Idaho Hunter Reports Unexplained Knocking and Decay Smell in Remote Woods

Key points

• The incident occurred on Tuesday, October 20, around 5 p.m. in the mountains near St. Maries, Idaho.
• The hunter described hearing loud knocking on a tree from a distance of 200 to 300 yards away.
• The noise was followed by an overpowering smell of death or decay, which persisted for five to ten minutes.
• The witness reported hearing a deep voice speaking in what sounded like gibberish, though he could not make out the words.
• No human footprints, signs of people, or dead animals were found in the area despite the strong odor.
• The hunter noted he was the only vehicle on the road leading to the drainage all day, suggesting isolation from other humans.

Background

This report follows a series of high-profile hunting incidents in 2026, including the September manslaughter charges against Walter Moorhead in Delaware for mistaking a woman for a deer. While that case involved a fatal error, the current Idaho report focuses on unexplained sensory experiences in remote wilderness rather than a confirmed wildlife or human interaction.

Why it matters

The account adds to the ongoing cultural fascination with Bigfoot sightings, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. While the evidence is anecdotal and lacks visual confirmation, the specific details of the smell and sound provide a narrative that resonates with cryptozoology enthusiasts and local folklore traditions.

What to watch

The Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization (BFRO) is likely to review the report for further investigation. No official wildlife agency has commented on the incident, and the hunter has not provided visual evidence to support the claim.