Fifth Annual Ozark Mountain Bigfoot Conference Returns in October

There's something really cool happening in the Bigfoot community right now, and I just stumbled across an interview that every researcher and enthusiast needs to hear about. Matthew Wharton over on the Drunken Cryptids YouTube channel recently sat down with Maryanne from the Ozark region of Missouri, and the conversation is packed with exciting news for anyone who wants to get boots on the ground and actually do some investigating. Maryanne is no armchair researcher. She's out there leading BFRO expeditions and putting in the work, which is exactly the kind of person you want to hear from. The big news she dropped is about the 5th annual Ozark Mountain Bigfoot Conference happening on October 3rd in Nixa, Missouri, just a few minutes from Ozark. But here's what makes this conference stand out from the rest: a select group of attendees will get the chance to go on a three-day Bigfoot expedition right after the event wraps up. Think about that for a second. You go to a conference, learn from experienced investigators, and then head straight into the field with them. Maryanne explained that they take participants onto private property that has documented sighting history. The very first year they ever camped out there, one actually walked through camp after a storm. That's the kind of encounter that makes this opportunity so special. What really caught my attention was how Maryanne described the dynamic between the researchers and the subjects they're studying. When they set up camp, cook food, play guitar, and just exist in the woods, the Sasquatch tend to come to them. They don't have to chase anything down. The activity just happens naturally because the environment is different from what these beings are used to. That's a fascinating perspective on how to approach an investigation, and it's something you don't hear discussed often enough. The educational component is huge too. Maryanne mentioned that their trackers teach people how to cast footprints, how to follow tracks, and how to use equipment like night vision that many newcomers might not have access to otherwise. They're giving people a real foundation so that if they decide to pursue this on their own, they actually know what they're doing. That's how you build a stronger research community. The conversation also touched on the importance of sharing evidence and information within the community. Maryanne talked about how groups like the Arkansas Bigfoot Cartel, led by Wendle, bring together researchers across state lines to share technology, tracking techniques, and findings. She mentioned a whoop video they captured that's incredibly cool, even though it's faint. She also shared a funny story about finding knuckle tracks at a campground and initially thinking her friends were messing with her, only to discover the tracks were absolutely real. One of the things that really resonated with me was Maryanne's point about not letting the bad apples in the community ruin the experience for everyone. There are so many genuine, hardworking people out there who want to understand this phenomenon and are willing to share their knowledge and evidence. That's the spirit that keeps this research moving forward. Matthew also mentioned some other events worth keeping on your radar. There's the Ohio Bigfoot Jamberee 3 happening in Ada, Ohio this October 3rd, and Show Me the Spirit Thing in Kansas City where he'll be MCing. Plus, Cryptofest is scheduled for May 22nd, 2027, with VIP speakers already confirmed including Carter Bashard, Cryptus the Corn, Super Dave, and Chasing the Spirits. If you're serious about getting into the field and learning from people who are actually doing the work, this interview is worth your time. Maryanne's passion for the subject is contagious, and the opportunity she's offering through the Ozark Mountain Bigfoot Conference is the kind of experience that could change how you approach this phenomenon forever. Tickets aren't on sale yet, but keep an eye on the Ozark Mountain Bigfoot page on Facebook for updates because they may sell out before they ever hit the door. Check out the full conversation over on the Drunken Cryptids channel. It's the kind of interview that reminds you why this community matters and why the work being done by researchers like Maryanne is so important to understanding what we're all out there looking for.