All true, which is why I'd preder to simply dump the carcass on the right doorstep and disappear, But, conversely, I've got the same attitude as your old Marine friend; if they really want to dust me off, they'd better make that first shot count, because I would immediately want to reciprocate. Been there, done that, and I'm still here.......
The UFO stuff goes a few steps above and beyond sasquatchery. If UFOs visit Earth (which I firmly believe is impossible), DoD is involved along with the spooks, and I don't want anything to do with them at all.
I believe that Smeja is a common poacher who essentially handed the California wildlife cops a legal case. That said, you're right, they prosecuted. Morover, the sasquatch world mostly condemned the guy as well. But his testimony was familiar: once shot, and upon close inspection, their realization that it was human brings on the fear of a murder conviction, which trumps a poaching violation x1000.
If you shoot one, and you want the carcass to go to good effect, you'd better deliver it to the right guy, and you'd better do it in a way that leaves you completely unknown and untracabke, or you'll pay a very steep price.