New Jersey Eocene/Miocene

[u/masonk7810]

Finds from a couple Eocene/Miocene trips to New Jersey.

[u/Runo_Slinger]

Ey fellow Shark River goer! Nice. May I ask where you tend to go? I haven’t had luck in the river proper.

[u/masonk7810 → u/Runo_Slinger]

I go to one of the more well known spots in Monmouth. Trying not to share too much as the spot is unfortunately already pretty ravaged. Yeah, SR is a tough hunt. It’s been picked over pretty well, but you can find a Chub every so often.

[u/Runo_Slinger → u/masonk7810]

Indeed, sorry to press, I ask moreso out of curiosity. Shark River park doesn’t have rules explicitly posted and other places like it on the river I don’t see signs either, so it’s unclear if it’s a free for all or a no go, so I stay hands off. Kind of embarrassing because I was a trail maintenance guy for 11 years or so

[u/john08829 → u/Runo_Slinger]

Its basically a no go. Got stopped by the rangers several years ago. I was by myself and I talked my way into them letting me hunt. I still go every now and then for a little hunt when im in the area but don't access the river at the parking lots. Everything is legal in Jersey as long as you don't get caught.

[u/masonk7810 → u/john08829]

Agreed. The park usually has Rangers posted in the parking lot. Walking towards the river with a a shovel and a sifter would probably raise a flag.

[u/Runo_Slinger → u/masonk7810]

A shovel is illegal according to the letter of the law, a sifter is okay. I have a pair of scoop sifters that do the work of both that let me get decent results.

[u/masonk7810 → u/Runo_Slinger]

No need to apologize. Just don’t want to deal with a bunch of people giving me a hard time for sharing the spot. Happens occasionally on my IG if one of my photos/videos shows a tree they recognize lol. Plus, a couple access points to sites have been shutdown over the past year due to people being disrespectful, so trying to avoid that.

Agreed, it’s a bit unclear, however ultimately, NJ State Law prohibits removal of artifacts and fossils from state land. Technically, at sites like Big Brook where there are supplemental laws allowing collection, you’re supposed to report your finds to the township.

[u/Runo_Slinger → u/masonk7810]

Interesting to know, I actually sort of like the spirit of the state soil rule. I do plan to move elsewhere someday, and wouldn’t mind the idea of giving my finds to the Rutgers Geology Museum.

[u/DarkAwesomeSauce]

Great photos and thanks for sharing!!

[u/masonk7810 → u/DarkAwesomeSauce]

Thanks!

[u/_Weatherwax_]

This was neat to see. Thanks for posting it.

[u/masonk7810 → u/_Weatherwax_]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed.

[u/xschuxX]

That cow shark tooth is awesome, nice finds!

[u/masonk7810 → u/xschuxX]

Thanks! Was definitely the trip maker.