Good points in your post BD. However, the first axiom of Sasquatch is that they find you, you do not find them.
Rodger and Bob may have been 'school'. The behavior of Patty will always be debated. All animals watch horses. A horse watching session presented itself. Patty could have cloaked. The movement of Patty in the way of a 'lead-away' procedure could have been 'exit....stage right' and possibly to school her offspring in the behavior of humans and horses. We will never know. Many animals and birds do a 'lead--away' and 'look back' procedure.
Water is the common denominator for all animals. Artesian wells are important to check out since they are limited in surface area and visited by many animals.
Using smell has challenges. Smoke from forest fires reaches Seattle and has a strong odor and visual presence at times. There are regional and seasonal differences of course. Clean mountain air is a pleasure but sometimes we are denied.