YEAR: 1997

SEASON: Fall

MONTH: October

STATE: New York

COUNTY: Delaware County

LOCATION DETAILS: Town of Deposit, between hwy 17 and Columbia Lake Rd, on State Land locally known as McCabe Hollow.

OBSERVED: I heard clicking noises that I thought sounded like rocks smashing together. I continued to hike to my deer stand, paying little attention to the sounds. When I got to my stand, I heard the same sound again. I could not pinpoint the direction of the sound at that time.

There is a quarry to the south and a sportsmans club to the east so I figured there was someone working on either property. Every so often, I would hear about 3-5 clicks in a row and then they would cease. This went on for about 45 minutes or so. I remember thinking it strange that in 9 years of hunting this very spot, I could not remember ever hearing these "clicks".

I was able to locate the direction of the sound to be on the ridge bordering the State Land and the Clubs property. I turned my attention to that area, trying to scope the ridge and hillside for the source of the clicking sounds. Finding nothing up there moving and still hearing the clicking, I decided to leave and scout another location.

About halfway out of the woods, I heard what sounded to me to be a large animal coming at me. In the time it took me to turn around,the thing stopped. I thought I spooked a deer. As I tried to see the source of the commotion, the thing grunted once at me! The grunt(?) was very loud and close! I still couldn't see it so I chambered a round in my .308 Ruger.

As soon as I loaded, it screamed/grunted bloody murder but it didn't move. I did!! At no time did I get even a glance of it. The scream/grunt sounded gutteral and loud! Never have I heard anything like it! Loud and agitated!!

ALSO NOTICED: Heard heavy footsteps while turkey hunting in the spring of 1997. Did not see the source but they sounded very close. Perhaps within 25 yards.

TIME AND CONDITIONS: About 09:00.

Hiking to my deer stand when I first heard the clicking. Scouting area for deer for about 45 minutes and hearing sounds every so often. Walking back to my truck when I heard the thing scream/grunt.

ENVIRONMENT: The area was in a clear cut pine forest. Mountain ridge to the east bordering Sportsmans Club. I hiked a logging road to the clear cut and I don't know where the road leads to. Stone quarry about .5 miles to the south.