About Autumn Williams
I started out as a childhood witness and began conducting field research at the tender age of 16. It is now 17 years later, I've been all over the U.S., beating bushes and pulling ticks out of my legs, and I'm still at it. I spend nearly every weekend in the summer (and many in the winter) in our research areas. My goal is to develop a trust and rapport with these creatures and study them in their natural habitat. My main area of focus is long-term witnesses - a phrase I coined many years ago to describe those people who, as my family did, claim to experience ongoing encounters with these creatures near their homes. Very few researchers have ever paid much attention to these folks, assuming that their claims must be fantastic because "nobody's that lucky"...
The trouble is, many of these witnesses don't feel "lucky". They feel bombarded on a daily basis by strange and sometimes frightening occurances, and when they turn to the research community for assistance and understanding, they're usually met with ridicule and disbelief.
For 17 years now, I've tried to provide a place for these witnesses to talk about their experiences and help them to understand what's happening to them, and building my own understanding of these creatures in the process. What have I learned? That these creatures are consistently being underestimated by the research community. No wonder the last 50 years of research have gotten us nowhere!
Several years ago, I was the reluctant host of Mysterious Encounters on Outdoor Life Network. I say "reluctant" simply because the project didn't turn out to be one that I was proud to be involved in. I took one more shot at television and agreed to take the Sci-Fi Investigates team into the woods for a three-day expedition (at 5 months pregnant). I spent most of that time trying to conduct research for the benefit of people who didn't have a very open mind about bigfoot, and realizing that the "investigative news program" was really nothing more than yet another reality TV show.
These experiences left me with a bad taste in my mouth as far as the media is concerned. But I learned a lot about filmmaking, especially during my 9 month stint filming Mysterious Encounters. So, in 2005, I produced, directed and edited a documentary of my own. It was one of the hardest things I've ever done, AND one of the most rewarding... I plan to do many more. It's a wonderful opportunity for me to use what I've learned and to share this subject with those who are interested WITHOUT being under the thumb of a network and their desire for sensationalism and ratings!
In addition to bigfoot research, I'm a musician, a vocalist, a technology junkie, a graphic designer, and a database programmer. And, recently, I just became a first-time Mom. So I've got my hands full every waking moment.
The Team
Oregon Bigfoot is a small "organization", if you can call it that. I don't bring many investigators into the fold. I've always been an independent researcher and I work best with other independents. I find that most organizations spend more time dealing with personalities and conflict than getting any real research done. It's just not my cup of tea. The few people who ARE in this tiny "organization" are not only brilliant minds, but close friends of mine who are on the same page, approach this subject similarly, and exhibit the kind of open-mindedness that I require in a research partner. As a result, you won't find a happier group of people in the woods together anywhere! :)
In addition to myself, on the Oregonbigfoot.com team you'll find:
Skye Felton
Skye is my research partner, as well as my partner in life. His enthusiasm to try anything new is something I'm constantly grateful for. He's bright and funny and makes everything we do together a joy.
Skye was born in the U.S., but spent most of his childhood and much of his young adult life in Mexico. He speaks English and Spanish fluently. He worked as a dive master/instructor in Puerto Vallarta for many years before coming to the United States, and his first love is the ocean and underwater creatures. He sports a nasty scar on his shoulder from a run-in with a man-o-war that nearly killed him. It's his adventurous spirit that makes Skye an invaluable research partner and a hell of a lot of fun to be with!
Michael Nave
Mike is a father of 3 who has been interested in the unexplained for many years. For the last 8 years he has independently followed up on Bigfoot sightings in his local area, taking it upon himself to make excursions into sighting areas during the nighttime and early morning hours, blasting calls as well as seeking tracks and other evidence. Mike feels that in order to be successful, we must study the ways of this creature and learn how to live in harmony with it.
Mike's a fun guy with a great sense of humor and a sharp mind. As Research Coordinator, he helps follow-up on recent sighting reports, contributes to the newsletter and provides much-needed help with site administration. Mike's ability to develop rapport and trust with witnesses makes him a perfect fit, and when he's in the field with Skye and me, we have a ball!
Scott Davis
Despite living all the way over on the other side of the country in West Virginia, Scott is an integral part of the Oregonbigfoot.com team. In addition to spending his days helping to moderate the Oregonbigfoot.com members forum, he is the official Oregonbigfoot.com Artist, regularly contributing his fabulous artwork to the website, and recently designing the cover for the documentary DVD.
Aside from all of this, Scott is one of the best friends I've got. His open mind, kind heart and people skills make him a valuable asset to the team.
The newest addition: Rowan Fae Felton
Our darling Rowan, born December 11, 2006, isn't quite old enough to tromp around in the woods in Columbia rainwear yet, but she's getting there. Mom tells her Bigfoot stories all the time... she's the next in line for chasing hairy beasties and things that go bump in the night. Unless, of course, she grows up and thinks her mom's just completely off her nut. <grin>
