Woodland Expo & Spring Fling teach families about the land on which they live – and how to best take care of it – through hands-on clinics, live demonstrations and activities for the youngin’s!  Visit the Family Adventure Zones offerin’ hands-on educational activities such as kayakin’, archery, rock-climbin’ and live animal exhibits.  Exhibitors and experts will be offerin’ one-on-one and small group demonstrations continuously all day long in their booths!

     I would urge anyone to come spend the day and learn all about nature at this wonderful, free family event!  To learn more or get directions, visit their Web site at http://expo.tamu.edu/.  And while you are there, stop on by and visit the NAWAC at our booth!  Members and investigators will be on hand to answer your questions, share our experiences and discuss our ongoin’ field research in our quest to discover this elusive mystery primate.  For information on the North American Wood Ape Conservancy, please visit the NAWAC Web site or our Facebook page to learn more.  Hope to see y’all there!

Castin' ...

The chopper filmin' overhead with
Senior Field Producer Joe James for
a new episode of Finding Bigfoot ...

     Howdy, y'all ... just got back from a 550+ mile round-trip to Caddo Lake with friend and fellow NAWAC investigator Travis Lawrence.  While Travis and I went there primarily to bass fish ... I was also there to meet with Senior Field Producer Joe James from Animal Planet’s Finding Bigfoot and show him around the swamp.  James’ job was not only to scout the area, but to set-up and organize everything for both the film crew and cast prior to their week of filmin’ for an upcomin’ Caddo Lake episode.  On Friday, James had hired a chopper to film aerials of the lake and surrounding woods.  We saw ‘em flyin’ about while Travis and I were spendin’ the majority of our time on the water dodgin' inclement weather and doin’ lots of castin' ...

     As Travis and I were fishin', we noticed a large group of pelicans feedin' on somethin'; well, if those birds had corralled the bait, I was sure that there were predator fish such as bass feedin' on 'em as well.  We cast around that general area for a while, but didn't have the luck that those pelicans were havin'! And speakin’ of castin', I had originally been contacted by another associate producer Nick Crow a few months prior, who had asked that my son and I appear on camera to tell of our account of exactly what we had witnessed in Smith’s Slough back in June of 2009.  I just don't think I fit the bill for "town hall" material; however, some of my fishin' & huntin' buddies may say otherwise!  While TC and I opted not to be filmed, I told them that I would be happy to show them around the lake and take them back into the area of Our Encounter .  Travis and I picked-up Joe at Johnson’s Ranch Friday afternoon.  We quickly headed to my buddy’s place in Cypress Village to unload our fishin’ gear and top-off the fuel in my boat for the ride in.  The weather was cold, overcast & drizzly … so I knew right off the bat that our trip would not be a comfortable one.

Well, this group of feedin' pelicans didn't seem to mind the chopper filmin' overheads for Finding Bigfoot, nor did they seem
to mind Travis and I tryin' to "potlick" on their fishin' spot!  Needless to say, they spanked us with their expert fishin' skills ...

     Joe James is a really cool guy, and he seemed to be in awe of our lengthy jaunt through the swamp.  After blastin’ down Big Cypress, I made the cut towards Carter Lake between Hell’s Half Acre and Horse Island.  The water was about 1½’ to 2’ low, so I kept us at a slower speed as we bumped stumps and submerged logs a few times.  After showin’ ‘em where we actually saw this animal, they both decided that they wanted to go onto the island and scout around.  I poled my 1,300 lb. + boat through the slough, but due to the shallow depth, we were still about 8’ shy of dry land.  I climbed into the almost boot-level water, and even though I was careful … ended-up gettin’ wet from the knees down!  I scavenged a few logs & branches to build a makeshift bridge from the bow of the boat to the shore so Travis & Joe wouldn’t endure the same cold, wet fate I had …

     Once on dry land, I took them to the place where TC and I camped back in March of 2010, and showed them where I had set two of my five game-cams until I was forced to remove them in September of 2013.  I also demonstrated that the flooded forest was actually traversable without sinkin’ up to one’s knees, as one would certainly do if they were to walk into the water of that slough.  I’m 220 lbs. and left no tracks, even though the animal that we had witnessed was obviously much bigger and heavier, though it seemed to have moved through the flooded timber with ease.  Travis found a 3’ length of wet 2” x 12” … and used it to smack the side of a large bald Cypress to produce a wood knock.  After a few moments of silence with no response, we moved on.

