A mythical, ape-like creature that has captured the imagination of adventurers for decades has now become the target of a state lawmaker in Oklahoma.
We're talking about Bigfoot.
A Republican House member has introduced a bill that would create a Bigfoot hunting season. Why is that? Rep. Justin Humphrey's district includes the heavily forested Ouachita Mountains in southeast Oklahoma, where a Bigfoot festival is held each year.
He says -- whether or not anyone believes they could bag the big guy once and for all -- issuing a state hunting license and tag could help boost tourism.
A spokesman for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, which oversees hunting in Oklahoma, says the agency uses science-driven research and doesn't recognize Bigfoot. So this idea? It might not have legs -- big and hairy or otherwise.
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But then again, anything is possible. “Having a license and a tag would give people a way to prove they participated in the hunt,” Humphrey said in a statement. “Again, the overall goal is to get people to our area to enjoy the natural beauty and to have a great time, and if they find Bigfoot while they’re at it, well hey, that’s just an even bigger prize.”
The lawmaker noted in his statement that he doesn’t want people to actually shoot and kill Bigfoot. He hopes they get a license to capture the beast and win $25,000.
“A lot of people don’t believe in Bigfoot, but a lot of people do,” Humphrey said. “Just like some people like to go deer hunting, while some don’t.”