Comments on: Reflections on The Real Wolfman http://kengerhard.com/2009/11/12/reflections-on-the-real-wolfman/ Ken Gerhard's CryptoBlog Fri, 09 Jul 2010 18:56:16 -0400 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Brett Dillon http://kengerhard.com/2009/11/12/reflections-on-the-real-wolfman/#comment-210 Brett Dillon Sun, 07 Mar 2010 15:12:11 +0000 http://kengerhard.com/?p=58#comment-210 I have some problems with the so-called experts on the ballistic test. The claimed caliber of the test weapon was a .44- but the weapon appears to be a 45-70 lever action rifle extremely similar to the Marlin 1895. This weapon is NOT anywhere near the type of weapon used by Jean Chastel. The claim that the accuracy test showed silver bullets are less accurate because the silver is harder than lead and the rifling has less of an effect on silver bullets falls down when the actual weapon used was a musket- a weapon that has a smooth bore! A musket ball made out of silver would likely be just as accurate as a lead ball fired from the same weapon. The actual accuracy test was flawed as well. They never eliminated the human factor- they needed to bolt the weapon down after sighting in and use an electonic device for firing, something the MythBusters do on a regular basis. George Deucher is an expert criminologist? Not bloody likely if he thinks his ballistic test is valid; any half-drunk lawyer could blow that one away in court- my 10 year old actually brought up these questions on the test independently! I have some problems with the so-called experts on the ballistic test. The claimed caliber of the test weapon was a .44- but the weapon appears to be a 45-70 lever action rifle extremely similar to the Marlin 1895. This weapon is NOT anywhere near the type of weapon used by Jean Chastel.

The claim that the accuracy test showed silver bullets are less accurate because the silver is harder than lead and the rifling has less of an effect on silver bullets falls down when the actual weapon used was a musket- a weapon that has a smooth bore! A musket ball made out of silver would likely be just as accurate as a lead ball fired from the same weapon.

The actual accuracy test was flawed as well. They never eliminated the human factor- they needed to bolt the weapon down after sighting in and use an electonic device for firing, something the MythBusters do on a regular basis.

George Deucher is an expert criminologist? Not bloody likely if he thinks his ballistic test is valid; any half-drunk lawyer could blow that one away in court- my 10 year old actually brought up these questions on the test independently!

]]> By: The Wolfman Movie http://kengerhard.com/2009/11/12/reflections-on-the-real-wolfman/#comment-131 The Wolfman Movie Wed, 17 Feb 2010 15:44:34 +0000 http://kengerhard.com/?p=58#comment-131 In werewolf folklore, like vampires, they are known to have an animlistic allure. Perhaps this what attracted her to him once he was bitten. In werewolf folklore, like vampires, they are known to have an animlistic allure. Perhaps this what attracted her to him once he was bitten.

]]> By: Russell http://kengerhard.com/2009/11/12/reflections-on-the-real-wolfman/#comment-118 Russell Mon, 15 Feb 2010 01:43:04 +0000 http://kengerhard.com/?p=58#comment-118 Ken, I was very interested in the program and how a you were joined with a criminologist,it added a great perspective from someone who was not as open to the study of cryptozoology.I did have a question about the possibility of another canine breed other than wolves at that time.Did you consider this? At that time in Europe there were many large breed dogs(greater than 100+ pounds)that were used and trained by hunters and farmers.Many breeds such as Mastiffs,Great Danes(which looked like the picture on your computer,the one with the long neck and pointed ears,that you used to map features and came up with a Hyena)and Hounds, were common then.It is also interesting to note that back then those breeds were long haired and looked nothing like their present day counterparts.That is because they have changed over the last 200 years though breeding.Even breeds like the Malamute which look remarkably like a wolf,sometimes even larger, were traded and used in the colder regions of Europe and Russia. The paw cast that was made buy the priest looked canine and could have been made by such breeds.I do believe however that there was a human and canine team working to terrorize and capitalize on the fears at that time. Ken,
I was very interested in the program and how a you were joined with a criminologist,it added a great perspective from someone who was not as open to the study of cryptozoology.I did have a question about the possibility of another canine breed other than wolves at that time.Did you consider this? At that time in Europe there were many large breed dogs(greater than 100+ pounds)that were used and trained by hunters and farmers.Many breeds such as Mastiffs,Great Danes(which looked like the picture on your computer,the one with the long neck and pointed ears,that you used to map features and came up with a Hyena)and Hounds, were common then.It is also interesting to note that back then those breeds were long haired and looked nothing like their present day counterparts.That is because they have changed over the last 200 years though breeding.Even breeds like the Malamute which look remarkably like a wolf,sometimes even larger, were traded and used in the colder regions of Europe and Russia.
The paw cast that was made buy the priest looked canine and could have been made by such breeds.I do believe however that there was a human and canine team working to terrorize and capitalize on the fears at that time.

