Within Duhamel Marks
What did the pasture marks actually show?
The Duhamel rings matter because investigators could measure crushed grass, compressed dung and tread-like patterns, not just witness claims.
On this page
- Ring dimensions and missing sections
- Crushed grass, dung and repeating impressions
- What the marks did not show
Page outline Jump by section
Introduction
The Duhamel case is often remembered as a reported UFO landing in a pasture near Camrose County, Alberta, in August 1967. What gives the incident lasting significance, however, is not the sighting story but the physical traces that investigators were able to inspect, measure and describe. Unlike many UFO reports that rest entirely on witness testimony, the Duhamel case left ring-shaped ground marks that could be examined directly. Defence-linked investigators recorded crushed grass, compressed cow dung and repeating impression patterns, creating one of the most discussed examples of alleged UFO trace evidence in Alberta’s history. [The Experiencer Support Association]experiencersupport.orgAugust 11, 1967 — The marks were predominantly in the form of crushed and discoloured pasture grass, but where cow dung lay in the mark t…
The key question is not whether the marks prove a UFO landed there. They do not. The question is what the marks themselves actually showed, and whether those observations point more strongly towards an ordinary mechanical cause, a hoax, or something that remained unexplained.
Ring dimensions and missing sections
The most basic evidence consisted of four large ring-shaped impressions found in pastureland. Measurements taken during the official inspection showed circles roughly 30 to 36 feet across. Three were nearly circular, while the largest was slightly elliptical. The rings themselves were relatively narrow, generally about five to seven inches wide rather than broad flattened areas. [The Experiencer Support Association]experiencersupport.orgAugust 11, 1967 — The marks were predominantly in the form of crushed and discoloured pasture grass, but where cow dung lay in the mark t…
A notable feature was that the rings were incomplete. Investigators reported that each circle appeared to have a missing segment on one side rather than forming a continuous closed loop. This detail attracted attention because it complicated simple explanations. If a heavy object had merely settled vertically onto the ground, a complete ring might be expected. Equally, if a vehicle had driven in circles, investigators would normally expect obvious connecting tracks leading into or out of the area. Those approach and departure tracks were not found. [The Experiencer Support Association]experiencersupport.orgAugust 11, 1967 — The marks were predominantly in the form of crushed and discoloured pasture grass, but where cow dung lay in the mark t…
The dimensions also suggested that substantial pressure had been applied along a narrow band rather than over the entire interior of each circle. The marks looked less like flattened crop circles in the later British sense and more like impressions made by something contacting the ground along a ring-shaped path. That distinction became central to later discussion of the case. [The Experiencer Support Association]experiencersupport.orgAugust 11, 1967 — The marks were predominantly in the form of crushed and discoloured pasture grass, but where cow dung lay in the mark t…
Crushed grass, dung and repeating impressions
The strongest evidence from Duhamel came from the condition of the material within the rings.
Investigators reported that the pasture grass along the rings was crushed and discoloured. More importantly, fresh cow dung located within the marks had been compressed in a manner resembling the effect of a wheel passing over it. This was not simply bent vegetation. Organic material on the ground showed signs of physical pressure. [The Experiencer Support Association]experiencersupport.orgAugust 11, 1967 — The marks were predominantly in the form of crushed and discoloured pasture grass, but where cow dung lay in the mark t…
Another detail frequently cited in later discussions was the presence of repeating impressions. Witnesses and investigators described indications of tread-like or lug-like patterns occurring at intervals of roughly three inches. Although the impressions had reportedly become less distinct by the time of the official inspection, enough remained for investigators to note them in their report. [The Experiencer Support Association]experiencersupport.orgAugust 11, 1967 — The marks were predominantly in the form of crushed and discoloured pasture grass, but where cow dung lay in the mark t…
These observations led the Defence Research Establishment Suffield investigator to record a personal impression that the marks had been produced by some form of rolling contact. The report compared the effect to that of a heavily loaded rubber-tyred wheel moving in a circular path. The reasoning was straightforward: the compression pattern resembled mechanical pressure more than scorching, digging or blast effects. [The Experiencer Support Association]experiencersupport.orgAugust 11, 1967 — The marks were predominantly in the form of crushed and discoloured pasture grass, but where cow dung lay in the mark t…
Yet the same observations created a problem. If the rings were produced by conventional wheels, investigators expected to find tracks connecting the circles or evidence of machinery entering and leaving the pasture. Such evidence was absent. The ring marks looked wheel-like, but the broader scene did not clearly support a simple vehicle explanation. [The Experiencer Support Association]experiencersupport.orgAugust 11, 1967 — The marks were predominantly in the form of crushed and discoloured pasture grass, but where cow dung lay in the mark t…
A further complication was timing. The farmer who discovered the marks stated that he had not visited that part of the pasture for some time before noticing them. Heavy rain had also fallen before discovery. As a result, investigators could not determine exactly when the impressions were created, and weathering may already have altered their appearance before measurements were taken. [dokumen.pub]dokumen.pubSearch for the Unknown: Canada's UFO Files and the Rise…The 1967 case of the “reputed ufo landing marks” at Duhamel, Alberta, remains…
What the marks did not show
The absence of certain kinds of evidence is almost as important as the evidence that was present.
