bella
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Posts: 16 
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Post by bella on May 3, 2018 0:33:32 GMT
With summer fast approaching, will anyone be out and investigating this region? I will be out and about all throughout this area all summer with kids that I assist who battle personal issues...unfortunately since they are from this area I am not able to take them out of the county and with low funding, I am left to explore and find free things for them to do in this area...I am very concerned for our safety and was wondering which areas to avoid...or which ones are the safest
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Post by Wolfhound on May 4, 2018 16:36:10 GMT
bella,I am a cryptozoological researcher based in Southwestern Pennsylvania. I haven't been to Hocking County,Ohio but there have been no replies to your question, so I'll give you my opinion. Go and enjoy the wonders that nature has to offer. As always,be aware of your surroundings,be careful,use common sense,don't let anyone wander off on their own,and trust your instincts. If you start to feel uneasy,don't get "spooked". Without getting too excited,just casually leave the area. Snakebites and bee stings will present more danger to your group than Dogmen. Maybe this post will "stir the pot",so to speak,and someone who is familiar with that area will respond and provide you with the more detailed information that you requested. I'm sure your group will be fine. Don't let the stories prevent you from having a great time! Best wishes!
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Post by whitefeather on May 20, 2018 13:36:04 GMT
Hello Bella,
Although I live in Florida now and my focus is mainly the Skunk-ape, I grew up in upstate N.Y. and spent a couple decades wandering the Adirondack mts.. I agree with Wolfhound and don't see any reason not to enjoy everything the great outdoors has to offer. If you're not already, it might be a good idea to familiarize yourself with any common local flora or fauna that could potentially be a threat, such as poison ivy. I wish you and the kids a great summer!
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bella
New Member
Posts: 16
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Post by bella on May 21, 2018 1:30:11 GMT
Thank you both for your response and the great advise. I have camped and explored Hocking County for many years and I have always felt safe up until a few years ago. Now that I am down there everyday working, driving on the "off the beaten path" roads, and exploring areas I never have, I truly believe dogman are in the area. I have yet to see one, thank goodness and hope I never do, but from what I have gathered from the residents along with my own personal weird experiences I have had recently, I will definitely keep my guard up at all times.
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Post by whitefeather on May 21, 2018 4:26:00 GMT
You're welcome,
Having spent part of my career as a police officer, as well as being a former competitive shooter and hunter for many years, my personal preference is to carry a handgun for protection. I doubt that would be an option in your circumstances, but if it's legal where you are maybe consider carrying a can of bear mace. Even though it's intended for bears it's effective against any two or four legged predator you may encounter and could also provide you some peace of mind.
Just a thought.
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bella
New Member
Posts: 16
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Post by bella on May 22, 2018 1:38:21 GMT
I do have my CCW but unfortunately, in my line of work I am not allowed to carry my gun or any kind of weapon or defense mechanism while I am with the young kids I am mentoring...not even pepper spray. Very sad I know considering I am out and about with little kiddos hiking, fishing, and exploring this county with no other adults. I will be vigilant at all times, listen to every sound of nature and pay attention to my surroundings at all times.
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Post by Wolfhound on May 22, 2018 3:42:27 GMT
I have an ordinary walking cane made of oak, which I use when I have to enter any building where guns and edged weapons are prohibited. I've never yet been asked whether I needed it in order to walk, but I'll just claim that I hurt my foot or ankle recently, and fake a slight limp. It will pass through any metal detector. It is much more sturdy than the typical adjustable-length walking cane made from aluminum tubing, which is almost useless as a weapon, as it would most likely fold up faster than Superman on laundry day. You could plausibly claim that it would be beneficial to have it in the forest since it would be useful for dealing with snakes. (Yes,snakes are best left alone, but don't tell that to your supervisor.) Maybe a hardwood or a lexan (bullet resistant plastic) walking cane would be a solution in your situation. Way better than no weapon at all. Best of luck on your group outings!
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Post by ag47 on May 22, 2018 21:26:47 GMT
IMHO, it's not a bad idea for level-headed (read, 'sane') people to have some protection of some sort and be trained and qualified to use it. A former co-worker who was an avid outdoorsman got his ccw license and started carrying a .357 mag snub-nose revolver with him when he went on his deep-woods scouting excursions because he had encountered some very scary humans out there. Human predators are always something to keep in mind and sometimes people who want to do bad things and not get caught go into the woods and remote recreational areas to do it. Awareness avoids confrontation (which is to be avoided). That being said, any protection you have would also serve against non-human animals that might pose a threat if confrontation can't be avoided. My dad used to take me on long hikes into some very deep woods, and we'd always stop every so often and just sit quietly, observing and listening. He taught me to notice what is around me, a skill that is absolutely essential both out there in the middle of nowhere, and in the urban jungle.
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Post by Buckeye2019champs! on Jun 30, 2018 6:18:12 GMT
I also spend a lot of time in hocking, was wondering what some of the residents you spoked to mentioned about dogmen? I go too ash cave and old mans cave a lot, so was wondering if there’s been a lot of sightings around here
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bella
New Member
Posts: 16
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Post by bella on Jul 3, 2018 1:09:26 GMT
Buckeye, I have not heard of any sightings around the major tourist attractions, such as Ash Cave and Old Mans Cave. But that does not mean they are not around and lurking in those areas. What I have heard, they are mostly off the "beaten path" areas and roads...places only the locals go to fish, hike, etc because those are the areas the locals live...which are very desolate and heavily wooded areas. These are the areas I go, down gravel roads, no cell phone reception...very dense woods. I was driving down a road with a few of my kids just last week and one yelled and said, "Look at the big black thing! It looks like a gorilla and a cow with big ears!!!" Once I stopped and looked over, it was gone. I was scared but remained calm..until one of the other kids said two of their cows were eaten and torn to shreds just a week or so ago...something jumped over there 6 foot fence, took two cows and devoured them! His family verified the story and the kids are not allowed outside and by the barn anymore...
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