Introduction
The Bigfoot research community is, in many ways, a family. We are a small circle of individuals scattered across the country who devote our time, energy, and passion to chasing a mystery most of the world laughs off. In a family, we don’t always agree, and sometimes disagreements can even sharpen our thinking. But what we cannot afford, and what hurts the most is when respect turns into something two-faced.
Filling in for a Giant
Speaking day 1 of the NY BF Conference When I was asked to fill in for the late Dr. Jeff Meldrum at the New York State Bigfoot Conference, my first reaction was humility. Dr. Meldrum cannot be replaced. His decades of teaching, his scientific rigor, and his willingness to stand against ridicule made him a giant in our field. My role at the conference was never to “replace” him, but to honor him by keeping his seat from being left empty and use it with integrity.
To me, being given that responsibility was one of the greatest honors of my career. I approached it with the utmost seriousness, knowing that I was speaking not only as myself but in tribute to a man who shaped modern Sasquatch research.
To me, being given that responsibility was one of the greatest honors of my career. I approached it with the utmost seriousness, knowing that I was speaking not only as myself but in tribute to a man who shaped modern Sasquatch research.
The Disappointment
It was in this context that I heard words spoken against me, at the Whitehall Sasquatch Festival, dismissive and disparaging comments from someone I once considered a friend. This person is not a stranger to the field. His own sighting in the mid-1970s gave him credibility, and despite the ridicule he endured in those years, he eventually entered active research around 2003.
I have always respected him for that. We’ve had many friendly interactions over the years, including warm embraces and shared laughs at past events. That’s what made his recent comments so disappointing. Phrases like, “Can you believe, HE, is replacing Meldrum at the NY BF Conference?” and, “He’s a BS'er,” directed toward me not in the spirit of debate, but of derision.
It wasn’t just criticism. It was two-faced behavior: friendliness in person, contempt behind my back.
I have always respected him for that. We’ve had many friendly interactions over the years, including warm embraces and shared laughs at past events. That’s what made his recent comments so disappointing. Phrases like, “Can you believe, HE, is replacing Meldrum at the NY BF Conference?” and, “He’s a BS'er,” directed toward me not in the spirit of debate, but of derision.
It wasn’t just criticism. It was two-faced behavior: friendliness in person, contempt behind my back.
Twenty-Seven Years of Work
I’ve been researching Sasquatch for over twenty-five years. Since then, I’ve investigated reports across the country, written books, hosted shows, collaborated with scientists, and spent thousands of hours in the field. My journey culminated with two personal sightings that changed perspective of my life.
I don’t claim to be infallible. I’ve made mistakes, learned from them, and corrected course when evidence demanded it. But what I have never done is shy away from honest debate or disrespect those who are trying in good faith to solve the same mystery.
That’s why this cut so deep. After decades of standing by my principles, it wasn’t skepticism that stung me but it was, the under the breath, betrayal from someone I considered a friend. I guess I know better now.
I don’t claim to be infallible. I’ve made mistakes, learned from them, and corrected course when evidence demanded it. But what I have never done is shy away from honest debate or disrespect those who are trying in good faith to solve the same mystery.
That’s why this cut so deep. After decades of standing by my principles, it wasn’t skepticism that stung me but it was, the under the breath, betrayal from someone I considered a friend. I guess I know better now.
The Bigger Picture
What this incident highlights is a larger issue in our community: integrity. If we demand respect from skeptics, we must first show respect to each other. If we want the world to take us seriously, we cannot afford gossip, backstabbing, or the kind of behavior that makes us look like petty rivals and jealousy, instead of serious researchers.
Disagreements are healthy. But this was not about diasagreements. It was about one being selected over another. And when's one's "footprint" on the national Bigfoot community is much smaller than what he thinks it is, sometimes surprises can sting. His remarks were not based about integrity, evidence or the hard work I put in, it was about one's feelings based on ego and entitlement.
Things like this force us to sharpen our evidence, refine our theories, and look harder for truth. But those disagreements must be honest, not personal attacks. When words turn toxic, we lose focus on what matters most: the evidence, the science, and the pursuit of understanding a creature that continues to elude us.
Disagreements are healthy. But this was not about diasagreements. It was about one being selected over another. And when's one's "footprint" on the national Bigfoot community is much smaller than what he thinks it is, sometimes surprises can sting. His remarks were not based about integrity, evidence or the hard work I put in, it was about one's feelings based on ego and entitlement.
Things like this force us to sharpen our evidence, refine our theories, and look harder for truth. But those disagreements must be honest, not personal attacks. When words turn toxic, we lose focus on what matters most: the evidence, the science, and the pursuit of understanding a creature that continues to elude us.
A Personal Message
Speaking Day 2 at the NY BF Conference To the individual who made those remarks: I considered you a friend. I respected your story, your courage in holding to it through ridicule, and the contributions you’ve made since stepping into active research. We have shared kind words and moments of friendship, and I never imagined I would hear the things I did.
