Geographical Index > United States > Illinois > Fulton County > Report # 27146
(Class B)
Submitted by witness on Wednesday, January 13, 2010.
Deer hunters hear possible vocalizations and find strange footprints near Ellisville
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YEAR: 2010
SEASON: Winter MONTH: January DATE: Jan 5 STATE: Illinois COUNTY: Fulton County NEAREST TOWN: Ellisville NEAREST ROAD: Country Rd 17 OBSERVED: Late October, 2009 a friend and I was hunting for deer looking for tracks. We came across a bare footprint. Didn't really think much about it at the time.
On Jan 5, 2010 we went hunting my friend dropped me off at a house that sits on the property, that no-one lives at. He dropped me off at 6.15 am, while I was getting suited up, I heard the lowest growl I have ever heard in my life. Almost so low that the ground shook. Anyway when I heard the growl I turn my flashlight in that direction. There are horses in that field, they were running and their eyes were full of fear. Well I continued to my stand and about thirty minutes later heard a single wood knock from 3 different directions. On top of that also heard what sounded like screech owls coming from same directions as the knocks.
On Jan 11, 2010 my friend and I went to go shoot our guns with his son and nephew. My friends stand sit about 50 yards of the road with a fence about 40 yards away. We found track that come right up to the fence and stop then go back across the dirt road and that's where I heard the growl. The print were 21 inches long 4 inches at heel and 7 inches at the toes. ALSO NOTICED: none OTHER WITNESSES: Growl - 1 witness
Woodknock -2 witnesses
Prints - 4 witnesses OTHER STORIES: no TIME AND CONDITIONS: Early morning ENVIRONMENT: Farmland
Follow-up investigation report by BFRO Investigator Stan Courtney:
I spoke with both witnesses by phone. In summary:
- The footprint was 21 inches long, 4 inches wide at heel and 7 inches wide at the toes.
- Although there were several footprints leading up to the fence, only one retained detail.
This location is in the heart of Spoon River country.
About BFRO Investigator Stan Courtney:
Stan Courtney has a special interest in wildlife audio recording. He has attended numerous BFRO Expeditions. See Stan's blog StanCourtney.com for recordings he has collected over the years.
Stan Courtney can be reached at [email protected]
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