Hi Tman,

Looking for some info/help if you would?

I believe that my kids (and myself) would be over the moon excited to go sifting creek beds or beaches for fossilized shark teeth, with the grand prize being a megalodon tooth. It is my understanding that the big favorites for this activity are NC, SC, GA and FLA but I can't seem to reliably locate:
[list]
[*]Public Land access where there is a reasonble chance of success
[*]Applicable Regulations

I can build or buy sifters and I know from experience that you can pick a bazillion shark teeth off Myrtle Beach but I am also sure there are maybe some less popular places in state parks, etc.
Anyone can share their honey holes? If it's a big secret I'd be very appreciative of a DM and I'd respect the secrecy LOL
Just trying to plan an inexpensive (relatively LOL) day activity if we make it down there this summer.
PS - would appreciate a location that poses minimal danger from venomous snakes and gators to a couple of rambunctious 9/10 year olds that would not be very situationally aware while sifting away LOL

The barrier islands around Hilton Head SC are a pretty good place for them ...... I have to dig out my collection and take a picture of them for you. Don't worry about the gators when you are looking for sharks teeth. They are cowards unless you threaten they little ones. Them momma can get upset about it. Its way more dangerous to drive to and from the places you want to explore. Snakes is the same thing. they won't go out of their way to bite you. Just look before you step over a log and such.

The black belt of Alabama where creeks cut through the Selma chalk formation are constantly giving up megladon teeth. The problem is land access as almost all is private.

Bankhead Forest Oakmulgee division is north of there in Bibb County as is the Cahaba NWR. You might look to Corps of Engineer lands along the Alabama and Tombigbee rivers. There are also a few smaller state land tracts scattered through the black belt as set aside preserves for the black belt prairie ecosystems. But I have no idea on the rules for access of collection of artifacts.

Jekyll island Georgia, Fort clinch stats park, behind the fort, I have found several at these two places

Outside of Rawlins, WY there is a layer we dug through and found all the teeth you would ever want. They were small/penny size.

Keep in mind that those megs you see on the net are neither typical or common.

True, but the selma chalk is kind of unique as the remnant of an ancient reef system. It has yielded mosasaurs as well as megladon teeth and much smaller shark teeth and fossils.

Completely aside from the fossil record it is a fascinating geological feature. The soils are different than the rest of the state and even the deer and other flora and fauna show differences as well.

Thanks guys! I know a meg tooth is probably a very rare thing, we'd be happy with anything really. Just trying to get the kids excited about adventuring and discovery outdoors.

Good luck! Kind of a fun thread that even made me want to try it.

I've got a buddy in Mt Pleasant SC that takes people to barrier islands and they find real good teeth, along the Cooper River. I dove the Cooper for teeth, and found lots of fossils including Meg teeth.

Back in the 80's we screened the beach sand at Venice Florida for them and found a jelly jar full in a couple of hours-mostly smaller ones. There was a guy with a booth set up at that beach that had some rare/large ones for sale.

I`m no help but I think it sounds like a fun time.