| Mervin McDougald | |
| Fictional Character | |
| State of Jefferson POD: Pre-history; Relevant POD: 1919 | |
| Appearance(s): | "Always Something New" |
| Type of Appearance: | Direct |
| Nationality: | United States |
| Species: | Little People |
| Date of Birth: | c. 1935 |
| Occupation: | Ichthyology professor |
| Spouse: | Donna |
| Professional Affiliations: | Jefferson State Ashland |
Mervin McDougald was an ichthyologist at Jefferson State Ashland. He was lean and, for a little man, tall. He had hair down almost to his shoulders and a bushy brown mustache with some gray in it. On Election Night, 1980, Governor Bill Williamson contacted for help in investigating the alleged rediscovery of the speartooth salmon in Grants Pass. McDougald was highly dubious, but agreed to go to Grants Pass with Williamson the next day to help authenticate the specimen.
Williamson picked up McDougald the next day. McDougald gave Williamson a quick lesson in ichthyology, suggesting that the speartooth might be the survival of Oncorhynchus rastrosus. They then drove to Grants Pass where they met with Eric Bishop, who in turn took them to the Donovan residence. After engaging in pleasantries, the group discussed the specimen, which the Donovans had already deboned, and placed in a freezer. They'd even tasted some of its flesh. Greg Donovan also assured McDougald that he'd kept the remaining parts on ice, rather than dispose of them, which thrilled McDougald.
After reviewing the remains, McDougald concluded that the specimen was not Oncorhynchus rastrosus, but rather an offshoot. Williamson then began to prepare for the inevitable press conference, which included gathering the photos Eric Bishop had taken and as well as more samples of the specimen for the trip back to Ashland. McDougald offered the services of Steve Halvorsen, a professor in Jefferson State's anthropology department, to help explain how the legends surrounding the speartooth came about.
A few days later, McDougald attended the conference announcing the discovery. His wife, Donna also attended, watching from the press room.[1]
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