When To Shoot Or When To Run Or Even Hide?

[Woodslore]

Hello

For me it all breaks down like this.

First can I Id. my target?

This means do I know what I am looking at? (bear, guy in a suit, real deal, big cat, etc). If i can and it is not really threatening me just sitting there I am going to take note file it away in my mind and keep going. If I can get off a warning shot, spray, yell whatever I am always going to take that first. I will not use force until I have to. I have my reasons for this. I might not always get this chance. It might be a quick blindside attack. In that case it chances the game. It no longer is can I Id. my target. It's now fight or die simple as that. Most predators will back off if you put up a fight long enough, or so I am told never truly experienced this first had. Still I will fight this with whatever I have on hand. (rocks, sticks, knife, axe, firearm, bear spray etc).

Second who is with me?

This might sound odd but depending who is with me chances the game again. with my Father with 34 years Naval experience feeling a little safer due to military experience. If I am with someone like my Grandfather than again feeling safer as he maybe older but he has spent his life in the bush this level of experience is a huge boost. Plus both are the kind of guy that will not simply back down if threaten. If I am with someone like my wife I am going to have to be more on guard and more prepared. Two reasons one they are my wife I want to protect her. I would lay down my life for her. The other side she is not a person with a lot or any real outdoor experience. Her best idea when threaten is to turn and run. If with my child, not here yet soon though can't wait, than i am going to put whatever it is down fast and hard. Not trying to sound macho or anything just it is my child ask any parent who cares and they will do the same.

Third what do I have on me?

What am I carrying? Do I only have a knife, a rifle, bow, axe, walking stick, bear spray? It plays a role. Got a rifle I feel better, though depends on the calibre. .22 not going to make be feel any better against a bear. .12 gauge not overly worried if i know I can draw it quick enough and get it on the target. Even a knife makes me feel better.

Lastly I would never simply turn and run. If the animal is a predator than I just rand the dinner bell. Stand your ground make yourself look bigger. if that fails than use force. Fire a round off. Blow the whistle.

[Guest tracker]

I have asked on another thread, and since you are harassing people for how they respond to seeing a Bigfoot will now ask again: Exactly how do I prepare myself for seeing a huge bipedal creature out in the woods? I want to think that I could stop myself from panicing and going into flight mode to appreciate what I was seeing but I've never run into a creature like this so I'm not sure. Are there any mental or physical exercises recommended for preparing myself for an encounter like this?

I'll see if i can help,

First, are you a risk taker? you know do you do things like rock climbing, white water rafting or even hike alone in the woods? Have you been around wild animals before like bears?

A person will have difficulty if they are an indoor person. And if their biggest adventure every year is KOA camping or an Alaskan cruise. On the otherside you can't be a komakassi either. I use to be a guide and would have to always watch out for clients that wanted to walk up and pet wild animals or take their pic at close range. Anyways the point is to try and build yourself up with other activities first before going searching for the big guys. You can never be fully prepared but you can learn to master your fears.

JMO tracker.

[Guest]

I have asked on another thread, and since you are harassing people for how they respond to seeing a Bigfoot will now ask again: Exactly how do I prepare myself for seeing a huge bipedal creature out in the woods? I want to think that I could stop myself from panicing and going into flight mode to appreciate what I was seeing but I've never run into a creature like this so I'm not sure. Are there any mental or physical exercises recommended for preparing myself for an encounter like this?

Seriously, it would do you some good to get a perspective on size. They had a mock up of a giganto at one of the natural museums where I lived so you could look at that and kind of wrap your mind around the size of these things. I think that's the problem for me, they are almost twice my height and 5 times as heavy as I am, otherwise bigfoot kind of looks like either a gorilla on two legs or a hairier than normal hippy.

[Guest spunout]

You can run, but probably can't hide.

[Guest vilnoori]

Well, if it looks like this one, and is from 9 to 15 feet tall, I probably would faint or decide to find my "happy place." Hopefully faint.

http://www.thepaintedcave.com/img/pete/sasketch/witness/petersen/petersen_v2_1122.jpg

If it looks like the cute little kid sasquatch at the same web site, then maybe share my sandwich or play peek-a-boo. Every kid understands that game.

So it depends.

[Guest tracker]

You can run, but probably can't hide.

Yea I'll have to do some digging for reports where witnesses have successfully hid after being spotted and followed. There's a few where witnesses have taken cover before being spotted and observed them.

I wonder how good their senses really are? jeez, how can they possibly smell anything over their own scent anyways? tracker.

