The Sierra Shooting.....

Justin Smeja

Here is a blast from the past. I wrote this article back on Jan 3, 2012. This was my first article on Justin and his story and I believe the last.






Other than adding Justin's name as a caption this is unchanged.

Enjoy !!

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Was a Bigfoot shot and killed in the Sierra Mountains of California?

A gentleman by the name of, Justin Smeja, says “Yes,” and he is the man who did it.

Now, before I start this story let me say this. I have stayed away from the telling of this. Why? I wasn’t there and I haven’t spoken with Mr. Smeja.

Is this story true? Well, I am going to spread the story some more.

Justin Smeja says on October 8th of 2010 he was out bear and deer hunting with a friend. When they rounded a corner in a truck and seen what, Justin describes as a “monster”.

Okay, everyone stop. Take a deep breath.

Let’s be honest, most people would think the very same thing if confronted with an animal that is not supposed to exist. Bigfoot is the stuff of nightmares for most.

Why? Because unlike Bigfoot researchers, the general population thinks “it’s a good story, but really, it can’t really be out there.” Sure they watch the T.V. shows and then take the Yahoo polls, but when new reports come in, the witnesses are still just as freaked out as ever.

Thinking something could be out there, is far different, than seeing it and knowing it’s out there.

So, Justin, and his friend (who is unnamed) round this corner in the truck and spot this Bigfoot. Justin states he grabbed his rifle (I am assuming he exited the vehicle) and put the Bigfoot in his scope. 

At the same time his friend is looking at the Bigfoot through his binoculars, yelling at Justin, “It’s a person in a suit, don’t shoot!” 

While (according to Justin) the alleged Bigfoot has its arms in the air in a manner which suggests the animal is trying to say “don’t shoot!” Justin does anyway, and says he hit the animal in the lung.

First issue, If you don’t know with absolute certainty what you are about to shoot is not an animal, but could be a person in a suit (say for example for a production company or just some idiot who thinks it’s funny) you probably shouldn’t be pulling the trigger.

So Justin pulls the trigger and hits this animal in the lung. Assuming of course it’s a Bigfoot, and not some poor schmuck in a costume with a bad sense of humor.

Justin then reports two juveniles are seen, as both Jason and his friend look for what they now think is a female Bigfoot.

In the interest of time let’s just cut to the chase, because in his own telling of the situation on Abe’s show, things were a bit confusing at this point.

Understandably there was much rushing through his head and both of these men had to be scared out of their shorts if they really thought they either killed a human in a suit or lung shot an animal. Either one of the options can carry some serious life changing issues. One might also, reasonably assume, if the animal didn’t drop where it stood, it may come back looking for you. I might think that.

Justin then reports he shot one of the juveniles. Apparently Justin was being approached by one of the juveniles, and against the advice of his friend, Justin, neck shot the juvenile.

What happened after this point is of no real consequence. If you believe the story told by, Justin, it is game over.

As I sit here and listen to the story I can’t deny he sounds like a man who has great remorse for whatever he may have done, OR, he is a great storyteller. As he discusses his friend, holding the dead juvenile in his arms and saying, “what did you do?” It’s almost painful to listen to.

Whether you believe, Justin, or not – this is one powerful story. Way better than anything told by Biscardi or the Georgia Boys.

I have the feeling that one day this story will rank right up there with “Ape Canyon.” It will be told for years to come.

But, Justin Smeja has unknowingly re-kindled a fight that has been going on within this field of research for a very long time; the Kill vs. No-Kill debate.

First of all, let’s be very clear on one point. Justin was not a Bigfoot researcher at the time of this shooting. Our own Kill vs. No-Kill label doesn’t apply. By his own admission, he was simply out in the wilderness hunting for known animals when this happened, if his story is to be believed.

The one part of the story I have the most problem with is when Justin states they left the juvenile in the bushes to come back for it later. Why? Well, it wouldn’t have taken any time to put that dead body, of the juvenile that they had, into the bed of the truck. Instead, Justin states, they simply left it in the elements and thinking they would come back for it. Justin talks about fear of someone hearing the shots. Why would he have been worried about that if they were still within the legal hunting hours?

That part of the story, for me, is very confusing.

If this story is true, those that are upset should ask themselves one question. Is getting upset with this man going to turn back the hands of time and magically restore life to one or both of these animals?