Travis with his first chain pickerel!

     After polin’ the boat back into a channel, I took them past Carter Lake and onto Big Cypress as it started to get dark.  As cold as it was, surprisingly the bats were out and danced through the beam of my GoLight as we motored into the darkness.  I picked a spot in Stumpy Slough to shut-down the boat, turn off the lights and drift while listenin’ to the barred-owls and discussin’ each other’s time in the grime in pursuit of these mystery animals.  Joe was obviously not inexperienced when it came to bein’ out in the field, and as far as I was concerned he had a dream-job … especially if you were at-all interested in searchin’ for apes all over the place!  As the weather turned south, it was decided that we get our new friend back to civilization.  He had to meet someone in Shreveport, and would endure a busy schedule of preppin’ for the upcomin’ week.  Travis and I enjoyed Joe’s company; hopefully, the three of us will all cross paths some time again …

     Travis and I fished most of the day Saturday, but did not hook-up with any of the double-digit bucket-mouths that I’d bragged about lurkin’ around the secluded Cypress of Caddo.  Even though we dodged & sat-out a couple of thunderstorms, we didn’t get skunked.  However, the few bass caught were small and the rest were lip-locked due to the bitter-cold weather.  Travis caught his first chain pickerel … which was the highlight of his trip as far as the fishin’ went.  One big highlight of the trip for me was gettin’ photos of some Canvasbacks … a hen and two drakes that Travis saw lite in a sea of giant salvinia.  Livin’ on the Gulf coast, these were the first Canvasbacks I’d seen in over 25 years, since my Mississippi flyway duck-huntin’ days with my father-in-law in northeastern Arkansas.

Travis watched as three Canvasbacks landed in a sea of giant salvinia.  I was amazed that I was able to get this shot ...

     Fishin’ ‘til dark, I decided to go ahead and trailer the boat on Saturday evenin’.  Once again, I ended-up wet from the knees down at the boat ramp!  Thank God we took it out, because another front came through that night and we both would’ve been much colder & wetter dealin’ with it on Sunday mornin’.  We packed-up our belongin’s … visited with our host and hit the road by 10:30 A.M. for lunch with my daughter & her boyfriend in "Naconowhere".  I got Travis back to his place and was finally home, un-hitched & unloaded by 6:00 P.M.  Incidentally, the temperature was a balmy 72° until the front came through about 9:00 P.M. at our place.  Caddo was hit with “iceswampocalypse” today, with snow, freezin’ rain and temps in the low 20’s.  My friend in Uncertain said that the roads are a mess, and everyone is hunkered-down.  Hopefully, the freeze will knock down some of that damn giant salvinia!

     As far as castin’ goes, I wish Joe James the best in his endeavors for findin’ credible witnesses for the show.  They’ll start filmin’ later this week, and I don’t envy anyone who’s doin’ any sloughstalkin’ out there in this mess!  Who knows, maybe the apes will be active and they might actually find somethin’; best of luck, y’all!  The next time I’ll be able to do any castin’ out there, I’ll hopefully fare better than we did this trip.  But I’m sure we’ll want to hit the swamp sometime soon, hopefully after everything is green & thick, and the swamp is alive with activity.  Until then, y’all stay warm and be safe runnin’ ‘round out there in them woods!

Congregatin' ...

