Documenting Paranormal & Cryptid Sightings Tips

Jun 16

Field Notes 101: Documenting Unexplained Phenomena

Whether you're a cryptid hunter, UFO enthusiast, or paranormal explorer, keeping accurate field notes is essential for tracking patterns, sharing findings, and building credibility in the world of unexplained phenomena. This guide breaks down the tools, techniques, and mindset needed to document what others might miss.

1. The Right Tools for the Job

Before you hit the field, equip yourself with:

Waterproof notebook or weatherproof field journal
Pens and pencils (always bring backups)
Voice recorder or recording app (even your phone works)
Flashlight/headlamp (with red-light option to protect night vision)
Digital camera or trail cam
Binoculars and rangefinder
Measuring tape or ruler (for footprints or marks)
GPS or mapping app (log coordinates)

Bonus: Carry business cards with your name or blog/social handle so others can report back to you if they encounter anything similar.

2. What to Record

Your notes should be clear, consistent, and detailed. Start with:

Date & Time: Include time of day and duration of the event
Location: GPS coordinates, landmarks, terrain type, elevation
Weather Conditions: Temperature, cloud cover, humidity, wind speed, moon phase
Sensory Details:
- What did you hear? (e.g., knocks, howls, static)
- What did you see? (shapes, movement, light, colors)
- Smells? (sulfur, decay, ozone, “wet dog”)

Use a simple chart or bulleted list if needed—especially when noting multiple encounters.

3. Describe the Encounter or Evidence

When describing what happened, avoid assumptions. Instead:

Stick to what you observed without interpreting (e.g., "a large dark figure moved from left to right" instead of "a Bigfoot walked by")
Record emotional or physical responses (e.g., chills, time loss, nausea, fear, calm)
Sketch footprints or structures if a photo isn’t possible
Note technology malfunctions (battery drain, audio glitches, compass spinning)

Pro tip: Write your field notes as soon as possible—memory fades quickly, especially after intense or bizarre experiences.

4. Take Photos and Videos Wisely

Don’t zoom digitally—take the wide shot and crop later
Use reference items—like a water bottle, shoe, or hand to show scale
Snap multiple angles for prints, scratches, or odd lights
Use burst mode for movement or shadowy shapes

Mark on your field notes where each image/video was taken. Consider renaming files for clarity once you're back (e.g., "SkunkApe_Print_2023-11-02_FL.jpg").

5. Cataloging Your Findings

Create a system to track all your sightings:

Physical binder or waterproof logbook
Cloud-based spreadsheets or databases
Use consistent tags: "Ohio Grassman," "Class B encounter," "thermal hit," etc.

Apps like Notion, Evernote, or OneNote allow syncing between your phone and computer.

6. Common Field Note Mistakes to Avoid

Filling in gaps with assumptions
Failing to log basic details (date/time/location)
Recording too little – more is better; edit later
Waiting too long to write – you’ll forget key sensory info
Ignoring your intuition – but note it separately as speculation, not fact

7. How to Share Responsibly

If you're part of the cryptozoology or paranormal community, your field notes may help others:

Consider posting anonymized logs to cryptid forums, Facebook groups, or blogs
Submit evidence to local researchers or citizen science sites
Respect property rights and local laws when investigating

Sharing helps identify patterns and support other researchers while building your credibility.

8. A Field Note Template (Cut & Paste)

FIELD REPORT – UNEXPLAINED PHENOMENA
Date/Time: [ ]
Location (GPS or description): [ ]
Witnesses: [ ]
Weather Conditions: [ ]
Moon Phase: [ ]
What was heard: [ ]
What was seen: [ ]
What was smelled: [ ]
Photo/Video Taken?: Yes / No
Drawings or sketches included?: Yes / No
Notes (sensory/emotional/physical): [ ]
Technological interference?: [ ]
Follow-up needed?: Yes / No

Stay Curious, Stay Organized

Field notes are more than scribbles in a journal. They’re the lifeblood of cryptozoology, paranormal investigation, and the ongoing search for what we can’t explain.

Whether you're documenting Bigfoot footprints and evidence, keeping tabs on cryptid encounters in the wild, or tracking UFOs under the Appalachian stars, the best thing you can do is write it down.

Because someday, your notes might be the clue someone else was missing.

Now pack your gear, grab your waterproof field guide, and get out there. Mystery loves a well-prepared witness.