]]> By: Jim http://kengerhard.com/2009/11/12/reflections-on-the-real-wolfman/#comment-29 Jim Thu, 10 Dec 2009 22:35:53 +0000 http://kengerhard.com/?p=58#comment-29 I was curious as to why the silver bullet test was performed with a lever action rifle and not a Muzzle loader. The proclamation of the steel bullet expanding while the silver stayed relatively the same shape may not really reflect well since the weapon used was a low powered musket. I doubt the steel ball would have done much more damage when fired than a silver one. I was curious as to why the silver bullet test
was performed with a lever action rifle and not
a Muzzle loader. The proclamation of the steel
bullet expanding while the silver stayed relatively
the same shape may not really reflect well since
the weapon used was a low powered musket. I doubt
the steel ball would have done much more damage
when fired than a silver one.

]]> By: admin http://kengerhard.com/2009/11/12/reflections-on-the-real-wolfman/#comment-25 admin Sun, 15 Nov 2009 04:40:09 +0000 http://kengerhard.com/?p=58#comment-25 Some excellent comments/perspectives! Jason - As far as we know, the number of victims who were allegedly sexually assaulted were very few in number. Some victims were found undressed, with their clothing nearby... probably the best evidence of human involvement with at least some of the murders. With regards to the track casting, Soulier's print definitely appeared to be that of an enormous wolf or dog to my eyes. Hyenas are obviously in a different family than canines, so their prints look quite different... their toes are closer together. Andrew - One area that I wish the show had explored more was my feeling, as a cryptozoologist that the Beast may have been a prehistoric survivor, such as a cave hyena (which were once native to Europe) or perhaps even something more ancient, like a Hemicyon (primitive carnivore with wolf-like qualities). Some excellent comments/perspectives! Jason – As far as we know, the number of victims who were allegedly sexually assaulted were very few in number. Some victims were found undressed, with their clothing nearby… probably the best evidence of human involvement with at least some of the murders. With regards to the track casting, Soulier’s print definitely appeared to be that of an enormous wolf or dog to my eyes. Hyenas are obviously in a different family than canines, so their prints look quite different… their toes are closer together. Andrew – One area that I wish the show had explored more was my feeling, as a cryptozoologist that the Beast may have been a prehistoric survivor, such as a cave hyena (which were once native to Europe) or perhaps even something more ancient, like a Hemicyon (primitive carnivore with wolf-like qualities).

]]> By: Jason http://kengerhard.com/2009/11/12/reflections-on-the-real-wolfman/#comment-24 Jason Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:07:19 +0000 http://kengerhard.com/?p=58#comment-24 Ken, After watching the show, which I found very entertaining, I had a couple of questions. 1. In the early part of the show it was mentioned that some of the victims were sexually assaulted. With what you guys found, and somewhat concluded, that aspect was never addressed. I am assuming that George suspects it to be Jeanne Chastel. Did you guys come to any conclusions on that? 2. Early on you guys were presented with a casting of a footprint from the beast, I was wondering if you guys ever compared that casting the the long haired hyena you saw at the museum? Other than that I felt you guys did a very thorough investigation. I really liked what both of you brought to the table. Thank you, Jason Ken,

After watching the show, which I found very entertaining, I had a couple of questions.

1. In the early part of the show it was mentioned that some of the victims were sexually assaulted. With what you guys found, and somewhat concluded, that aspect was never addressed. I am assuming that George suspects it to be Jeanne Chastel. Did you guys come to any conclusions on that?

2. Early on you guys were presented with a casting of a footprint from the beast, I was wondering if you guys ever compared that casting the the long haired hyena you saw at the museum?

Other than that I felt you guys did a very thorough investigation. I really liked what both of you brought to the table.

Thank you,

Jason

]]> By: Andrew D. Gable http://kengerhard.com/2009/11/12/reflections-on-the-real-wolfman/#comment-23 Andrew D. Gable Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:57:27 +0000 http://kengerhard.com/?p=58#comment-23 The wild child angle, I'll admit, is something I'd never thought of. And then you have the guys like Jean Grenier, who actually did admit to be a werewolf. Although people would probably confess to almost anything to get the lovely medieval tortures to stop. From the cryptozoological angle, there were a lot of other "Beasts" at the time too. The Beast of Benais, Beast of Sarlat, etc. There was a pair of wolves killed at Perigord, nearer to Paris, that supposedly had an unusual dentition. The wild child angle, I’ll admit, is something I’d never thought of. And then you have the guys like Jean Grenier, who actually did admit to be a werewolf. Although people would probably confess to almost anything to get the lovely medieval tortures to stop.

From the cryptozoological angle, there were a lot of other “Beasts” at the time too. The Beast of Benais, Beast of Sarlat, etc. There was a pair of wolves killed at Perigord, nearer to Paris, that supposedly had an unusual dentition.

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