Derek Randles Gets Press for Olympic Project and Reveals Sasquatch Insights

Derek Randles (center) at the March 2013 Olympic Project Expedition

“The patterns start to paint a picture of what that animal is doing" -- Derek Randles, founder of the Olympic Project

The Peninsula Daily News picked up on the Bigfoot research and documentation happening in the Olympic Peninsula by Derek Randles and his Olympic Project Team. Among the highlights of the article are some of the insights and suggestions of bigfoot behavior based on the data gathered so far. In the following excerpt read what Derek Randles has to say about Bigfoot behavior.

“We are sticklers for documentation,” Randles says.

“What we are trying to do is learn everything we can so when/if [scientifically-accepted] species verification happens, we have a large volume of study to hand over.”

For the Olympic Project team, Bigfoot is a somewhat predictable creature.
“The patterns start to paint a picture of what that animal is doing,” Randles says.

For instance, he explains, Bigfoot tracks in the Olympics show that they hang around elk calving areas during the calving season.

Randles says the mystery creatures also study them.

“We are some of Sasquatch’s best entertainment,” he says..

“Some of the best sightings are when we catch them watching us.”

But sometimes, Randles adds, Sasquatches don’t like humans in their space.
“It is very intimidating how much noise they can make without exposing themselves,” he says.

He says they use a variety of vocalizations, pounding sounds and other noises.

Click to read the full article titled, "Olympic Project — West End is a hub of Bigfoot research"

Dr. Jeff Meldrum and Adam Davies at the Olympic Project Bigfoot Expedition

The next Olympic Project Bigfoot Expedition is June 5th through the 8th

UPDATE: The image above was meant as an homage to the original Olympic Project logo designed by Paul Graves. I thought I would have fun and create one specifically for the Bigfoot Expeditions. On Paul's request I would like to credit the small portion of the altered mountain illustration in the background to Russ Hepler, an eyewitness Paul commissioned for the illustration.

The next Olympic Project Bigfoot Expedition (June 5th ~ 8th) will include prominent Sasquatch researchers; the roster includes Dr. Jeff Meldrum, Adam Davies and as always Derek Randles' Olympic Project Team.

Dr. Jeff Meldrum is a scientist with impeccable academic credentials. With his appearance on the Discovery Channel special and the release of his companion book, Sasquatch: Legend Meets Science, he elevated the Sasquatch public discussion. A conversation that was too often dismissed as paranormal or disreputable. During the Olympic Project Bigfoot Expeditions, Dr. Jeff Meldrum is approachable and quick to share new frontiers in the academic progress of Bigfoot research.

Although Adam Davies is best known by bigfooters for his pioneering research on the Orang Pendek, he has traveled the world in search of several cryptids. In his book, Extreme Expeditions, he documents his Indiana Jones-esque adventures of being shot at in the Congo, arrested and interrogated by the Mongolian army, and filmed the Norwegian Nessie. 

Don't miss the opportunity to spend four days with these individuals. 

Email Derek at ridgewalkers@ymail.com to get details on the next expedition!

Beyond the opportunity to pick the brain of the biggest researchers out there, Derek Randles promises, "These are educational, hands on expeditions with ample field time, on and off trail hiking and tracking, and several classes targeting more productive, more effective research techniques and evidence documentation. If you attend one of these trips, you will not be disappointed."

We have attended over a half of dozen of these expeditions and learned something new each time, met serious like-minded Bigfoot researches, and built relationships that will last forever.

Email Derek at ridgewalkers@ymail.com to get details on the next expedition!

A Master Class in Bigfooting

As we said earlier, with knowledgeable researchers like Derek Randles, Adam Davies and Dr. Jeff Meldrum, it is like a master class on the best techniques and newest ideas in Bigfoot research. These experts are approachable all weekend and are happy to field questions. If you have your own theories you want to share this is the best place to get feedback. Read one of our first reviews at, "Olympic Project as a Masterclass in Bigfooting".