     Howdy-do!  This past weekend was a meetin’ of the minds for the North American Wood Ape Conservancy at our annual trainin’ camp, which was held just outside of the Sam Houston National Forest in San Jacinto County, Texas.  Members came from as far as Louisiana, Oklahoma and, get this ... Maryland to join with a few of our members from Texas in this two-day assemblage to discuss our team’s goals for 2015.  This trainin’ camp was designed to provide NAWAC members ... both old & new with fresh strategies, tactics and techniques in field research to help with our ongoin’ search for this elusive, undiscovered species.  I cannot stress enough the diligence and professionalism shown by these volunteers in their efforts to properly and conclusively document this animal, and was again humbled to be a part of this awesome team!

NAWAC members gathered fireside to discuss the team's goals for 2015 ... pictured from left
are Ed Harrison, Scott Wheatley, Tony Schmidt, Tod Pinkerton, Daryl Colyer and Mark Porter.

The group listens intently to the main message; pictured from
left are Jay Southard, Blake Kellum, Chris Buntenbah & Chad
Dorris as they heed Colyer's motto for any & all team goals ...

     While I won’t divulge details, members were briefed on such topics as field safety, proper documentation techniques, the essentials of teamwork, the importance of bein’ physically fit, usin’ the correct outdoor gear in harsh environments, a brief overview of Wilderness First Aid (in which I had the privilege to attend and pass last year) as well as the art of camouflage and observational skills.  Our presenters were very thorough, considerin’ the short amount of time we had just to take everything in.  Again, the NAWAC is not a social club; all of our members take any time spent in the grime very seriously.  These volunteer members sacrifice their time away from families, use their personal finances for any trainin’ as well as all of their research and lengthy endeavors in the field.

From left, Scott Wheatley, Chad Dorris, Daryl Colyer, Chris Buntenbah,
Jay Southard and David Haring all carry injured Tony Schmidt as our
Wilderness First Aid instructor Dusty Haithcoat walks past Mark Porter.

     We could not have picked a nicer weekend or location to hold this course.  Temps were a bit cool in the evenin’s but very comfortable durin’ the day.  I broke-in my new tent; however, I’m surprised none of the members who camped near me ever broke in to stifle my friggin’ snorin’!  Now, I personally have never heard a wood ape vocalize … but it was suggested that an incessant growl had emanated from my tent that could be felt deep in one’s chest from twenty-yards out.  Also, I had made a crucial campin’ mistake on Saturday, as-in I had left my dang tent unzipped … and returned to find not one, but two very large mahogany wasps buzzin’ around inside.  Now, had I returned in darkness and not discovered them, it prob’ly would have been a very rude and painful awakenin’ sometime durin’ the night.  At that point, I may have bellowed-out a blood-curdlin’ howl or two!

     Back to the subject at hand, if y’all would like to learn more about the North American Wood Ape Conservancy or think that you may want to contribute your time and skills toward our common goal, simply visit the NAWAC Web site or our Facebook page.  Please keep in mind that any potential members should be self-sufficient while out in the field, and thoroughly understand how to work with … as well as function as part of an intricate team.  In my opinion, I’ve never interacted with a team that’s as efficient as this one.  Period.  Thanks to all of our presenters for organizin’ everything, to our wonderful hosts for the use of their gorgeous property and to all of our members who were able to attend … especially those who traveled so far!  Until next time, y’all have fun and be really dang-careful while runnin’ ‘round out there in them woods …

From left are David Haring, Daryl Colyer, Scott Wheatley and Tony Schmidt taking field notes at our scenic venue ...

Missin' ...

     Howdy!  I know it’s been awhile, y’all ... but no, I ain’t missin’!  I’ve just been busier than a cat tryin’ to cover-it-up on concrete gettin’ ready for some upcomin’ excursions.  Due to this cold, wet winter weather … I’ve been gettin' a bit stir-crazy and need to get back out into them woods before I start havin’ a friggin’ come-undone!  After all that Preppin' ... I’ve finally finished the boat repairs and have culled my fishin’ & sloughstalkin’ gear for an upcomin’ trip to Caddo Lake.  A friend and I will not only be doin’ some bass fishin’, but we’ll be revisitin’ the area of Our Encounter with one of Animal Planet’s associate producers from the show, Finding Bigfoot.  Yeah, really.  Now, before anyone starts labelin’ me a friggin’ hypocrite, just gimme a chance to explain …

Late winter on Caddo Lake; the bass still bite, but nothin' gets green 'til at least April ...

