How to: Find Bigfoot

For Tyler, ‘squatching — tramping through the woods on the look out for Sasquatch — is about seeing the world differently. “It’s camping with a purpose,” he explains. “You go out and you pitch a tent, you do your thing, but now you’re paying attention to other things besides what you usually pay attention to.”

It’s about where the journey takes you, too — even if you come back empty handed. “I’ve been all over the States and seen some amazing things — landscapes and sunsets and hills and mountains,” Tyler says. “Even when nothing happens, you’re still in the woods. You’re still out in it.”

And, lastly, it’s about being open to unseen possibilities. As Tyler says: ”There’s something to be said for the unknown, the unsolved mysteries of the world.”

Tyler shared his personal philosophy on ‘squatching — his raison d’yeti, if you will — as well as some tips for newcomers interested in going on their very own DIY expedition.

Here are the Basics to get you Started

Where to go:

Though the Pacific Northwest is a flashpoint for Bigfoot sightings, you can go ‘squatching almost anywhere — at least in the U.S. “There are reports from every state except for Hawaii,” Tyler says.

It helps to pay attention to reports (which are available on the BFRO website). You can visit areas where there have been reports of sightings, but remote areas where there haven’t been sightings might be active, too.

What to do when you get there:

‘Squatchers don’t agree on a right or wrong way to ‘squatch. Some favor stealth, while others simply try not to attract suspicion. Tyler says he always recommends doing what campers do: laugh, talk, giggle, sing, cook food. Have fun.

The bottom line, he says, is just being there, open to the experience, and ready to record if anything should happen.

What to look and listen for:

Evaluate the food supply, water availability, and shelter in a given area to determine if it would be possible for a large omnivorous mammal to survive there. Look for signs of animal life — footprints, scat, claw marks on trees.