The days are getting longer, and a bit warmer, slowly but surely. Spring is around the corner. Mazon Creek is now open for collecting from March 1-September 30. I’ve written a lot about the history, terrain, and collecting of this locale, so my next few trip reports will just be a reflection on the day’s experience. For more information on Mazon Creek, you can browse other blog posts, or check out the Field Guide I am excited to have recently finished (details at the end of the post).
I decided the blog will be reserved for in-the-field photos. And I will post my finds for the day on the Fossil Forum. I may change that, but for now I think that is a good way to organize the experience. You can see my finds at http://www.thefossilforum.com/index.php?/topic/82534-mazon-creek-opener-march-3-4/
The Journey Begins
The trip starts with a little over an hours drive from Chicago. I try to leave early, and the roads are usually empty on a Saturday morning. March 3, the first day I collect Pit 11 for the season, I was greeted with a rater nice sunrise over Chicago. Not uncommon, but worth taking a picture in mornings it looks like this.
The first hike after a long winter
Despite the numerous cold snaps the 2017-2018 winter brought Chicago, I still got outside and active when I could. But the warming weather and approaching spring has me re-organizing my fishing gear and fossil projects, gearing up for a fun year. There is nothing better than to be the first one to the lake or woods.
A False Sign
Despite this signs statement, ‘FOSSIL HUNTING AREA’ the land behind it is some of the least productive fossil collecting in Pit 11. I think they used to turn the fields behind it with a till to turn up new fossils for collectors. But IDNR/IDOC has not done that in years. I like the sign though.
This sign actually briefly resided in my apartment. A very strong storm (or somebody) tore it down and whipped it into the woods. I returned the next week, with a few very long nails. And the sign lives on.
The Longest Mile
Well, it is actually more like 2 miles until you get to the collecting area, but is a beautiful hike.
The Reward
Decades ago, concretions were gathered by the bucketload, and very easily. Today they are much harder to find, but I assure you, they are out there. Today’s Mazon Creek collectors are the more adventurous ones. We do not have concretions at our feet with every step, those days were probably fun, but are over. Now we have to go on an adventure, get a feel for the woods. We have to hike, climb, and go on a 300-million-year old easter egg hunt in a land that is near returned to a natural state. It is as enjoyable and rewarding in this regards despite the sacrifice in quantity.
Tools of the Trade
A bucket, a rake, or a 3 prong garden troll, water, snacks. Not your every-day-carry.
The Casualties
Last year I found a beautiful deer skull from a winter coyote skull. It was a young buck with antlers, and the skull hangs beautifully above my display case, with a shark tooth necklace dangling from it. Sometimes I find a raccoon skull around Pit 11, and have seen beaver skulls found too. I did not find any skulls today, but came across this natural example of woodland life-cycle.
Poor skunk.
Enjoy the 2018 season of MC. Would love an email or comment to hear about your collecting adventure and finds. And as always, hope to see you out there- americanfossilhunt@gmail.com with any questions.
The aforementioned Field Guide will go to print March 9th. Only 100 copies of this guide will be printed. If you are interested in ordering a copy, you can use code TULLYHUNT for $8 off through March 9.
P.S. I thought it was too early in the season for ticks, but definitely had a very tiny one crawling on my jeans, be cautious!
I love to take my son on a fossil hunt trip in may..just after his birthday.. do you recommend pit 11 as a good start off point to look