     Back in early December, I’d received an e-mail from someone statin’ that he is an associate producer from Animal Planet, and is lookin’ for eyewitnesses for an upcomin’ Finding Bigfoot episode to be filmed at Caddo Lake.  At first, I thought someone was just funnin’ me; after all, I had just posted my rant “Exploitin’ …” a couple of weeks prior!  I thought to myself, hmmm … why in the Hell would someone want me of all people to be on their dang TV show?  I responded to him out of both curiosity and courtesy, and politely let them know that I was definitely not “town hall material” … nor did I want my 15-minutes, if y’all know what I mean.  After speakin’ with this person on the phone, he stated that they were lookin’ for legitimate witnesses to this animal in the Caddo Lake area.  Well, we fit the bill … but, did we really wanna be a part of what I had previously dubbed “surreality” TV?

     My son and I are both in a bit of a quandary about that.  After all, we get enough ridicule from family, friends & co-workers about havin’ witnessed this animal; so, why add fuel to the fire by bein’ on a program that’s lookin’ for an animal that’s not yet been proven to even exist?  Hell, we know what we saw … as in, close enough to know that it was a real animal.  The problem is, I’d much rather make a mark spendin’ time in the grime gettin’ some definitive proof, rather than havin’ folks tell us that they saw us on some dang TV program!  I have a few friends & associates who have appeared on different television programs, documentaries, radio shows and podcasts concernin’ this subject; however, I for one don’t feel the need to join in the fray …

A wall of Cypress on the glassy shore of Mossy Break ...

     While my son and I won’t be participatin’ in any of the actual filmin’ … I have agreed to take an associate producer out to the area where we saw this animal.  Of course, I told them that they picked the worst friggin’ time to film on Caddo, and that they really needed to be out there when everything was green, thick, alive & thrivin’!  The associate producer that I initially spoke with was very cordial, professional and understood our reluctance to appear on camera.  He then explained to me that unfortunately, they have no control as far as schedulin’ was concerned.  Even though this particular program is not really among my personal favorites, I ain’t the type of feller to be inhospitable; and, I offered to help them in their endeavors.  By the way ... that’s called southern hospitality!

     I ended-up sendin' the Animal Planet crew our photos and some audio files from the night that we’d spent out there one cold Spring Break, back in 2010.  I’ll be takin’ my friend and this other associate producer (who I have not yet spoken with or met) out to do some sloughstalkin’.  Durin’ the day I’ll give 'em the “nickel lake tour” and we'll hopefully spend some time in the grime!  At night we’ll run through Smith’s Slough between Horse Island and Hell’s Half Acre to see what-all we can scare-up.  Keep in mind, I ain’t part of the whoop or tree-knockin’ crowd.  This agenda, of course will all be weather permittin’ … ‘cause late February is not always kind (weather-wise, that is) in northeast Texas!  I’d hate to get them boys out there and get stuck in an approachin’ cold front, high-winds or a severe thunderstorm and come-up friggin’ missin’ …

     And, speakin’ of which, I’m really beginnin’ to miss my dang heat & skeeters right about now; this cold & wet has gotta get, no matter what that friggin’ groundhog sees!  Hmmm, wonder if one of them critters would make a good gumbo?  Anywho, I’ll be sure and give y’all an update after our trip, get lotsa pics and maybe even a double-digit bass or two.  Until then, y’all take care and c’mon back now, you hear?

Preppin' ...

     Howdy, y'all ... hope all of you and yours have had the safest & happiest of holidays!  I've not wasted any time around the house, 'cause I've been preppin' my gear for a grand New Year.  I'll be headin' back to Caddo Lake, The Big Thicket, the Ozarks and God only knows where else or what other sights I'll be blessed enough to see.  There's no time like the present to get your gear in order, 'cause before we know it spring will be upon us.  So, why worry about broken or failed gear just before a trip?  My hapless old ass has learned the hard way on many of occasions not to procrastinate when it comes to takin' care of my outdoor gear.  Always go prepared is the motto I (try to) live by, so preventative maintenance is a big part of preparedness.  I'd rather spend some quality time in the grime than bein' out there fixin' sh¡t, so this is why I've already started preppin' ...

