3 of the Best Places to Go Dinosaur Fossil Hunting in the States

If you would like to walk on the same ground as some of the largest animals to ever exist on earth once did, there are a few places that should be on your radar. Whether you manage to find an actual fossil or not, rest assured that all locations on this list were once the hunting grounds of ancient predators larger than the largest predator in existence today.

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North Dakota Heritage Center, Bismarck

There are four fossil excavation centers run by the North Dakota Geological Survey and the one in Bismarck is arguably the best dig site for moderately experienced fossil diggers. Even before you start digging though, just take a look around. Everything you see there has been preserved against the worst ravages of time. Consequently, what you see is a shoreline geography predating mankind’s inception by 67 million years!

So far, bone fragments, bones, fossilized footprints, and teeth from tyrannosaurids, the didelphodon, the dromeosaurus, the edmontosaurus, the triceratops, and the brachychampsa have been dug up by paleontologists and hobbyists from the Hell Creek Formation. Nobody can find a full skeleton unfortunately, but you can buy custom pieces to complete real-size dinosaurs on your own.

Wyoming Dinosaur Center, Thermopolis

The Morrison Formation inside the Wyoming Dinosaur Center is not as vast in its potential fossil finds as some of the other locations in United States. What it lacks in quantity, the site makes up in rarity. The camarasaurus, allosaurus, and apatosaurus fossils are not as common anywhere else around the region as they are here. Don’t miss out on the museum tour either, because it has some pretty amazing finds from past fossil hunters to inspire your next dig.

The Medicine Dinosaur Center, Bynum, Montana

Experts recommend digging around the Judith River Formation here, although you will find dinosaur fossils almost everywhere in these parts. The only thing is that most of the area around the Canadian borders is riddled with hadrosaur bones. Not that there is anything wrong with finding fossilized remains of a maiasaura or an edmontosaurus mind you, but they belong to an era where the dinosaurs were already into their avian stage of evolution. There are more than enough fossilized remains of hadrosaurs than the Dinosaur Center needs anymore.

However, if you go with the long program and decide to help the foundation dig more seriously, you will be helping them uncover the remaining bones of two dinosaurs that are already very close to being fully uncovered. The two skeletons belong to species much older (70 – 80 million years) than the billed dinosaurs usually found in these parts. Given that some of the most impressive theropods and sauropods lived during this time, the possibilities are quite exciting.

Unfortunately, there is not much opportunity to dig around for ancient fossils in Maine. This is due to a geographical phenomenon, which the Maine Geological Survey explains here. Nevertheless, the search for dinosaurs is still on in the state, and you should be able to find information about any significant find from the Maine Geological Survey website itself.

Deer Hunting Laws and Rules in Maine

If you live in Maine, you should be aware of all the rules and regulations concerning deer hunting before you head out. Hunting deer is perfectly legal in the state, but there are some restrictions, especially for which type of deer you hunt, which weapons you hunt them with, and where you hunt them. Being aware of these laws can not only protect you as you hunt and afterward, but also keep you and those who are with you safe.

Also ensure that you have the correct permits. There are many different kinds of permits, especially depending on your hunting location, which season it is, how many deer you aim to take, and which tools you plan on using to hunt. There are muzzleloader permits, expanded archery permits, and permits to take more than one deer.

Deer Hunting Prohibitions

When it comes to the deer themselves, hunting of antlerless deer (deers that have no antlers, or have antlers that are less than three inches in length) is prohibited except by special permit. This applies in both the firearms season and the muzzleloader season. There may be certain areas where no any-deer permits are issued, and in these locations, archers and junior hunters are also not allowed to harvest antlerless deer.

Be aware of exactly what season it currently is, as well—there’s a difference between firearms season and other seasons. During archery season, multiple deer may be taken. However, during any of the other remaining seasons, only one may be taken, unless you have a valid bonus or superpack antlerless deer permit.

Restrictions on Tools, Weapons, or Means

It’s prohibited to bait deer by placing grain, fruit, nuts, salt, or other foods from June 1 to December 15. Deer may also not be hunted with the use of artificial lights, dogs, snares, traps, or set guns. You may also not use any firearm that utilizes .17 or .22 caliber rimfire cartridges. Any deer decoys, however, are legal.

Restrictions on Location

Certain areas, such as Mt. Desert Island, Cross and Scotch Island, and Isle au Haut are completely closed to deer hunting. Some areas are open to deer hunting, but with special restrictions, such as Cranberry Isles, which is open to bow and arrow hunting only during the archer and firearm season, and the island of Frenchboro, which is open to deer hunting only with shotguns and only during the firearms season. Before you head out, look into your planned location to see what they currently allow and during which season. Many towns only allow deer hunting with shotguns during firearms season.