[Guest]

Yea I'll have to do some digging for reports where witnesses have successfully hid after being spotted and followed. There's a few where witnesses have taken cover before being spotted and observed them.

I wonder how good their senses really are? jeez, how can they possibly smell anything over their own scent anyways? tracker.

Do not forget the poor folks who are in their houses who just locked the door. Or someone woken up when sleeping to see the face in the window.. if you dont know who or what the intruder is that has to be a terrific stressful situation. And then.. to realize it is not a human as you know them has to be a shock as well..

Edited February 1, 2011 by treeknocker

[Guest tracker]

Do not forget the poor folks who are in their houses who just locked the door. Or someone woken up when sleeping to see the face in the window.. if you dont know who or what the intruder is that has to be a terrific stressful situation. And then.. to realize it is not a human as you know them has to be a shock as well..

Yea no kidding, seeing a big ape/human head peering into your bedroom window would freak most out. Behind me is an open field with sparse trees and then a lake. So I always have an eye for late night visiters. There's been multiple sightings near me only 30 minutes away in most directions.

TK, they got me surrounded. tracker

[Guest Knuck]

And once you see the size of a full grown male, door locks and window glass seem rather frivolous. They can get at us any time they want.JMO-Knuck

[Guest]

Squatchrider, I do not think you can prepare for the unknown.I used to use this mantra from the book "Dune" by Frank Herbert. Paul Atrides says it when he is facing the gom jabbar. Say it over and over with slow deep breaths, works for me, but it's not been tested against bigfoot

Here is the entire qoute:

“I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear... And when it is gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear is gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain.â€

LOL! I use that one but can usually only remember the first three lines.

I go the other way in stress. Anger can be a good thing. When I was a kid, we went down a trail despite knowing we would be assuredly "escorted" out of for the simple reason it was "our" trail and had every right to be there. Never underesitmate the power of ignorance. Currently one question never fails me.

DO I LOOK LIKE A SPECTATOR SPORT??!!

If you're angry it's hard to be frightened at the same time. No way I can outrun BF and no way I can back one down. So it has to turn into a "nothing to see here, move along..." situation with a calculated retreat. On the other hand when I clearly heard two extremely frightening vocalizations I went into full and absolute denial, stood there, and announced "someones in T-R-O-U-B-l-E !!!! to my fellow campers. When questioned if I was scared the second thing out of my mouth was "I haven't done anything wrong!". Probably the dumbest public service campfire announcement of all time. So there ya go. The only thing that will prepare/anticipate your response to a sighting will be your own past reactions to situations. If you're a runner, you're gonna run. If you're one of those folks who is just dumb like me you'll still be standing there with your mouth open.

I'd just look at how you've been in the past and figure you're going to demonstrate a variation on it. Working on that is all anyone could do. That's why law enforcement makes decent witnesses. They tend to fall back on observational skills in situations, instead of panicking.

[Guest]

And once you see the size of a full grown male, door locks and window glass seem rather frivolous. They can get at us any time they want.JMO-Knuck

EXACTLY what I am talking about Knuck With their perceptions, speed, power, and intelligence (ok, fine, but who is outsmarting who here ?) we are just very lucky they are not following through with their defense when they escort us out of their areas. Tracker, you ever have the house shake? Big slam on the wall ? And good luck up there

[Guest Knuck]

Something to think about in the woods; Sasquatches live and survive by using reactionary methods to deal with every day life. Unless you fully invade sleeping habitat, or get too near thier children, what you get is what you show. If a Squatch presents themself to you in a fairly peaceful manner, wave. Just as you would greet a friend. Speak in a normal voice, and tell him/her that you want to be friends, and are glad to meet them. (Yeah I know, he/she prob. doesn't understand a word. It's the tone, and your gestures with that tone, that will set the attitude of your encounter. They DO seem to understand hand gestures. (Don't flip it the bird!)lol

If he/she seems agitated at your presence, gesture, and tell him/her that you are going to leave. And by all means, don't fart around about doing just that. (You should always initiate walking away from an encounter first.(before they do) This will show them that you have no further agenda. Though it may be hard to think of at the time, and some will want the moment to last as long as possible, this is one of the first steps toward some form of trust with these hairy people.

It may seem like an impossible task thinking about it, but you must remain "low-key" during the whole thing. If you present/handle a firearm during the encounter, your intentions will be crystal clear, and if they see the weapon before hand, you prob. won't have a visit anyway.