No, we can get as mad as we want, but the animals in question will not magically regain life.

Justin did, however, take this horrible situation and make the best of it he could. While, he could not find either of the bodies, he did recover samples, which he states were turned over for DNA analysis. Justin could have just said, “Forget it, I don’t care!” And not even went back to look for either body. But, he did (or so he states). He could have walked away from this whole thing. If, he had done that, that would have been a real loss and an absolute crying shame especially if his story is true.

Look folks, I am a realist. I do not think science will ever take us seriously until we have something in the way of DNA that proves this animal exists. We can fight each other all we want on this Kill v. No-Kill issue, but at the end of the day science makes the rules for the proof of existence.

Whether we, like it or not or even if we agree with it, our “feelings” do not matter to the world of science who is asking for solid proof. Those are the rules in which we must play this game if we want this animal recognized and protected.

What I find ironic is this. Everyone; Kill and No-Kill, are anxiously awaiting the results of Dr. Ketchums results.

Some of which come from samples recovered from this, “Sierra shooting incident”. If you are angry with, Justin, over this shooting, isn’t it a bit hypocritical to say you are anxiously awaiting the results of Dr. Ketchums work? How do you think Dr. Ketchum came across the necessary samples to do DNA analysis? All of her work can’t rely on hair samples. She must have blood or tissue samples of some kind, I would think.

Anytime you take away someone’s right to do something, you open the door to having that same right taken away from you.

While today you may not see a reason for why you might want to shoot or kill this animal, there may come a day when you are forced into making that decision. Do you want that decision to have already been made? Life is full of choices, sometimes, they are unforeseeable. Don’t fool yourself.

I have said a thousand times (probably more);

I am No-Kill, but I would not take away someone else’s right to do what they think is right. The decision to be Pro-Kill or No-Kill is a personal decision each one of us must make, on our own. I was not with Justin on that faithful day. I do not know if his story is true. But, my aunt (whom I love very much) has always told me:

“Walk a mile in someone else’s shoes.” I think that is really good advice, so long as you don't also have to remove your brain.

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Justins Response Part 2: Emails Returned.

As promised, I sent emails out. No one could go on the record but I was able to have a chat on Twitter with Jon Kroll who is the Executive Producer for Bigfoot Bounty. 

Twitter is a tough place to get answers to questions. 

Here is what he said. I gotta tell ya, nothing surprises me anymore. I honestly feel bad for Justin. But I don't blame people in this community for being angry. We heard this coming from his mouth. Pretty seamlessly too.

According to Mr. Kroll, Justin knew this would be aired and understood, so should I feel bad?? 

But, Justin was right and when I make a promise I keep it. 

Shame on Spike TV for doing this. It was not necessary. But, thank you Mr. Kroll for explaining. 

Edited to add:  Just so I don't get accused of jacking his comments without his permission, by those who should have done this to begin with, but instead chose to sit back and complain.

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As for the gentleman out there accusing me of causing trouble for Justin, and calling me a word that rhymes with "itch", let me just say this. 

I don't know what I did to you, other than not giving you information about a personal matter, you were not paying the bill for, and was none of your business. Yes, I accepted your apology. Trust is earned not simply given. You did exactly what I thought you would do. I am not stupid. Call me whatever names you like, but don't you think your time would have been better served doing what I did? Sending emails to try and vindicate Justin? Instead you threw a hissy fit. As much as you would like to pin this mess on me, the words did not come from my mouth, and I was not even close to being the first person to make this information public. I still don't know why Justin would say such a thing considering all the work done to distance this from the "cat vet." But, whatever. 

In the future, control your temper and maybe do what is necessary to clear up confusion. Not add to it and the drama.

P.S. I'm glad I told you nothing. You had the information right in front of you and you still got it wrong. By the way, a friend doesn't do what you did - regardless of how entitled they think they are. 

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Justin Smeja responds.

I will just get right to it. 

Justin Smeja responded to the drama surrounding the "Feral Human" comment from Spike TVs first episode of "Bigfoot Bounty". 

Justin says, this was a 2 hour conversation, that Spike TV edited, to about 20 seconds. Justin says he discussed all the results but instead they edited down to only the "cat vet" results he discussed during filming. Now, if he's talking about, who I think he is, then I thought she was a horse vet. But, I could be wrong. 

