Live Action Adventures with Turtleman in Townsend!
Turtleman at the Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Festival: Wild Adventures with Ernie Brown Jr.
The Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Festival in Townsend, Tennessee, is set to welcome a true American original—Ernie Brown Jr., famously known as The Turtleman—to the stage on May 3rd, 2025, at 11:00 AM. Fans of cryptozoology, Bigfoot legends, and paranormal folklore are in for a special treat as Turtleman brings his wild energy, unforgettable stories, and love of mysterious creatures to the heart of the Appalachian Bigfoot territory.
Born and raised among the dense woods and rich swamplands of Lebanon, Kentucky, Turtleman's connection to mythical creatures and unexplained phenomena began early. As a young boy of just seven, Ernie discovered his talent for catching snapping turtles bare-handed from the murky ponds that dotted the rural countryside. Long before viral videos and reality TV fame, he was already a local legend, embodying the rugged spirit that cryptid enthusiasts admire.
Turtleman's skills first reached a wider audience thanks to Kentucky Afield, a series that highlighted the wonders of the natural world. One particular episode showing Ernie’s daring, barehanded turtle capture made its way onto YouTube, sparking viral fame and catching the attention of Matt Sharp from Sharp Entertainment and executives at Animal Planet. Recognizing his rare abilities and larger-than-life personality, they developed the hit show Call of the Wildman.
Airing on Animal Planet, Call of the Wildman wasn’t just about catching turtles. It became a showcase for the incredible biodiversity of the American South—raccoons, skunks, snakes, possums, and even the occasional cryptid encounters in the wild. Turtleman’s unique catchphrase, “Live action!”, delivered with a yell rooted in his Shawneeand Cherokee heritage, became his signature rallying cry. This genuine expression connected with audiences who love folklore and urban legends of America’s hidden wilderness.
Turtleman’s philosophy has always aligned with the spirit of Bigfoot researchers, Sasquatch evidence hunters, and cryptid enthusiasts everywhere: respect the creatures, protect the wild, and always stay true to the adventure. His work emphasized relocating wildlife safely, highlighting an ethic that mirrors how modern cryptozoologists advocate for the protection of creatures like the Ohio Grassman, Florida Skunk Ape, and the elusive Washington Sasquatch.
Over time, Turtleman’s fame grew beyond Animal Planet. His appearances on national shows like The Tonight Showand Anderson Cooper 360° brought his down-to-earth charm to millions more. Yet, despite brushing shoulders with celebrities and even dreaming of gracing the cover of Rolling Stone Magazine, Ernie Brown Jr. has remained deeply connected to the land, the animals, and the legends that first inspired him.
Of course, no wild ride is without its bumps. Toward the end of Call of the Wildman’s run, allegations surfaced questioning the authenticity of some scenarios on the show. True to form, Turtleman stayed focused on what mattered most: his lifelong commitment to wildlife, outdoor adventure, and sharing the mystery and beauty of the wild world. His passion for unexplained phenomena and cryptid lore never wavered.
Today, Turtleman continues to inspire a new generation of adventurers who shop for Bigfoot apparel, collect cryptid merchandise, wear Sasquatch t-shirts, and dream of finding Bigfoot footprints and evidence deep in the Pacific Northwest forests or even amid the Southern Bigfoot sightings near Tennessee and Kentucky. Whether you’re exploring Bigfoot and national parks or suiting up in high-quality cryptid shirts from brands like What The Sas, Turtleman’s spirit is alive in every daring exploration.
At the Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Festival, you’ll have the chance to see Turtleman live on the speaker stage at 11:00 AM. His appearance promises to blend tales of real-world adventure with nods to the larger mysteries that captivate the hearts of cryptid hunters around the world. Whether you’re wearing your best outdoor performance shirts SPF 50 to stay cool, rocking durable Bigfoot merchandise, or carrying your Bigfoot koozies and Bigfoot stickers to collect autographs, don’t miss your chance to experience “Live action!” firsthand.
Turtleman’s adventures even brush against the realm of cryptids. Recently, he’s shared stories connecting his encounters to the legends of Bigfoot, Dogman, and other mysterious creatures whispered about in the woods of Kentucky and Tennessee. His accounts offer a thrilling blend of real Bigfoot sightings, cryptid encounters in the wild, and paranormal mysteries that spark the imagination.
After hearing Turtleman’s stories, you might feel inspired to explore cryptid gear, buy Sasquatch t-shirts, order Sasquatch gifts, or even shop Bigfoot apparel from a veteran-owned Bigfoot company like What The Sas, known for its unique Sasquatch designs and custom Bigfoot merchandise. These treasures let you carry the spirit of adventure wherever you go—whether you're hiking Appalachian trails, visiting Bigfoot hotspots, or simply celebrating the enduring wonder of the unknown.
To dive deeper into Turtleman's world, check out the Official Turtleman Channel and explore Turtleman’s Bigfoot videos. From unexplained phenomena to heart-pounding urban legends, Turtleman's wild world is always just a click away.
Catch Turtleman at the Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Festival
May 3rd, 2025 | Townsend, TN | Speaker Stage at 11:00 AM
Bring your sense of adventure, your love of Bigfoot legends around the world, and your passion for cryptozoology for beginners and seasoned enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re a seasoned believer in the paranormal or a casual explorer of mysterious creatures, Turtleman will make your festival experience unforgettable!
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Turtleman | Photo Credit: Turtleman’s Facebook Page
