Yowie (Bigfoot) Tourism?

[Ray Doherty]

I was reading some time ago on the BFRO website, that they run bigfoot camp out / tours for parties up to 8 + guides. They go into Bigfoot areas, have a camp tell some stories, do some tree knocks, do some calls and spend the day looking for clues, apparently, this is a big money spinner for them and they are booked out across the country months and months ahead - they charge people from memory somewhere between $150 - $300 per head

My question is, as research body is this an appropriate way to generate income to fund themselves OR is this just burning potentially good research areas for cash?

It works in Africa with the Gorillas

Thoughts?

Ray

[glenmore79]

I guess it's a lot like people going to egypt into the tombs , swimming in the barrier reef or keeping animals in zoos.

Money has to come from somewhere. Though a smart operator wouldn't take them into a "HIGHLY" active location perhaps just a slightly active one or an old overused one.

If it did disturb the beasts they (the beasts) would just move off to another area anyway.

I know that a lot of tour groups in the Blue Mountains here in NSW that run survival camps and bushtreks are only allowed in 1 designated spot of forest when they obtain their licences/contracts with Wildlife Authorities and not allowed to deviate.

They also have to keep an eye out for endangered species and Aboriginal artifacts too ,then report anything new + not allowed to destroy flora either. So overall it would have very little impact on any population.

If anything its just an inconvenience for other investigators who may have to walk a bit further to a new research area.

[daniel john]

it is a idea that could work, however i think the most part would be the consumer base for the trips.
talk to the majority of people and when you say yowie they think of a little chocolate man that you can buy down at the corner store.

but there is a market, just a very unique one. clever marketing would go a long way in the attraction. look at all the old jails and stuff around that they have the ''horror" tours in where you can meet ghosts and stuff.

dan

[Ray Doherty]

I would love to see the public liability insurance for this, I can see the clause now

'That the party is insured for the following - Yowie attacks, death by Yowie or injury'

I dont think there would be too many insurers wanting to under write it!

Ray

[Shazzoir]

LOL Ray, good point, though I think any insurer would likely encompass this stipulation as "impact on health and safety via interactions with flora or fauna"

Just had a funny vision... Yowie groups doing tours to 'see the humans'... they all go to an area near a camping spot frequented by our types, one or two of them act as 'bait' by making tree or rock knocking to get our attention, and just as it gets dark, they ramp up the spectator sport and simply watch us running about deploying cams, getting all kitted up with camo gear and other evidence-gathering equipment, then melt away into the bush leaving not a trace behind just as the humans start to set out on their 'hunt'. I bet they laugh their fuzzy little heads off!

Shazz

[Ants77]

Hey there all,

Funny this topic has come up. For a little while now we (205) have been looking into this as a serious notion.
The insurance yes would be an issue, among many things but further homework is being done on that. Clarifying the do's and do not's.
Small groups in genuine areas, coupled with many reports from the area, told around the tours camp fire.
Who we take in and where is going to be a struggle. For various reasons. With a plethora of ideas in hand already, we would love to one day make this work.

And I will.

If anyone wishes to express serious interest in this please post a comment or pm me. Once again thanks for everyone's support.

Cheers

Ants

[David]

It makes no difference as far as I can see between taking a group of people hunting yowies or hunting butterflys. I can't see there being any more regulations/insurances to observe than as for taking a group hiking, bush walking or camping. Your simply a tour guide/ instructor what have you. Even butterfly hunting expeditions would have coverage for being bitten by snakes, eaten by crocodiles, and I'm sure if it happened, mauled by yowies... Anyway... I reckon its a great idea and would also be a lot of fun. Good luck with it Ants . We've always been 10 years behind the Yanks.

[Ants77]

Hey Mate,
Yeah not wrong ten years would be about right, great example with the tours Aust. Your right it wouldn't make much difference. Wondering if the word Yowie would have to make an appearance in covering documents, and if it did whether it would be similar to insurance saying act of god ? Can't plausibly explain the beast but to cover the unexpected, be interesting.
I think there is a plethora of things one can do with a tour group. Mini workshops, casting techniques, baiting ideas, BBQ dinner/ lunch, camo applications, make a home made parabolic mic for $10 and try it out in the field. So many ideas. Coupled with a full day mission, then back to the fire to relax and let the stories of the day and the nights parebolia sweep through conversations. And maybe even tell a few tales around the fire like the cowman story etc, it would be pretty exciting I think. Thanks for the support Aust, myself and the team appreciate the feed back from red names.

Cheers

Ants

[glenmore79]

Don't think you need to make mention of Yowies in the insurance forms just list it as Fauna and Flora expeditions

your insurance would have to cover $20 000 000+ public liabilty , then you would probably need parks and wildlife permission and possibly other State and Federal permissions depending which parks you go to,
First Aid certificates and you will probably have to carry the usual safety gear like flares and GPS traking/beacons.


Parks and Wildlife would provide you with all relelveant info needed, they should be your first phone call if you go ahead.
Good Luck


Ps. Look at expanding to include Panthers and other cryptids as well and brush up on your local native fauna and flora knowledge too.

[Ants77]

Glenmore,

Just want to say thank you, definitely some very important points. I will be calling them first and foremost. If I wasn't to add more than just the Yowie I'd be silly. One thing I'm a little apprehensive about is spirit side of things. I think if I stay towards the bush she will provide the rest. thanks for the feed back.

Cheers


Ants

[daniel john]

i really hope this little dream starts up, would be really good for publicity.
could always call it a bushwalking nfp club and just tell everyone yowie stories, i can see it now, "big fella bushwalking"

[Bump in the Night]

Your idea sounds like some plot to a cheesy 80s movie.

If you go through with your idea, i would happily be a fellow tour guide.

[Gavin]

Great idea well worth looking into.

[Thumper]

I'd be interested in a newell highway Pilliga scrub nighttime roadtrip too!