One of the most exciting elements of exploration is the thrill of discovery; Mudslinger Tours offers just that! Journey back to the Miocene Epoch period as your guide leads you into Hogtown Creek in search of shark teeth and other vertebrate fossils.
Owner of Mudslinger Tours, Hurley Hurley, explained how improper digging along creekbeds caused further erosion, prompting the city to somewhat recently ban residents from entering the waters within city parks as well as the use of any shovel in any creek beds.
Currently, you either need a private property owner’s permission for creek access, as “most of the Gainesville Creek System is private land.” It’s a common misunderstanding that all waterways are public lands, as any non-navigable waterway is private entrance only and Hogtown Creek is considered such.
Hurley’s team is “Always glad to help pass on the knowledge of what we know and understand of fossil hunting here in Gainesville.” Hurley’s partner, Jessica, adds “we continue working with the city to make sure that areas we operate in and equipment and practices are approved.”
While they do offer half-day tours for all ages, they’re also happy to help further details finding the perfect experience for anyone wanting to explore history with a local fossil hunt.
Fossil hunters can regularly find Bull, Silky, Snaggletooth, Tiger, Hammerhead, Lemon, and even the coveted Megalodon shark's teeth right in Gainesville!
As Hurley says, “I got a feeling I know where a Meg is.”
Contact Mudslinger Tours via facebook.com/MudslingerTours for more information.