Tips for Documenting Bigfoot & Cryptid Encounters

Aug 5

Why Documenting Matters in Cryptozoology

The world of cryptozoology thrives on evidence. Whether it’s the Pacific Northwest Sasquatch or the elusive Florida Skunk Ape, documenting a cryptid sighting is key to validating real Bigfoot sightings and other mysterious creatures. In the absence of official scientific backing, eyewitness footage and photos become critical tools for cryptid researchers, amateur explorers, and even cryptid merchandise brands like What The Sas.

So, how do you make your sighting count?

Let’s dig into the best practices for documenting Sasquatch sightings and other unexplained phenomena while staying safe, ethical, and prepared.

1. Always Be Prepared: Gear Up Like a Pro

Before venturing into Bigfoot and national parks or alleged Southern Bigfoot sighting locations, gather your essential gear. Your cryptid hunting kit should include:

High-quality camera or smartphone with good low-light performance
Audio recorder for howls, grunts, or paranormal activity
Tripod or body mount for stabilization
Binoculars and flashlight with UV mode
Backup batteries and power banks
Notebook or voice memo app for timestamped notes

Bonus: Wear outdoor performance shirts with SPF 50, and moisture-wicking apparel like those offered by What The Sas — they’re not just stylish Sasquatch t-shirts; they’re built for the hunt.

2. Know Your Cryptid Hotspots

While random sightings are possible, you’ll increase your chances in known areas. Research:

Appalachian Bigfoot trails
Pacific Northwest Sasquatch zones
Texas Bigfoot riverbanks
Florida Skunk Ape swamplands
Ohio Grassman trails

Check folklore, urban legends, and recent unexplained phenomena reports. Even the California Wild Man has specific high-activity areas.

3. Stay Quiet, Stay Ready

Cryptids like Sasquatch are elusive. Observers often describe a sudden “shift in the woods” or eerie silence before an encounter. That’s when you must:

Keep movements slow and deliberate
Turn on your gear in advance
Avoid flashlight beams unless needed
Don’t talk unless recording voice notes

These creatures seem sensitive to noise and human presence. Blending into your environment improves your chances.

4. Capture with Context

A blurry photo alone isn’t enough. Frame the scene with multiple reference points:

Include trees, rocks, and landmarks
Use zoom only when steady
Record in landscape mode for clarity
Narrate location, time, and direction

This helps experts analyze size, speed, and possible explanations — strengthening your claim.

5. Use Multiple Mediums

Don’t just rely on video. Combine:

Photos — for shape and structure
Audio — for howls, footsteps, or mimicry
Sketches — especially if you saw details briefly
Written records — noting weather, smells, emotions, etc.

Together, these form a compelling cryptid encounter package.

6. Secure and Back Up Your Footage

One strange aspect of Bigfoot and cryptid encounters? Tech failures. Cameras freeze, memory cards glitch, and batteries die fast. Whether due to magnetic interference, psychological distraction, or something more paranormal, it happens.

Save files immediately to cloud or laptop
Carry backup cards
Use Faraday pouches to shield devices if needed
Tag location via GPS if available

Your Bigfoot footprints and evidence might never be repeated — protect it.

7. Know What to Look For

Not every rustle in the woods is a cryptid. Know key identifiers of a real Bigfoot sighting:

Massive humanoid shape
Deep footprints with toe definition
Foul odor (like rotting cabbage or sulfur)
Unusual vocalizations (whoops, howls, tree knocks)
Sudden animal silence

Be ready to capture all of this — a combination of visual, auditory, and environmental cues.

8. Don’t Touch Without Gloves

If you stumble across Bigfoot hair, droppings, or nests:

Use tweezers or latex gloves
Store samples in sealable bags
Label and note time/location
Refrigerate if organic

This boosts your credibility and preserves DNA if testing is an option.

9. Stay Ethical and Respectful

We’re exploring the fringe of the natural world. Never endanger yourself or others for the sake of footage. Also:

Don’t bait or chase
Never disturb nests or habitats
Avoid trespassing on private land
Be kind to fellow cryptid hunters

Cryptozoology for beginners and pros alike thrives on integrity — not viral fame.

10. Share Responsibly

Once documented, consider sharing your cryptid sightings:

Submit to cryptozoology research forums
Join Sasquatch research and evidence groups
Tag @WhatTheSas and #RealBigfootSightings
Contribute to local legends and urban folklore
Blog about your experience with timestamps and context

Want to commemorate your sighting? Get a custom Sasquatch gift or sticker — many Bigfoot collectibles commemorate specific encounters.

Turn Your Encounter into Evidence

Bigfoot might be mysterious, but your documentation doesn’t have to be. From the foggy forests of the Pacific Northwest to the heat-heavy swamps of Florida, the cryptid world is waiting — but only the best prepared walk away with proof.

Whether you're hunting with UV-resistant Bigfoot stickers, durable Bigfoot hats, or a camera that won't quit, remember: what matters most is the truth you capture and the legacy you leave for other cryptid hunters.

Get out there. Stay alert. And keep that camera rolling.