Your words hurt, not because I can’t handle criticism, but because they revealed a two-facedness, ego-driven personal attack I didn’t expect from you. If you felt that way, I would have much preferred you to do what a man does: Say it directly to me. Debate me. Disagree with me. Challenge me.
But don’t smile to my face while trying to tear me down behind my back.
Life is too short, and this field is too small, for that kind of behavior. I hope you reflect on this. I will still extend respect toward you, as I always have, but I cannot look at you the same way again.
For the sake of this community, for the sake of the work, and for the sake of our shared passion, I hope you choose honesty and integrity over whispers and insults. Because in the end, all we really have is our word.
Your words hurt, not because I can’t handle criticism, but because they revealed a two-facedness, ego-driven personal attack I didn’t expect from you. If you felt that way, I would have much preferred you to do what a man does: Say it directly to me. Debate me. Disagree with me. Challenge me.
But don’t smile to my face while trying to tear me down behind my back.
Life is too short, and this field is too small, for that kind of behavior. I hope you reflect on this. I will still extend respect toward you, as I always have, but I cannot look at you the same way again.
For the sake of this community, for the sake of the work, and for the sake of our shared passion, I hope you choose honesty and integrity over whispers and insults. Because in the end, all we really have is our word.
Another Point of Friction
Whitehall Sasquatch Calling Contest 2025 Just before the Whitehall Sasquatch Festival, another situation surfaced around the Whitehall Sasquatch Festival.
Someone complained that they had made less money vending there in one particular year and laid the blame at the feet of the organizers, suggesting it was because the speaker rotations hadn’t been changed.
I immediately came to the festival’s defense. Attendance has increased every single year, as has the vendor count. Clearly, the festival is doing something right. Instead of blaming the venue, which has been thriving, I suggested this person look inward as a business owner and ask: What could I be doing better?
When I offered constructive feedback like, perhaps give a presentation, perhaps avoid splitting a tent with another vendor, both of which could help draw more attention; the response was defensive. He denied there were any flaws in his approach.
But here’s the reality: at a festival, people come for fun, community, and celebration. They’re there to enjoy the atmosphere, buy a few items, and have a good time. Presentations, while welcome, aren’t the main draw. That’s the distinction between a festival and a conference. And as the festival grew, so did the amount of vendors present. So his logic is flawed.
Conferences are research-driven, where attendees are looking to learn from speakers and dive into data, history, and evidence. Festivals are about community spirit, lighter education, and good-natured fun. When we fail to understand those differences, we set ourselves up for misplaced expectations and misplaced blame.
Someone complained that they had made less money vending there in one particular year and laid the blame at the feet of the organizers, suggesting it was because the speaker rotations hadn’t been changed.
I immediately came to the festival’s defense. Attendance has increased every single year, as has the vendor count. Clearly, the festival is doing something right. Instead of blaming the venue, which has been thriving, I suggested this person look inward as a business owner and ask: What could I be doing better?
When I offered constructive feedback like, perhaps give a presentation, perhaps avoid splitting a tent with another vendor, both of which could help draw more attention; the response was defensive. He denied there were any flaws in his approach.
But here’s the reality: at a festival, people come for fun, community, and celebration. They’re there to enjoy the atmosphere, buy a few items, and have a good time. Presentations, while welcome, aren’t the main draw. That’s the distinction between a festival and a conference. And as the festival grew, so did the amount of vendors present. So his logic is flawed.
Conferences are research-driven, where attendees are looking to learn from speakers and dive into data, history, and evidence. Festivals are about community spirit, lighter education, and good-natured fun. When we fail to understand those differences, we set ourselves up for misplaced expectations and misplaced blame.
Moving Forward
Selfie time with the crowd! For my part, I will not let this change how I operate. I will continue to research with honesty and rigor. I will continue to publish findings, even when they invite criticism. And I will continue to embrace those in this community, even when they may not extend the same respect back. AND MOST IMPORTANTLY... I will have fun!
But I will also say this plainly: words matter. Respect matters.
If we cannot stand behind each other with integrity, then we are doing more harm to Bigfoot research than any skeptic could ever achieve.
Dr. Meldrum’s passing reminds us that our time here is short. Let us not waste it tearing one another down (hoaxers and crap-peddlers are excluded).
Let us instead build something lasting, rooted in science, respect, and a shared passion for uncovering the truth.
Till Next Time
Squatch-D
But I will also say this plainly: words matter. Respect matters.
If we cannot stand behind each other with integrity, then we are doing more harm to Bigfoot research than any skeptic could ever achieve.
Dr. Meldrum’s passing reminds us that our time here is short. Let us not waste it tearing one another down (hoaxers and crap-peddlers are excluded).
Let us instead build something lasting, rooted in science, respect, and a shared passion for uncovering the truth.
Till Next Time
Squatch-D
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