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December 3, 2008

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Here are two links to posts dealing with how to post pictures on Black River Fossils forums.

1. How to Post Pictures on Black River Fossils Forums by ditchweezil

2. How to Post Pictures on Black River Fossils Forums by Daryl

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Shark Teeth

Looks like rich...

Looks like rich getting richer

3/10/2006 12:10:10 AM

legacyForum

725 posts

Looks like rich getting richer

I just looked at the NC pictures labeled "Beaufort County".
I knew this had to be first trip of the season stuff. How do you guys seem to always get in on the first weekend of hunting? I am happy to be able to go later this season, but I doubt the place will be littered with all of those 3-4" megs. Last season I found one 2 1/2".

3/11/2006 1:20:06 AM

ditchweezil

342 posts

RE: Looks like rich getting richer

Great question! You get in on the first day by putting in the time for the museum. scubapual and rivrdigr both are big time contributors, and as such, got props in the form of first day pickins. da f0ssZ and I are going in this weekend. We hope our meager finds can at least compare to their unprecedented rack!

3/11/2006 5:24:27 PM

legacyForum

725 posts

RE: Looks like rich getting richer

I knew about the volunteer deal. It's impossible for some of us that live too far away tough. It would be nice if different areas were opened up throughout the season. Usually by the time I can get up there it's pretty well picked over.

3/14/2006 7:23:57 PM

ditchweezil

342 posts

RE: Looks like rich getting richer

A lot of people have that problem. Luckily, there are things you can do to help promote the museum from your house. You could help out with the newsletter or phone calls. You could do a lecture in a local elementary school. Even when you go there to collect, you are volunteering! Granted, that's the kind of volunteering we all want to do, but you get the point. If you want to help out but can't physically be there, email them and see what they need. You know what they say, a mind is a terrible thing to waste.

3/18/2006 3:20:25 PM

legacyForum

725 posts

RE: Looks like rich getting richer

I just saw your picture of the haul at Lee Creek. That is just wrong! I'm going up in a couple of weeks, I hope to find 1/4 of what you got!

3/19/2006 3:07:12 PM

ditchweezil

342 posts

RE: Looks like rich getting richer

Pray for rain. If you get it, you'll do better than me. All I did was slow down and look closely when I saw good material. The teeth are literally everywhere there. It really is a good area.

3/30/2006 9:36:03 PM

blackwaterdiver

79 posts

RE: Looks like rich getting richer

To add to what DW has already typed:

First, become a Friend of the Aurora Fossil Museum. The first trips into the mine each season are set aside for them.

Second, promote the AFM from your house/in your area/etc and log the hours. Each hour you put in makes your name magically rise on the Friends list. You can help by writing articles for the newsletter, holding an outreach program at a local school, or even representing the AFM at a local fossil fair.

Don't be discouraged with what hunters are finding in the mine. If anyone tells you it's more than luck to be in the right place at the right time is pulling your leg.

When you go to the mine make sure you can identify the different areas of material (Pungo, Yorktown, James City). If you can't one of us (the guides) can help you ID the right "layer". After that the luck is up to you. Move slowly and you'll find plenty (if you're in the right material).

Surprisingly, many collectors on Sundays this year have been finding more than those on Saturdays.

I'll be working this Sunday if you'll be there... I'm the one with the meg dive sticker on my hardhat.

4/10/2006 7:55:48 PM

scubapaul

70 posts

RE: Looks like rich getting richer

One additional piece to the chain. I notice in the posts the statement that being 'remote' from the museum does not allow people to volunteer. I live about 900 miles away, and while that does limit my contributions, it does not prohibit my volunteering for things.

There have been a number of things already listed as good ideas. On top of those, you can head there for the fossil festival (May 27th btw) and put in time there helping - i typically arrive 2 days early and stay after to help out; you can go there for a weekend when they need people to help around the museum cleaning, painting, etc; you can write articles for the newsletter; you can work as a member of a committee; you can send/bring donations to the musuem (teeth, books, items for them to sell sell, cash). There are lots of ways to help out, just ask. I mention all of the ones above because i have done each one as a 'remote' person - so i know they are possible.

Also, understand that if you join the 'Friends' just to get a spot, you are joining for the wrong reason. There is no guarantee that the Friends spots will continue to be the first spots in the season, and there are no guarantees that there will even be a season. Read the elasmo posts - you can find things at any point in the seasom. A lot depends on luck, skill, sunshine, rain, etc. Good luck in your hunts!

4/11/2006 6:55:00 AM

legacyForum

725 posts

RE: Looks like rich getting richer

I did ok at PCS. I found four broken megs. All in bad shape. One would have been a 3" tooth. I also found several nice 1" tigers. I saw Blackwaterdiver there. You guys that SCUBA no doubt have the best chance to find the big megs. They are filling in part of the PCS pit. Maybe one day we will be able to hunt in new territory.

5/18/2006 12:08:21 AM

legacyForum

725 posts

RE: Looks like rich getting richer

Chimp, If it helps, you're certainly not the only one that feels this way. I know a number of people that don't come anymore because of it. And while it does indeed seem that the first 3 weeks are when all the goodies are to be had, if you apply the "Pungo Crawl" technique to the Yorktown as well, you should be rewarded no matter what week you get in. Also, never underestimate the DOT (and other) spoil/reject piles. I have pulled several 3" megs from them, and always manage to find "makos" in the 1-1.5" range. As a bonus, they're also the best place to pick up Lee Creek "amber", Carcharoides catticus, Rhincodon typus, Alopias and Sphyrna.

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