The Best New Ideas in Bigfoot Research Start At the Olympic Project Expeditions

Cliff Barackman (far left) and Dr. Jeff Meldrum (far right) will be speaking on the weekend of March 21st

The best ideas and the latest techniques germinate at the Olympic Project expeditions. As we have reported before Olympic Project Expedition host, Derek Randles, offers a masterclass in Bigfoot research. Due to the rescheduling of a few attendees a few spots have opened up for next week's upcoming expedition. 

Email Derek at ridgewalkers@ymail.com to get details on the next expedition!

Well Led Expeditions

We can tell you from personal experience (we have been to four of these)  that these expeditions are hosted and led with a team of experts who are attentive to all attendees. Even though the group of attendees differs during each weekend expedition, Derek and his team fosters the same environment of camaraderie. 

You can also choose how ambitious you want to be, there is always a hike (day or night) to participate in, or you can relax in the main cabin next to the fire and chat with other Bigfoot Enthusiast. More details in our first review of  Derek Randles and the Olympic Project Expeditions

Email Derek at ridgewalkers@ymail.com to get details on the next expedition!

A Master Class in Bigfooting

As we said earlier, with knowledgeable researchers like Derek Randles, Cliff Barackman and Dr. Jeff Meldrum, it is like a master class on the best techniques and newest ideas in Bigfoot research. These experts are approachable all weekend and are happy to field questions. If you have your own theories you want to share this is the best place to get feedback. More details on the Olympic Project as a Masterclass in Bigfooting.

Make sure you email Derek and get in on next week's expedition! It is a rare treat to be among a limited amount of attendees who have access to these experts for a whole weekend. 

Email Derek at ridgewalkers@ymail.com to get details on the next expedition!

The March 2013 Olympic Project Expedition Attendees.

SquatchIt! Sasquatch Calling Device on Kickstarter

The SquatchIt! Sasquatch calling device is more than a novelty.

Soon anybody will be able to sound like a Sasquatch. For many of you who attended the last HopSquatch event you were able to hear a prototype first hand. Well now is your chance to get this out of the prototype stage and into the hands of the world.

The inventors of SquatchIt! have started a SquatchIt! Kickstarter campaign to raise some money to put the SquatchIt! into production. For only $25 dollars you get all sorts of perks plus your very own SquatchIt!

PLEASE DONATE NOW

Read how and why the SquatchIt! was invented

The Genesis of SquatchIt!

One day we had this great idea… What if we could create a Sasquatch caller that would be both authentic in replicating the sound of what many people believe to be the actual screams of a real Bigfoot and at the same time, have on our hands, the ultimate loud, next-generation, battery-free noisemaker. We believe SquatchIt could very well be the next “must have” impulse item.

The possibilities from communicating with a Bigfoot to scaring friends on camping trips, to heckling politicians are endless!

So, after a lot of research and development, as well as access to some seriously secret Sasquatch research, we have developed a SquatchIt prototype and now have an amazing Sasquatch Caller device, to help people find Bigfoot and raise a ruckus!

SquatchIt makes a loud, scary noise, sure to soil the underwear of your friends and loved ones during that next excursion into the wild wooded yonder! Whether you want to capture a photo of the elusive Sasquatch, scare and startle others or you just want to make a whole lot of noise, SquatchIt is totally up to the task!

SquatchIt is perfect for the serious Bigfoot enthusiast, as well as anyone looking for something new and fun!

Approved by Guy Edwards!

Approved by Derek Randles




Full more details, photos and videos go to SquatchIt.com
or go to the SquatchIt! Kickstarter campaign and DONATE NOW!

Derek Randles and the Olympic Project Expeditions

The March 2013 Olympic Project Expedition Attendees (click to enlarge)

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of joining Cliff Barackman and Craig Flipy on a weekend adventure in the Olympic Rainforest. Our destination? The Olympic Project Expedition hosted by Derek Randles and Ridge Walkers Unlimited.

If you are a serious Bigfoot researcher you have heard of Derek Randles. If you are a fortunate Bigfoot researcher you get to spend time out in the field with him. My first time meeting Derek was when we investigated the Elbe Trackway.