Conclusion

When you set out to hunt deer in Maine, the most important things to keep in mind are what season it is, and what’s allowed in the specific location you’ll be hunting in. Always ensure that you get the correct permits, and never take more than one deer unless you have a permit to do so. By following these laws and rules, you can stay safe and operate efficiently during deer hunting in Maine.

The Thrills of Hunting Wild Game in Maine

The state of Maine is famous for its hunting culture that has become an attraction to visitors looking for an adrenaline rush chasing down game in the woods. Maine is blessed with beautiful nature that ranges from lush forests, scenic highlands and unlimited rivers which traverse the countryside giving life to the area. When it comes to the availability of wild game Maine doesn’t disappoint, with birds, small animals as well as the big game which is a favorite to tourists who flock to the state during the hunting season.

Wild Game in Maine

Animals that make up the majority of the game in Maine include the wild turkey, duck, Grouse, Moose, Deer, Bears and other small game like rabbits, squirrels, quails, and pheasants. All of these animals have been living in Maine for ages and are protected by the government of Maine with the aim of maintaining their numbers in the wild. Depending on the size of the animal there are some hunting tools and weapons that are not allowed into the parks.

Hunting Season

Hunting is regulated and scheduled to be conducted during specific dates across the year. It is illegal to walk into a forest and start hunting without a license or permission. Each animal has its specific day for hunting. Deer hunting takes place from the 28th October to the 9th of December. Bear hunting commences in August and lasts till November. Moose hunting begins on the 25th of September and lasts till the 25th of November. Wild Turkey season starts on the 2nd of October till the 28th of May. All these come with limits which ensure the animals are not wiped out.

Hunting Rules and Regulations

Hunting of deer with no antlers or with antlers that are less than 3 inches is prohibited as they are considered to be young to qualify as game. It is illegal to hunt using dogs, cruel snares, and traps, artificial light or high caliber firearms. Potential hunters must possess a hunting license which only allows them a specific number of times they are allowed to participate in hunting in a year. All hunting licenses expire on the 31st of December of the same year from the date of issue; if an individual wishes to do more hunting, there are special permits which can be acquired through a special request.

Personal Conduct

With or without rules hunters are expected to respect nature. Animals feel pain. Therefore, special consideration has to be observed when hunting them, hunters are expected not to injure animals unnecessarily. Besides, they are allowed to litter their habitat with foreign material.

Best Surfing Destinations in Maine

Finding new and interesting places to surf around the world is one of the best parts of being a surfing fan. Grabbing hold of your surfboard and wetsuit, and being able to catch amazing waves as well as meeting all new people, in brand new locations is all part of the surfing experience. Here, we are going to look at the best surfing destinations in Maine and how they can lead you to interacting with the best surf possible, while meeting new people.

Higgins Beach

Higgins Beach is home to a huge number  of surfers in the Portland area. With fluctuating tides and the shifting sandbars surfing on Higgins Beach is never the same experience twice. However with the conditions offering an extensive amount of variety,  it can be challenging at times to surf here, due to the beach break waves. However this is one of the best places for beginner surfers to find their feet due to the low velocity of the waves. While this can lead the beach to become quite busy with local surfers, paddle boarders and kayakers, everyone here is very welcoming and friendly.  

Pond Cove

Pond Cove is a destination for intermediate surfers who like a challenge, and with the beach being empty most of the time, there is plenty of good surf that you can enjoy on your own without any overcrowding.  However, this location is best to surf at high tide as it can be increasingly difficult to surf at low tide. Plan your surfing based on the tide times and any other activities that you plan to do whilst you are here, in order to make the most of this surfing destination.

Long Sands/ York Beach

With plenty of space to move around, this spot is perfect for beginners and professionals alike. With the maximum surf height of around 3-5 ft, Long Sands and York Beach offer the perfect locations for if you are travelling with beginner surfers or are not as experienced yourself. As well as having amazing surf at high tide, this beach offers plenty of room for beach games such as volleyball and flying kites without distracting one another.

Wells Beach  

As well as being an ideal location to look at wildlife, this beach is also one of the best for surfing. With waves crashing on the sandy beach, you are able to enjoy the best of both worlds – the idyllic backdrop of the amazing sandy beach as well as waves suitable for all ages, providing you with an all-round thrilling experience. As well as this, there is another less populated island called Drakes Island which is accessible from Wells Beach, offering perfect waves for swimming and body surfing. As an idea location for surfers, and swimmers alike, Wells Beach is a favorite not only with the locals but with tourists also.

The above five places show clearly that Maine is not only good for overall activities but also offers unbelievable surfing opportunities for all levels. This is important to note when choosing the locations that you want to go to dependent on what type of wave you want to ride. This varied difficulty of surf is something that Maine can offer an abundance of and this is what sets it apart from the rest, offering both style and surf for anyone who visits.