Buzz
For as long as tales of elusive ape-like beings have existed, there have been those determined to track them down. Traps, reality TV shows, and nationwide organizations have been established specifically to find Bigfoot. Yet, despite all the resources devoted to the search, the proper procedure for handling a potential Bigfoot sighting remains uncertain. Should hunters pretend to be dead? Tempt the creature with jerky? Or take it out with a shot to the head and bring it to a local taxidermist?
Before embarking on your next Bigfoot expedition, you might want to check your state's wildlife regulations. While Sasquatch is widely considered a myth, certain regions still offer legal protections to the cryptid, even if hypothetically.
The first jurisdiction to officially ban Bigfoot hunting was Skamania County, Washington. In 1969, just two years after the controversial Patterson-Gimlin film hit the public, the county found itself at the heart of a Bigfoot craze. Enthusiasts flooded the area, armed with plans to track down the elusive creature—and often, they brought dangerous weapons. This posed a risk not only to Bigfoot but also to the local residents in these supposed Sasquatch hotspots. Prioritizing the safety of the latter, the County Commissioners passed a formal ordinance [PDF] making it a felony to kill Bigfoot, punishable by up to five years in prison.
By 1984, the Bigfoot frenzy had died down, prompting lawmakers to reclassify the deliberate killing of Bigfoot as a serious misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in prison and/or a $1000 fine. This same amendment also recognized Bigfoot as an endangered species within Skamania County and designated all land within the county as a 'Sasquatch Refuge.'
However, not all areas share such a compassionate view toward the legendary creature. In Texas, for example, hunting and killing Bigfoot is entirely legal. At least, that's what L. David Sinclair, Chief of Staff for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, stated in response to an email about Bigfoot hunting laws in 2012. He wrote:
“If the Commission does not specifically list an indigenous, non-game species, then the species is considered non-protected non-game wildlife [...] A non-protected non-game animal may be hunted on private property with landowner consent by any means, at any time.”
Since Bigfoot is not officially recognized as a species by Texas, hunting one is legally permissible (with the correct permits and permissions, of course). California, on the other hand, follows a different path when it comes to cryptids: the state maintains a list of non-game mammals in the California Code of Regulations. Any animal not on this list, like Bigfoot, is off-limits for hunting.
Oregon has a similar policy to California, where any species not listed under state wildlife regulations is deemed 'prohibited.' The state, part of the famed Pacific Northwest, has a long history of alleged Sasquatch sightings. "[We] receive periodic reports of Bigfoot sightings," says Michelle Dennehy, wildlife communications coordinator for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, in an interview with mental_floss. Rather than targeting Bigfoot with a firearm, Dennehy suggests a more lawful (and playful) alternative for those planning their next search.
When it comes to capturing Bigfoot, a gigantic live trap is the best option. According to Dennehy, "The cage trap should be large enough to allow Bigfoot to have enough space to turn, stand, and lie naturally, and sturdy enough to prevent escape." An extra-large cage from Havahart, which she suggests, is only big enough to contain a bobcat, so Bigfoot hunters will probably need to have a custom trap made. Since Bigfoot is classified as "prohibited," transporting, selling, or exchanging the creature is illegal in Oregon. The best approach for any Bigfoot hunters who succeed would be to contact the wildlife department and let state officials manage the situation from there.
There’s another significant reason why killing Bigfoot is a terrible idea, no matter where you are in the country: if the furry target is considered more human than ape, the act could be prosecuted as manslaughter. Skamania County, Washington addressed this in their 1984 Bigfoot ordinance, stating: "Should the Skamania County Coroner determine any victim/creature to have been humanoid, the Prosecuting Attorney shall pursue the case under existing laws pertaining to homicide." And if the target turns out to be just a person in a Bigfoot costume (which, let’s be honest, is probably more likely), the consequences would still be severe. Just something to consider if you were hoping to bag a Sasquatch trophy.
