A state lawmaker in Oklahoma says he was inundated with angry calls after introducing a bill that would create a Bigfoot hunting season in an effort to boost tourism.
Republican state Rep. Justin Humphrey last week filed the bill, which would set annual season dates for hunting Bigfoot and set up a process to issue hunters a license to pursue the mythical creature.
“Tourism is one of the biggest attractions we have in my House district,” Humphrey said in introducing the measure. “Establishing an actual hunting season and issuing licenses for people who want to hunt Bigfoot will just draw more people to our already beautiful part of the state. It will be a great way for people to enjoy our area and to have some fun.”
However, the Republican said his office was flooded with angry calls from Bigfoot believers.
“I had one lady just scream at me that she is going to make sure I will get beat because of this and told me I’ve lost my mind,” Humphrey said according to The Oklahoman. “I don’t think they understand what we are trying to do to promote our area.”
In a video posted to his Facebook page on Thursday, Humphrey made clear he does not want any would-be Bigfoot spotters to kill the fictional beast.
“Our goal is not to kill Bigfoot. We will make sure everyone understands what we want to do is trap Bigfoot,” he said.
The bill would also create a $25,000 reward for anyone who captures the creature.
“I have been in the woods all my life and I have not ever seen any sign of Bigfoot,” Humphrey said. “I have never heard Bigfoot, but I have some people that I know that are good, solid people who I will guarantee you 100 percent have said they have had experience with Bigfoot. So, I know there are people out there that you will not convince that Bigfoot doesn’t exist.”