Investigators did not report scorched vegetation, burned soil, heat damage or signs of an exhaust blast. The rings were impressions rather than burn marks. Nor was there convincing evidence of excavated soil, displaced earth or crater formation. The surrounding ground appeared largely undisturbed outside the narrow rings themselves. [The Experiencer Support Association]experiencersupport.orgAugust 11, 1967 — The marks were predominantly in the form of crushed and discoloured pasture grass, but where cow dung lay in the mark t…
The marks also failed to produce the sort of dramatic physical signatures often associated with popular UFO stories. There was no verified structural damage to nearby objects, no confirmed electromagnetic effects and no clear evidence that an extremely hot or energetic object had contacted the ground. The case therefore rests on mechanical-looking traces rather than on claims of radiation burns or severe environmental disruption. [The Experiencer Support Association]experiencersupport.orgAugust 11, 1967 — The marks were predominantly in the form of crushed and discoloured pasture grass, but where cow dung lay in the mark t…
This limitation cuts both ways. Sceptics point out that the lack of extraordinary physical effects makes ordinary explanations easier to imagine. Supporters of the case counter that the unusual combination of circular compression, missing ring segments and lack of access tracks remains difficult to reconstruct with confidence. Either way, the physical traces alone do not identify their cause. [The Experiencer Support Association]experiencersupport.orgAugust 11, 1967 — The marks were predominantly in the form of crushed and discoloured pasture grass, but where cow dung lay in the mark t…
Why the trace evidence remains debated
Within Alberta UFO history, Duhamel occupies an unusual position because the discussion centres on measurable traces rather than solely on witness recollections. The dimensions of the rings, the compressed dung, the crushed grass and the reported repeating impressions were all tangible observations recorded during an investigation. Those observations survive in archival records and continue to be cited by researchers examining Canadian UFO cases. [Library and Archives Canada+2Digital Collections]lac-bac.gc.caSymbol of the Government of Canada. Library and Archives Canada… 8/8/1967". 11/15/1967. 4733-3982-10150. Camrose, AB. 8/8/1967…Read…
At the same time, the trace evidence never reached the standard needed to establish a definitive cause. The site was not secured immediately, visitors entered the area before official examination, weather may have altered the marks, and some potentially useful details became less distinct with time. Investigators could describe what they saw, but they could not demonstrate exactly what created it. [The Experiencer Support Association]experiencersupport.orgAugust 11, 1967 — The marks were predominantly in the form of crushed and discoloured pasture grass, but where cow dung lay in the mark t…
That unresolved status explains why the Duhamel pasture marks remain important. They are among Alberta’s best-known examples of physical-trace UFO evidence, not because they prove an extraordinary event, but because they produced a set of observable ground effects that resisted a simple and universally accepted explanation. [Digital Collections]digitalcollections.trentu.caA History of Canada s UFO Investigation 1950 1995Digital Collectionsa history of canada's ufo investigation, 1950-1995Apr 7, 2022 — the 1967 “reputed UFO landing marks” at Duhamel, Alber…
Amazon book picks
Further Reading
Books and field guides related to What did the pasture marks actually show?. Use these as the next step if you want deeper reading beyond the article.
UFOs
Covers cases involving physical evidence, official investigations, and assessment of unusual aerial phenomena.
The UFO Experience
Examines trace cases, witness reports, and methods used to evaluate unexplained incidents.
UFOs and Government
Provides historical context for official inquiries and evidential assessment of UFO reports.
The Hynek UFO Report
Discusses reported landings, physical traces, and competing explanations for unusual ground evidence.
eBay marketplace picks
Marketplace Samples
Example marketplace items related to this page. Use the search link to explore similar finds on eBay.
Endnotes
-
Source: dokumen.pub
Link: https://dokumen.pub/search-for-the-unknown-canadas-ufo-files-and-the-rise-of-conspiracy-theory-9780228012290.htmlSource snippet
Search for the Unknown: Canada's UFO Files and the Rise...The 1967 case of the “reputed ufo landing marks” at Duhamel, Alberta, remains...
-
Source: dokumen.pub
Title: the ufo files the canadian connection exposed 9781554886999
Link: https://dokumen.pub/the-ufo-files-the-canadian-connection-exposed-9781554886999.htmlSource snippet
Camrose, in a pasture were reported. Local reports had it that the marks were related to the...Read more...
