The Quest of Russell Acord

From Montana's Wilderness to Bigfoot's Tracks

In the field of cryptid research – where adventurers search for clues, evidence, and encounters with legendary creatures like Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, the Chupacabra, and others – few figures are as dedicated or as seasoned as Russell Acord. 

A renowned Bigfoot researcher, Acord is part of the crack team of cryptozoologists featured on the Travel Channel show “Expedition Bigfoot.” On and off the screen, Acord's life story reads like an adventure novel, beginning in the rugged mountains of Montana and winding through the dense forests of Alaska and parts unknown, all the way to his current base in Vernal, Utah — the dinosaur capital of the world. For this renowned cryptid researcher, a life bridging the gap between myth and reality has been driven by an insatiable curiosity and a warrior's spirit that keeps him on the hunt, searching for something that has been seen by many without definitive proof.

A Path Forged in the Wonders and Challenges of the Outdoor World

Born in Baltimore but raised amidst the rugged, wild beauty of Montana, Russell Acord’s formative years were spent immersed in the outdoors. He learned the rhythms of the natural world, from the babble of the streams to the crunch of footprints when an animal approached. He learned to observe how animals moved through the undergrowth and the signs and evidence they left in their wake. His playground was the high country of Montana’s vast, untamed mountains. It was here, among the towering pines, steep slopes, and sharp cliffs that Russell’s love for the outdoors took root. 

“I was always climbing the steepest stuff, taking foolish chances – I spent most of my time out in the woods doing survivalist things,” Russell remembers. “I became much more comfortable out in the woods than I did in a building.”

The Military Mindset and the Warrior’s Path

As he transitioned into adulthood, Russell's path led him to the military — a natural fit for someone accustomed to the discipline and demands of the wilderness. He served as an infantry soldier in the Army, where he continued to hone his survivalist skills. The military introduced him to a structured approach to problem-solving and resilience, traits that would later prove invaluable in his cryptid research.

Russell's military career was not just a phase but a crucible that forged his enduring spirit – something that served him well when he transitioned into college life.

"I gave my heart to the military, and they gave me an education in return," he reflects. 

Many in Russell’s circle doubted his commitment to school and whether he would be able to complete a degree – and that presented a crossroads where Russell could choose to give up or beat a path forward.

“It became a personal goal to prove them wrong,” Russell remembers. “I didn’t take the easy path, I loaded up on classes, I went to summer school and college full time and dug in.”

Through the challenge of his time in the military to his time in the classroom, Russell discovered a strength he didn’t know he had. 

“Absolutely no one was going to design my future for me,” he says of not backing down when confronted with challenges and doubters. “I’ve been faced with challenges my whole life, and I don’t quit – and it’s gotten me this far.”

After four years of hard work and study, Russell graduated magna cum laude with a degree in the field of Safety and Health Management. That led to a career today in the field of nuclear safety where he assists teams building and decommissioning nuclear reactors – a dangerous and demanding job that requires attention to detail and a safety-oriented mindset. 

But it’s tracking down clues and following leads on the hundreds of Bigfoot sightings across the country and around the world every year that keeps Russell out in the woods where he feels most comfortable. 

The Bigfoot Revelation and a Lifelong Obsession

Like many others intrigued by the unknown, Russell’s interest in Bigfoot was sparked by the famous 1967 Patterson-Gimlin film, a piece of footage that has fascinated and perplexed cryptid enthusiasts for decades. However, unlike casual enthusiasts, Russell decided to pursue the mystery with relentless vigor. 

“The search began,” he says. “Before the internet age, the information highway was minimal – but in spite of that, there seemed to be something on every continent – a story about a bipedal, ape-like, man-like creature that’s revered by all these cultures.”

His love of being outdoors and the lure of discovering a creature many purport to have seen – but none have been able to confirm – set him on the hunt that continues today in forest and across mountains around the world today. His approach to Bigfoot research is meticulous and evidence-based without settling for vague sightings or unverified claims. 

“I’m a hard sell,” he admits. “When I finally have it, it’ll be worth seeing. If you can convince me, then it’s real.”

His favorite research grounds include the wilds of Alaska, where he believes there are compelling clues that something truly exists out there. 

“There’s a lot of things there pointing toward something. You can’t dismiss it if you find a lot of different clues,” Russell asserts. 

“But,” he admits, “without seeing it, the chase is still on.”

Embracing the Challenges of the Modern Outdoorsman

Russell's search for Bigfoot and his time in the woods have led him to question and explore the ways we interact with our environment and our own bodies. 

“When I go camping, I don’t like to zip up in a tent – usually I’m out in the open air unless it’s raining,” he says. “I need to submerge myself in it, be a part of it. I like to climb into the creek and clean myself off, even if I freeze my butt off.”

He laments the way today’s society has disconnected from the outdoors and the challenges that forge strong bodies and minds.

“We’re weak as a society,” he observes. “We’re so soft – we’re uncomfortable without the Starbucks, we’re uncomfortable without cell service. People go out of their minds.”

For Russell, a life spent indoors is a misspent opportunity to become more than what you think you can be. 

“I advocate for more time outdoors – getting away from our soft, cushy lives and getting back to where we used to be,” he says. 

But his time outdoors has shown him the reality behind the challenge of maintaining energy and bringing along food and supplies that allow a person to thrive at peak performance. After years of enduring the less-than-nutritious MREs of military life, Russell advocates for healthier, more sustainable eating habits, especially in the context of outdoor survival. 

“When you’re in the forest and reach for a meal, do you reach for trash and waste the time carrying sugar and chemicals?” he says. “Or have you utilized your weight and space with something that’s 100% nutrition and good for your body?”

That’s what drew him to Field Fuel® from Essential Provisions – whole food MREs without the processed ingredients and high sugar content. Where other MREs feature dehydrated ingredients, Field Fuel is ready-to-eat right out of the bag. 

“You can’t waste what you put in your body,” he says. “If you’ve got a Ferrari and you put diesel in it, you’ll have issues. I only have one body, and I want to treat it right. If I stock my back pack with great nutrition like what you find in Essential Provisions products, I can go longer and stay sharper.”

A Warrior's Journey

Russell Acord’s journey from a young explorer in Montana’s wilderness to a seasoned Bigfoot researcher and survival expert is a testament to his unwavering determination and passion for the unknown. His story is one of perseverance, curiosity, and a deep-seated belief in the importance of reconnecting with nature.

As he continues his quest to uncover the truth behind the legend of Bigfoot, Russell remains a steadfast advocate for living a life of adventure and self-reliance. With each step he takes into the uncharted territories of our world, he inspires others to do the same.