Could this be true? Sure I guess. But, I have some emails out. If what Justin is saying is true, and it could be, but if it is, it's an even bigger reason to not care about this show at all. They said this would be a hunt using science. They didn't say anything about twisting words and making people look bad as a goal. But this is television.

If this is true, they put Justin in a very bad spot and frankly there was no need for it. Heck, this is the most sensational story - in a very long time. 

Read his comment for yourself. If a I hear anything from the emails I am sending out I will post that info here. 

It is my sincere hope that what Justin is saying is true. 

Even if he is, there are more than enough reasons to think this show is ridiculous. 

If Justin is telling the truth, I will be happy for him. No one should have their words twisted for ratings or anything else. 

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My review of Bigfoot Bounty 1st Episode.

Wow, has the reaction to this show been something else or what? Loren Coleman even took me to task for posting the various comments I read on social media. 

Hey, you know your something - when Loren Coleman takes time out of his busy day to try and trash your name. Although he did say he does "respect me".

That may be past tense now?

Personally, I think all opinions are important and I am not going to apologize for making the opinions of everyone heard. They have the right to say what they think about a Television show. Since when are reviews taboo? 

I respect Loren Coleman and I respect his opinion. But, his is not the only one, that matters. There are many people in this community (and outside it) that thought this show was simply ridiculous. 

While I posted some of the early comments and reviews, I watched the show at 2:30 a.m. (I got that sliver out) and decided to watch it - I DVR'd it. I wish I had simply listened to the reviews and gone to bed. Those who took to social media to express their outrage, or gratitude, for not being selected were SPOT ON. 

In the interest of full disclosure. I was contacted NUMEROUS times by the good folks casting for this show. I did not apply, I did not interview, in fact I asked them to stop emailing me. I was not and am not interested. I thought I should make that known since some of the participants are saying that those of us who don't like it, don't like it, simply because we are jealous we were not selected. THAT couldn't be further from the truth. 

What are my thoughts? 

Ridiculous. I understand this is a TV show. I get it. Heck, I would probably call it more of a game show if you want the truth. 

First of all let it be known: Bigfoot Researchers do not go out in the woods and rub themselves down with poop of any kind, nor do we eat it!!! I know what the participant was getting at but the "old time hunters" never took more than an extremely small piece, placed it on the tip of their tongues, then spit it back out. But this participant looked like he was having lunch. 

People at home. Do not try this. You may end up in the emergency room. 

Feral Human DNA..... This is news that everyone, in this community, should be up in arms over. I myself have called for calm when it came to Justin's sighting. But this... Wow. Unless I missed an information release, those DNA tests, of 4 tests, 3 came back bear and 1 came back Bigfoot (Melba Ketchum study). Todd Disotell was right to call him out on this. There is NO DNA test designed to find "feral human" as a result. I'm surprised Todd didn't call you out on the bear results. 

Rictor; you didn't do a bad job for your first time in the field and on Television. But, your reaction to the bad reviews? Dude, it's Television and not everyone is gonna like what they see. Honestly, I haven't seen anyone say anything negative about you. You should be thrilled, not angry. You're a TV star now. Criticism comes with the territory. It's not all roses. Quite frankly, I never asked you to think I was anything special. 

Michael; I get why he brought back the scat sample that he did. He said he was "thinking outside the box." I can get behind that. Most of what we do is just that. Heck, lets not kid ourselves, this hasn't been proven yet so regular methods are clearly not doing the job. Even the judges had to know none of them would bring back DNA on their first night. C'mon. 

Did this first episode showcase the best this community has to offer, in terms of research, equipment use, or methods? No. Which is why I am not even sure I would call this anything but a game show. I can't even blame the producers or the crew for the Feral Human comment. Yes, I know this is a television show and much of it is scripted - BUT - if you don't say it, they can't use it. So, now I am just wondering how much of this "I shot and killed a Bigfoot" is really true. You can't blame anyone for thinking this now. Geesh. 

Of course there was the showing of the scared girl. What else do you expect? 

I am a little concerned about the DNA dart guns. Why? I am wondering when someone will hear a loud scream and rush back with a DNA sample of a participant. I truly hope that does not happen. 