-
Source: canada.ca
Link: https://www.canada.ca/en/library-archives/collection/research-help/science-technology/ufos.htmlSource snippet
Canada's UFOs: The search for the unknownMar 2, 2026 — The Library and Archives Canada collection of government records on UFOs was acqui...
-
Source: canada.ca
Title: episode 053
Link: https://www.canada.ca/en/library-archives/collection/engage-learn/podcasts/discover/episode-053.htmlSource snippet
UFOs at LAC: The Falcon Lake incident, part 1May 15, 2019 — In part one of this two part episode, we unravel Canada's most infamous UFO c...
Published: May 15, 2019
-
Source: experiencersupport.org
Link: https://www.experiencersupport.org/declassified/onsite-inspection-of-ufo-landing-marks-at-duhamel-camrose-county-in-albertaSource snippet
August 11, 1967 — The marks were predominantly in the form of crushed and discoloured pasture grass, but where cow dung lay in the mark t...
Published: August 11, 1967
-
Source: digitalcollections.trentu.ca
Title: A History of Canada s UFO Investigation 1950 1995
Link: https://digitalcollections.trentu.ca/_flysystem/fedora/2022-04/A_History_of_Canada_s_UFO_Investigation_1950_1995.pdfSource snippet
Digital Collectionsa history of canada's ufo investigation, 1950-1995Apr 7, 2022 — the 1967 “reputed UFO landing marks” at Duhamel, Alber...
-
Source: lac-bac.gc.ca
Link: https://www.lac-bac.gc.ca/databases/ufo/001057-110.01-e.php?PHPSESSID=41bt6o0o2fvsbn3l0ot8221112&brws_s=&q4=AB&sk=271Source snippet
Symbol of the Government of Canada. Library and Archives Canada... 8/8/1967". 11/15/1967. 4733-3982-10150. Camrose, AB. 8/8/1967...Read...
Additional References
-
Source: guinnessworldrecords.com
Link: https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/first-official-ufo-landing-padSource snippet
First official UFO landing padThe world's first official UFO landing pad was built in the small Canadian prairie town of St Paul, in Albe...
-
Source: aupress.ca
Link: https://www.aupress.ca/app/uploads/120160_99Z_MacDonald_2009-Beaver_Hills.pdfSource snippet
News Clipping Binder. 1987. Library and Archives Canada [LAC]. Ottawa. RG 84. Parks Canada Records. RG 85.Read more...
-
Source: mspace.lib.umanitoba.ca
Title: ca Canadian Combatant Narratives of the Great War by
Link: https://mspace.lib.umanitoba.ca/bitstreams/6f0c434b-9248-4c99-a237-bb36dfca8239/downloadSource snippet
by M Dumontet · 2010 · Cited by 1 — This study aims to recuperate and reevaluate a number of Canadian Great War texts by examining...
-
Source: facebook.com
Title: Official Opening of UFO Landing Pad in St
Link: https://www.facebook.com/oldcanada/posts/official-opening-of-ufo-landing-pad-in-st-paul-alberta-in-1967/1350357550458571/Source snippet
Paul, Alberta...The case remains Canada's most thoroughly documented UFO incident, referenced in both Canadian government archives and U...
-
Source: facebook.com
Link: https://www.facebook.com/KRDO13/posts/the-buzz-started-in-a-hay-meadow-at-the-foot-of-a-mysterious-looking-geological-/1464064852430985/Source snippet
relate these marks to the landing of one or more UFO.Read more...
-
Source: facebook.com
Title: Official Opening of UFO Landing Pad, St
Link: https://www.facebook.com/100057862771070/posts/official-opening-of-ufo-landing-pad-st-paul-alberta-1967-provincial-archives-of-/797193795552706/Source snippet
Paul, Alberta, 1967...UNCLASSIFIED DEFENCE RESEARCH ESTABLISHMENT SUFFIELD RALST0N ALBERT A SUFFIELD MEMORANDUM NO.... marks in a pastu...
-
Source: protectadks.org
Link: https://www.protectadks.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/adkchronology101412.pdfSource snippet
chers and all others interested in the Adirondacks.Read more...
-
Source: facebook.com
Link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/albertastorm/posts/1005516020961037/Source snippet
hese marks to the landing of one or more UFO.Read more...
-
Source: archive.org
Link: https://archive.org/stream/farmersadvocateh50unse/farmersadvocateh50unse_djvu.txtSource snippet
THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS LIBRARY 630.5 V ^ v. ^>0 REMOTE STORAGE JOURNAL Western...Read more...
-
Source: oldcropcircles.weebly.com
Title: north america 1967 camrose
Link: https://oldcropcircles.weebly.com/north-america-1967-camrose.htmlSource snippet
America 1967 Camrose - Old Crop CirclesMost of our information on this case comes from the account given in the 1967 paper, Onsite Inspec...
Topic Tree