A boat is just a floatin' friggin' hole to pour money into ...

     When it comes to my sloughstalkin' ... my boat is what I heavily rely on to get me where I need to get to and back, both safely and reliably.  But then, we all know that a boat is just a floatin' friggin' hole to pour money into ... and I was reminded of that fact just 2 weeks before Christmas.  I sure am glad that Mrs. Claus didn't balk on Santa's repair clause, 'cause not only did I hafta replace a $112.00 deep-cycle crankin' battery, but my $150.00 Guest on-board chargin' system was shot as well.  While I was switchin' stuff out, I cleaned all of the electrical contacts, changed fuses, changed-out the fuel, the fuel filter, plugs, etc. and plan to run it soon.  And if you love it, lube it!  Now, some of y'all need to keep your minds outta the dang gutter ... I was referrin' to the steering cable and wheel bearings.  I'd rather not deal with the consequences of neglect while I'm out and about.  Been there, done that!  I've launched on Caddo Lake with a frozen steerin' cable, as well as broke-down on the side of a highway with an axle snapped at the spindle.  And it seems that the farther away you are from home, the more expensive those repairs seem to get!

The new home away from home! My true test will be a wet spring in the swamp; and yes, there is a rain-fly!

     Now, let's talk about campin' gear.  My Cabela's one-man bivi has always been a great packable tent for hikin' ... but I felt the need for a comfortable base camp.  I'm now over 50, and sleepin' on the dang ground ain't gettin' any dang softer. I both enjoy and deserve some comfort in my old age, especially if I were to be out in them woods a week or so at a time.  Last year, I purchased a brand-spankin' new Ozark Trail 13' x 9' eight person tent, 2 cots and a 10' x 10' awning from "Y'allmart".  As simple as their online videos showed that this stuff is supposed to set-up, it's always a good idea to make a mock camp a few times before takin' everything out into the field.  God forbid you gotta set-up in the dark, durin' a thunderstorm or both ... and then somethin' ends-up missin' or possibly was broke to begin with!  I'd rather not spend a few days in a tent that leaks either, so I always field-test new campin' gear prior to me havin' to heavily rely on it.  Well, thank God I practice what I preach ... 'cause one of the main support poles on the tent was assembled bass-friggin'-ackwards and upside-friggin'-down, as well as bein' jammed together so tight, I thought I was goin' to break the dang thang 'fore I even got to use it.  Hell, it took me & my neighbors Milton & Farrell just to get them friggin' poles apart!

The rounded-side was inverted at the manufacturer ...
... note the damaged sleeve (center) that was jammed!

     I tell y'all what ... if I'd have found an "inspected by" sticker on that friggin' tent, I think I might've been arrested for makin' a terroristic-threat!  There was abso-friggin'-lutely no way in Hell that anyone had set that tent up prior to packagin' it.  After a lengthy re-assembly with tools I probably wouldn't have had out there in them woods, it actually set-up easy enough.  But then, I kinda noticed that the online video did not completely show the dis-assembly portion of said tent.  It shows how easy it is to collapse your tent ... but does not show anyone how to re-pack it.  Surprise!  I found out why ... it's pretty much well a 2 person job to get that 8 person tent back into its friggin' carry-bag.  The 10' x 10' instant gazebo was easy enough for one person to set-up and break-down, as long as you didn't attempt it in a brisk winter wind.  Re-packin' that damn thang was no picnic, either.  At least the new cots were a no-brainer and seemed comfortable enough, but I've made myself sleep in 'em a few times just to make sure.  Sleep deprivation after a full day of sloughstalkin' could lead to me makin' a costly mistake, as in gettin' myself or someone else hurt.  Again, this is why they call it preppin' ... so until next time, y'all take heed and take care!