There were avid hunters and people from various backgrounds. Okay, I can buy the reason for that. Not sure their lack of experience with Bigfoot research makes them less capable of winning. There were the usual eye rolls, which I noted heavily, early in the show during the indoor meet and greet. One can only wonder when the real "stuff" will hit the fan. My DVR shut off before the clips for the next show, but I hear from the reviewers, the "stuff" starts flying in the next episode. So, stay tuned for that as it is so important to the overall premise of the show. 

So, that's what I came away with. Just one more reason to explain to everyone I know (outside this community) why I do what I do.

As always, watch the show for yourself. Make up your own mind. 

http://www.spike.com/episodes/e9glfm/bigfoot-bounty-bigfoots-blood-season-1-ep-101

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Episode 1~ 10 Million Dollar Bigfoot Bounty..........

Well, well, well. 

The first episode of, $10 Million Dollar Bigfoot Bounty, has aired!!

YEA!!! 

No, hold up. 

So far, the reactions are not good. I didn't watch the show myself, I had to get a sliver shoved way under my nail bed, but I have been watching the reviews on Facebook. 

One on Twitter from none other than the International Man of Mystery Investigation: Josh Gates himself; 

Josh Gates on Twitter

Ooops. Josh Gates could surely make this interesting. Well, he already has. 

I read something about two (2) guys spreading Elk poop all over themselves. Really? I've been doing this a long time and I want this animal found as much as anyone else. Those who know me will tell you exactly what I would say to that request. It starts with an "F" and ends with - yourself. Maybe they were looking for some Elk strange?

One guy puked. Yikes. So, his days may be numbered already unless he hydrates. But, if he hydrates it may only give him something new to puke. Hey, that's just the chance you take. I wish his tummy all the best. HEY people, he could have a sensitive tummy. We don't know. I hope they have pepto on standby. 

Many of those who were turned down are now breathing an ENORMOUS sigh of relief - and from what I am reading on their social media pages I can imagine why. 

I hear the first episode was on the ball for the much needed infighting. Which is always "Reality TV" gold and helpful when looking for Bigfoot too. 

So far it sounds like the beginnings of a train wreck of epic proportions ~ so grab your folding chairs something to drink and get ready to explain to your friends, co-workers and family why you are a Bigfoot Researcher. I don't think it will be long before this entire show comes off the rails and this new bit of "Reality Television" gives us yet one more opportunity, to explain, why we are not crazy for doing what we do. 

And, this comment came into me tonight ~ while I was typing up this blog. The person asked if I planned to write about this topic and asked if she/he could submit an anonymous comment. 

Well, your wish is my command. 

SPIKE TV clearly does not understand that there are millions of people who take this topic very seriously. There is a long standing community of researchers and enthusiasts, most of which know each other. We know that NONE of the people on this show have any research experience, despite what SPIKE TV is telling you. The amazing thing is that the hate tweets were not even from experienced bigfooters, my guess is they didn't even bother to watch the show. We actually do go into the woods and watching these people, it was really clear they had no idea what they were doing.

The premise of the show, put all of the teams in the woods until midnight, in the same location and have them find evidence is.. well.. pretty ridiculous. Most researchers know that you can spend weeks at a time, in the daylight and NEVER find a single thing. As Cliff says on Finding Bigfoot, it's like finding a needle in a stack of haystacks.

This show is a sham.

Real researchers are careful to be totally alone with no one around for miles and miles and do not give up their research locations. This prevents mistaken audio recordings, where one researcher is heard unbeknownst to  the other.

Real researchers know that to have any kind of encounter, you have to do your homework, study an area before going into it. It's all about timing. I've had well respected, known researchers tell me that in the decade they've been investigating and hundreds of expeditions they've had only one experience and found only a few tracks or evidence. Why? This is an extremely rare species that is well adapted to their environment. That the show would encourage the killing of a rare species like this is disgusting. I will never watch SPIKE TV again, there is currently an effort underway in various Bigfoot pages on Facebook to boycott advertisers on SPIKE TV. Yeah, that goes for you too mr Bar Rescue. WE ARE DONE WITH SPIKE.

You can't disrespect a topic that native American's and history has treated with the utmost respect and have anything good come of it. There are few mysteries left for the common man to experience, this show just pooped all over the good people who spend their free time and hard earned money trying to leave the earth a better place.

End quote. 

As a Bigfoot Researcher I gotta ask ~~ was/is this your reality?