Northfork, there is another factor for not reporting sightings. This thread has listed the human side. It is 50/50, Human/Sasquatch. Reporting an incident/sighting increases the probability that seekers will bring large caliber weapons to the location with one purpose in mind. Anyone in the area is at risk. I am surprised that no one has been shot. Years ago, I had lead winging by me in total darkness. Those people were booted out of the National Forest by LE.
The popularity of roving groups of heavily armed seekers goes in cycles. Washington State has 2 counties that have passed Ordinances to protect Sasquatch.
Skamania County Ordinance 1984-2, April 1984 which replaced Ordinance 1969-01.
Whatcom County created a Sasquatch Refuge with Whatcom County Resolution No. 92-043, June 1991.
Embarrassment/ ridicule is one thing, lead poisoning is another.
BTW, I have a relative who believes in zombies so that means that I can play the big hairy mammal card at any time.
Notebooks: I use 'Reporter's Notebooks'. 4" X 8", fits my hand well, plenty of space for words and drawings and easy to carry around.