Seeing Derek again at the Olympic Project Expedition reminded me of the same qualities I admired when doing field work with him. The man seems to always be prepared for every eventuality and is concerned that everyone is content. This part of his personality carries over into the Olympic Project Expedition. Derek constantly checked on all the attendees making sure they were having a good time and expectations managed. Whether we were lounging or going out on hikes, it was clear Derek was going to make sure everybody was going to enjoy the expedition.

If you get a chance I recommend participating in one of these Olympic Project Expeditions, his camp is close to just about any type of Bigfoot habitat you could think of, it is nestled right in Bigfoot's backyard. You can get more details at TheOlympicProject.com.

Along with many classes such as, track casting, Forensic DNA gathering, Wilderness survival, audio recording and Backpacking 101, there will also be presentations from the top names in Bigfoot research. These trips have already raised the bar in research expeditions integrating the scientific method into field research and evidence documentation.

Future Speakers Include:

May 10th, 11th, 12th Guest speaker Dr Jeff Meldrum and Paul Graves
June 7th, 8th, 9th Guest speaker Dr Jeff Meldrum.
July 12th, 13, 14th Guest speaker Dr Jeff Meldrum with Dr Matthew Johnson.


Derek Randles says it best in the video below.

Who is Derek Randles?

Derek Randles of Ridgwalkers Unlimited and The Olympic Project

Derek Randles has been looking for Sasquatch since the mid 80's. In September 2000, he was a principle investigator in the Skookum Cast. The Skookum Cast is named after the Skookum Meadows area of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. It is believed to be a cast made from a full body print of a Sasquatch laying on it's side and reaching for an apple that was left out the night before. 

Illustration based on the imprint of the Skookum Cast

Derek Randles was also part of the Dr. Jeff Meldrum's North American Ape Project. The North American Ape Project is a grant-funded multi-year sasquatch research project directed by professor Jeff Meldrum of Idaho State University. According to a university announcement, "The North American Ape Project (NAAP) seeks to detect and collect evidence through support from the Mayfield Foundation. This will be undertaken primarily by means of hair snags monitored by camera traps. In addition, fieldworkers will record vocalizations, document tracks and sample associated scat. Habitats will be analyzed for availability and distribution of food resources.

According to the Acknowledgments section of Meldrum's book "Sasquatch: Legend Meets Science" (2006), participating members of the North American Ape Project included Ron Brown, LeRoy Fish, Derek Randles, John Pickering, Rick Noll, Owen Caddy, Brian Smith, John Mionczynski, and Julie Davis.

Derek was also one of the first investigators to interview the two bear hunters involved with the Sierra Kills and has been instrumental in getting specimens from the possible killing Dr. Melba Ketchuim's DNA study. It is important to note that Derek Randles does not condone killing Bigfoot, even for the sake of science.

Recently Derek Randles investigated investigated the Elbe Trackway, now a known hoax. Prior to the discovery of a hoax Derek Randles was one of the first investigators on the scene carefully documenting every detail.

My first chance to do field work with Derek Randles
(Left to Right: Derek randles, Cliff Barackman, and me, Guy Edwards)

Now you can catch Derek Randles working the Olympic Project. According to OlympicProject.com:

The Olympic Project is an association of dedicated researchers, investigators, biologists and trackers committed to documenting the existence of Sasquatch through science and education.  Through comprehensive habitat study, DNA analysis and game camera deployment, our goal is to obtain as much information and empirical evidence as we can, with hopes of being as prepared as possible when and if species verification comes to fruition.  Our studies are conducted in a non-invasive manor with respect and sensitivity to probable habitat we believe this amazing species inhabits.

From my personal experience, Derek Randles is one of the most prepared field researchers out there. He had a tool for everything, and not just a tool, but the best tool for everything; measuring tape that measured yards and yards, casting materials, etc...His planning and thoughtfulness is apparent when you are out in the field with him and he is extremely generous with his knowledge and giving you an opportunity to collect your own data and research.