Some but not all, seem to convey a very civil attitude living in close proximity to humans. Remember, they are just as curious of us as we are of them. They already know not to judge every human as bad news. (Through long time observation) What you present while in an environment that you think could contain Sasquatches, (say; camping, hiking, hunting with weapons),is how you will be perceived. Be as "normal" as you can, given the situation. If you are timid, if the prospect of a hairy giant standing a few feet away seems scary, don't go seeking an encounter. Your fearful reaction may scare them into a bad (on your end)reaction. I dealt with my first and all subsequent close meetings with the most calm I ever mustered. It has paid off every day. Just my experiences, and my opinions.-Knuck

[Guest]

Something to think about in the woods; Sasquatches live and survive by using reactionary methods to deal with every day life. Unless you fully invade sleeping habitat, or get too near thier children, what you get is what you show. If a Squatch presents themself to you in a fairly peaceful manner, wave. Just as you would greet a friend. Speak in a normal voice, and tell him/her that you want to be friends, and are glad to meet them. (Yeah I know, he/she prob. doesn't understand a word. It's the tone, and your gestures with that tone, that will set the attitude of your encounter. They DO seem to understand hand gestures. (Don't flip it the bird!)lol

If he/she seems agitated at your presence, gesture, and tell him/her that you are going to leave. And by all means, don't fart around about doing just that. (You should always initiate walking away from an encounter first.(before they do) This will show them that you have no further agenda. Though it may be hard to think of at the time, and some will want the moment to last as long as possible, this is one of the first steps toward some form of trust with these hairy people.

It may seem like an impossible task thinking about it, but you must remain "low-key" during the whole thing. If you present/handle a firearm during the encounter, your intentions will be crystal clear, and if they see the weapon before hand, you prob. won't have a visit anyway.

Some but not all, seem to convey a very civil attitude living in close proximity to humans. Remember, they are just as curious of us as we are of them. They already know not to judge every human as bad news. (Through long time observation) What you present while in an environment that you think could contain Sasquatches, (say; camping, hiking, hunting with weapons),is how you will be perceived. Be as "normal" as you can, given the situation. If you are timid, if the prospect of a hairy giant standing a few feet away seems scary, don't go seeking an encounter. Your fearful reaction may scare them into a bad (on your end)reaction. I dealt with my first and all subsequent close meetings with the most calm I ever mustered. It has paid off every day. Just my experiences, and my opinions.-Knuck

Nice. I am not going to add much except back you on the comments because 1) I think they read us similar to what a potentially aggressive dog does or any other potentially dangerous creatures in the forests. Before, there was little thought given to pushing the camouflage, the tactical gear, the stance of someone who was prepared, hunterlike. Tell me, if you were in the forest alone, or with family and all of a sudden a guy pops out of no where with a big knife and has a look of aggression what is your reaction? Compare that to a gal who is a backpacker who is constantly smiling and looking at flowers ? (By the way I met the guy I described in a swamp in Louisiana a couple years back) Straight up, hold your ground, tone of voice is important and try to not include a nervous activity that renders you a concern because it looks like you are going to be unpredictable in what you do. Sneaky, fast movements, screams and shouts do not enhance possibilities in my opinion. How long can you stand still ? If you think you need to run immediately this game probably is not going to work.. although that might be likened to a game to be played, if you run (tag). From an animal standpoint, if given space most creatures would rather back away than engage. I think these guys run the same..as people or animals.. and for obvious reasons. Thanks Knuck. I like the idea of backing away first, I would turn my back actually. I think I would eat an apple and leave one. You are not the first, I have heard, to mention the use of hand signals.. a great source in a situation described by several people have mentioned this as well. I think there are several things to take in mind here... if there is a home that has tracks, vocals and a few observations around it, then they have come to you. That makes the above situation much more applicable in my opinion. If you are in outback looking for tracks, covering a lot of territory so you are in their backyard, that is likely a completely different ballgame and one I doubt you will have as much luck with visuals and eating lunch together. But ea scenario is its own..

Edited February 2, 2011 by treeknocker

[Guest DWA]

Read about how people deal with bears and gorillas.  For the former you can come to me; I am a Resource.  I have more scary bear stories than you have stories.

 

That's how you do it.  No reason, really, to bet otherwise, particularly if you've read encounter reports.  Here is yet another reason why you should do that.

[FarArcher]

On 1/15/2011 at 0:28 AM, Guest said:

I can certainly relate to this topic Tracker. Note my sig line.

