Year: 2011
Month: December
Day of Month (number only – e.g. 16): Last day of whitetail deer season
Time of Day: Dusk
County: New York St. Lawrence
Terrain Description: Wooded, near hay and corn feilds.
Lighting Conditions: Good
Nearest Town or Landmark: Hammond, NY – near St. Lawrence River
Description of Encounter Area: Hay feild near wood line
Are There Food and/or Water Sources in the Area? (if so, describe): Yes – water, apples, corn
and deer
Occupation/Background: Home health aid
Number of Witnesses: One – just me as far as I know
Length of Observation: 2 or 3 minutes
Animal Description: Did not see
Can Witness Provide a Sketch of Animal Seen?: No
Vocalizations Heard?: yes
Wood Knocks Heard?: Yes
Recordings Made?: No
I was in my tree stand hunting. I had noted that for the past week or two, the deer in the area had been acting strange. I thought it was due to hunters, but it seemed like something else might be to blame. My friend had told me that something had growled at his father about 2 miles from where I was situated and that he didn’t know what it was. Just at dusk, I heard a howl come from nearby; I’m guessing no more then 75 yards away. It was the scariest noice Ive ever heard. I know it wasn’t a coyote or bear. It made the hair on my neck stand up. As soon as the howl ended, coyotes for miles around started howling. Then, it repeated its howl and sounded even closer. I heard a shot off in the distance and then everything stopped and it got really quiet. I decided it was time to leave!
Chris Bartow, NESRA Investigator