Thoroughly enjoyed the fossil hunting episode. One question: is there a “gator-problem” that could be encountered doing all the “fun stuff”? It seems as tho’ almost every waterway,pond, canal etc in our state seems to be the domain of our reptilian friends!
Dan, we’re glad that you enjoyed our “How-To Fossil Hunt” segment as well. To answer your question; alligators certainly command the respect of every Floridian and we definitely don’t recommend that people just go tromping out into any body of water in search of sunken treasure. In that particular segment, our experts that appeared in the show assured us that the area was “gator free”. However, some good ways to avoid an intimate encounter with (to use your words) one of our reptilian friends, are to make sure that you personally have spent some time in the area recently and ask around before you venture in, basically be familiar with your surroundings. Also, go with a group of friends or family. It’s a lot more fun and much safer. Lastly, if your “iffy” about the area at all, then don’t go. It’s much better to be a stick in the mud than to be stuck in the mud with an angry gator.
I really enjoyed the How to Fossil Hunt segment as I didn’t realize I could obtain a permit to collect fossils, much less have access to such a hot spot as the Peace River. Having finally built a home on the 10+ acres I purchased in Central Florida, I now can call this wonderful state home and I look forward to venturing out on my first fossil hunt off of my own property. Which, I will add, has not turned out so well… however, I do find Native artifacts on a near daily basis. Are there Native American artifacts in the Peace River? If so, am I allowed to collect them? Also, can you tell me how (dimentions & materials) to make one of those nifty artifact sifters you guys used? They looked pretty simple- pool noodles???
Hey Brit,
Currently, you are not allowed to collect Native artifacts (arrowheads and tools) on state land. However, a $5 permit is available to collect vertebrate fossils on Florida state land. Here’s a link for the permit application. http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/natsci/vertpaleo/vppermit.htm
I just found your site and I’m loving it…. but i can’t get this video to load about fossil collecting. I’m into shelling (seashell collecting) the beaches but I run across fossils like shark’s teeth and other fossils … so cool.
Thoroughly enjoyed the fossil hunting episode. One question: is there a “gator-problem” that could be encountered doing all the “fun stuff”? It seems as tho’ almost every waterway,pond, canal etc in our state seems to be the domain of our reptilian friends!
Dan, we’re glad that you enjoyed our “How-To Fossil Hunt” segment as well. To answer your question; alligators certainly command the respect of every Floridian and we definitely don’t recommend that people just go tromping out into any body of water in search of sunken treasure. In that particular segment, our experts that appeared in the show assured us that the area was “gator free”. However, some good ways to avoid an intimate encounter with (to use your words) one of our reptilian friends, are to make sure that you personally have spent some time in the area recently and ask around before you venture in, basically be familiar with your surroundings. Also, go with a group of friends or family. It’s a lot more fun and much safer. Lastly, if your “iffy” about the area at all, then don’t go. It’s much better to be a stick in the mud than to be stuck in the mud with an angry gator.
Enjoy Florida!
i want to join the fossil hunters group. where do i write? ann woodworth
Ann, here’s a link to fossil hunters of Florida, I would start there.
enjoy Florida!
http://www.floridafossilhunters.com/
I really enjoyed the How to Fossil Hunt segment as I didn’t realize I could obtain a permit to collect fossils, much less have access to such a hot spot as the Peace River. Having finally built a home on the 10+ acres I purchased in Central Florida, I now can call this wonderful state home and I look forward to venturing out on my first fossil hunt off of my own property. Which, I will add, has not turned out so well… however, I do find Native artifacts on a near daily basis. Are there Native American artifacts in the Peace River? If so, am I allowed to collect them? Also, can you tell me how (dimentions & materials) to make one of those nifty artifact sifters you guys used? They looked pretty simple- pool noodles???
Thank you so much,
Brit
Hey Brit,
Currently, you are not allowed to collect Native artifacts (arrowheads and tools) on state land. However, a $5 permit is available to collect vertebrate fossils on Florida state land. Here’s a link for the permit application. http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/natsci/vertpaleo/vppermit.htm
As far as those nifty sifters are concerned, here’s a link with exact dimensions and simple instructions on how to make your very own.
http://www.paleocurrents.com/docs/peace_river_fl_tools.html
Hope this helps and happy hunting!
I just found your site and I’m loving it…. but i can’t get this video to load about fossil collecting. I’m into shelling (seashell collecting) the beaches but I run across fossils like shark’s teeth and other fossils … so cool.