As I've stated in other threads, I had to face one down over 5 years ago. I had been deer hunting and had my German Shepherd dog with me. I had been hunting for the whole day and this was the last hunt. We had walked into a clearcut to just sit and watch the edges. Its right when I stood up to begin walking back to my truck with what light remained, that he began his crash through the timber from about 300 yds off. He was on a beeline for my exit and hearing how fast he was moving, there was no way I could beat him. Talk about being seriously scared, the reality of having few options is what got me focused on what I had to do. Actually I had two other options, one would be to begin shooting at him as soon as I could, and the other would be to stay in the clearcut until he left. But I knew it would be completely dark soon. The reality of that hit me fast, I'd probably have a heart attack from panic attack if he didn't leave. Being there after dark and have others show up, was not a proposition I wanted to consider any further. All I had was a measly mini-mag flashlight too, so staying in the clearcut just wasn't going to happen. It wasn't an option. I also abandoned the idea of shooting him regardless of how threatening he sounded in his approach. A 30-30 shot in his direction would seal my fate too. I've had several encounters before this one so I had a good idea of what I was dealing with, none quite as in-your-face as this one however. But I knew of their intelligence level plus I saw them more as a 'people' with self control instead of just an animal that lives by instinct.

As scared as I was, I found that place inside to bring me needed focus and thus to just bury the fear. Absolutely, the fear had to just be put away as a non-factor. I knew what I had to do. I knew he was standing along the only trail I could take. So with a short prayer and a few promises, assessing my weapons status, prepping my dog's lead, I began approaching him from a few hundred feet. I had a small 9mm as well that I just made sure was accessible. I cocked my rifle and positioned it for a single hand shot with my finger on the trigger. At about 60', I could begin to hear him breathing but at 40' I could see him. At that point I began speaking calmly to him. My dog begins to growl as well, but she listened to me when I told her no. Instead of walking on the far left side of the trail from him, I instead walked down the middle, which brought me about 6' closer to him. I did this because I didn't know if a second one was waiting there in the brush on the left. As I got closer, I'm kinda walking sideways because I have my rifle held up with one arm and my finger on the trigger pointed at body mass. And as I've stated many times, that rifle felt like it was about 6 inches long. The last thing I would ever want to do would be to have to shoot, because I know it would have been the last thing I ever did.

But he just stood there, listening to me, turning his body with us as we passed. He didn't follow but once we passed, my dog sure let me know she wanted to go home. She was just as scared as I was but she trusted me and we made our way past. I remember looking back a few times as we passed just to make sure he wasn't moving in on top of us, but the coast was clear. When you get that close to a potential confrontation situation, it puts things in a whole different perspective. You truly find out what your made of too. Frankly, anyone who would claim to shoot under those circumstances, really don't know what they are talking about. You can't imagine the thoughts being processed.

After we passed and my dog fought for who would make it to the truck first, yeah I just wanted to get out of there too. I don't think I've ever been so scared in my life. Once I got home an hour away, it really hit me and I didn't want to ever go outside again. Nor did I ever want to go hunting again. The fear of going outside diminished in a day or two. I was able to deal with the situation of hunting in about a week and just decided I would never go back there again. I couldn't not hunt again so that seemed to be the easy solution. Just avoid the place right? Never mind that there are bigfoot everywhere, I didn't need to think about that. lol

After a few years I had to deal with this situation of mine however. Why do I have these encounters? Well I'm still trying to figure that out. You guys who don't think it happens to some people, well you don't know but it does. I think many an opportunity to learn from those who have had more encounters then I, has been squandered just for the sake of making fun of these people. As for me, its not like I can go find one any time I want, its very random and rare, but obviously its more then most people experience.

Anyway, I eventually returned to that spot to try and figure it out. As I've relayed before as well, they were there when I returned as I was honored with some major howls from one and whistles from a second. I do think the one that howled is the same one I faced a few years before. I do wonder if he knew it was me? I don't know, I think so based on that interaction and other visits afterwards, but I haven't seen him in good light either.

My story aside, my advice is, remain calm. Don't intend to harm them, they can pick up on your intentions easily. Don't be afraid to talk to them. Not that they necessarily understand everything, but minimally I do think they pick up on your intentions from your tone. I am very open to the idea that they do understand however. I truly wish I didn't have my dog with me that time and that there was a little more light remaining, because I would have taken the next step in trying to show friendship. That wasn't in the cards however. In a way I hope that the experience is meant to provide me with what I need for the next time. If that ever happens of course. I just hope its a friendly one.

 

Have no idea who this is, but he's a canny, knowing man.

 

He also knew that a .30-30 wasn't going to do squat.