YEAR: 2012

SEASON: Fall

MONTH: November

DATE: 9

STATE: Illinois

COUNTY: La Salle County

LOCATION DETAILS: Brookfield Township

NEAREST TOWN: Marsallies

NEAREST ROAD: River Rd

OBSERVED: I was bow hunting 20 ft up in a oak tree and could see 1/4 mile in most directions. It was in the bottomlands of the Illinois River in the country. I heard a noise about 40 yards from me in the thicket I figured it was a buck chasing a doe,,, A minute later a large gorilla looking creature appeared walking south to north at about 7am he was about 7 feet tall and was dark brown. He stayed within the thicket but saw him clearly for 20 seconds or so. The land is rich farmland full of deer, turkey, coyotes, raccoon, possum etc There is creeks and the river. I believe the creature came from the pines a very thick area and was heading for the river. It never said a word just kept moving. But my son has heard 'sounds' while hunting but I have not.

ALSO NOTICED: I already described everything

OTHER WITNESSES: no

OTHER STORIES: no

TIME AND CONDITIONS: clear, 7-7:30am

Follow-up investigation report by BFRO Investigator Stan Courtney:

I spoke with the witness by phone.

In summary:

• The animal was about seven feet tall.
• The animal was broad shouldered.
• Hair coloring was dark brown.
• Witness estimated weight at 400 lbs.
• The witness was forty yards from the animal and watched it walk for 30 yards through the thicket.
• The animal walked slightly slumped over.
• The witness was unable to see the face as the animal never was turned toward him.

About BFRO Investigator Stan Courtney:

Stan Courtney has a special interest in wildlife audio recording. He has attended numerous BFRO Expeditions. See Stan's blog StanCourtney.com for recordings he has collected over the years.

Stan Courtney can be reached at illinois@bfro.net