Fossil Hunting in East Texas
Cretaceous and Cenozoic sedimentary rocks cover approximately one-third (28 percent) of Texas, and represent a diverse grouping of fossils, according to "Geo-Texas: A Guide to the Earth Sciences." This wide stretch of exposed limestone extends from Big Bend National Park to the central Texas hill country. Cretaceous invertebrate fossils are abundant, with the most common forms including pelecypods, cephalopods, gastropods and echinoids.
Locations
There are several fossil-hunting locations in eastern Texas. The fossil park of Mineral Wells lies about 55 miles west of Fort Worth. This free, all-you-can-unearth park offers gentle slopes which are dotted with the remnants of ancient sharks, urchins, crustaceans and flora from the Pennsylvanian period 300 million years ago. Although the fossils are not uncommon, you are guaranteed to find something interesting. The University of Texas Libraries lists several eastern Texas fossil-hunting locations, including the Bergstrom Formation near Manda, the Pecan Gap Chalk in the Walnut Hill Area east of Austin and the Sprinkle Formation on Little Walnut Creek.
Equipment and Gear
Most people are not accustomed to spending all day outdoors, with the sun or rain beating down. Wear loose, comfortable clothing that does not chafe, a hooded waterproof jacket for rainy conditions and sturdy hiking boots. Geological and topographical maps, as well as a GPS device, are indispensable tools, especially when venturing into unfamiliar territory. Main tools for fieldwork include a geological hammer, chisels, trowels, brushes, magnifying lens, plastic bags or containers, a notebook and camera.
Documentation
When searching for fossils, the most vital part of the find is the documentation. Keeping records of your find, such as geographic location, help determine the exact age and uniqueness of a specimen. Record details of each fossil including the exact location, and the appearance of the sediment layer (strata), noting any other fossils located in proximity. Individually catalog each specimen, wrapping them separately in newspaper and placing them in separate plastic bags or containers.
Resources
Many fossil guides have access to private fossil areas. This opens up a new world of potential finds you would not otherwise have, as well as extensive experience in fossil hunting techniques. Regional and local groups also offer enormous benefits to the keen but inexperienced hunter, offering advice on planning, equipment and likely finds; and they may even loan equipment such as tools and containers.
Regulations
According to the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM), private collecting is banned or limited on most federal and state properties. The BLM states the public may collect "reasonable amounts of common invertebrate and plant fossils without a BLM permit," which includes plant fossils, such as leaves, stems and cones, and petrified wood up to 25 pounds; however, the collected materials must be for "your personal collection and cannot be sold or traded." Commercial collection is not allowed on federal lands, with the exception of petrified wood, as it is classified as a mineral material.
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