If you've never owned and run a ranch...fed/bred/ replaced cattle...subsisted on the land and from
the land, then you'll have no
idea of the huge expense. If on your own property you
find a source of income...go for it. If i found oil, gold, gemstones, etc...i would not hesitate looking for a source who'd buy. How authentic this show is...I have no idea. Time will tell.
35 Reviews
Excellent Show
umichjal28 July 2020
The ranchers (who own their own land) navigate their areas for Dino fossils. The ranchers do not proclaim to be experts, but pull in the necessary scientists to review their finds. Kudos to the ranchers for doing the work, and the scientists reviewing the results. Great partnership on a really intriguing new show.
Disregard the negative reviews!
mengessnt427 July 2020
I think this show pretty good. People searching for dinosaur bones mostly on there own property and having fun doing it!
Message to the negative reviewer (s)You have the right to sell whatever dino bones you find and there's nothing that can be done about it so get over it!
Hardly theft.
oici11 September 2021
As a former archeologist I have no problem with their exploits. They are not stealing cultural material. Were it not for their efforts these fossils would end up as so much dust. If academia is so interested they should shoulder the cost of recovery.
Not science, but so what?
Clark J Holloway25 July 2020
Look, I'm a science geek. I get it. But this is a reality TV show. It's entertainment, not science. Looking to a reality TV show for real science would be like looking to a reality TV show to find a decent president. It just ain't happening.
Some of my fellow geeks and nerds are complaining that this show is bad science and promotes illegal fossil hunting. I'd say those are unfair complaints. Again, don't look to TV reality shows for science. If you don't find the show entertaining then don't watch it, but there's little point in complaining that the show isn't something that it wasn't intended to be. And the fact is that the fossil hunting on this show is perfectly legal in the jurisdictions where the show was filmed. The fossil hunters are land owners hunting on their own land, or have the permission of the land owners to hunt fossils. There's nothing illegal going on that I can see.
The more general complaint is that the commercialization of fossils is harmful to science. But the fact is that if these land owners and hunters weren't looking for these fossils they'd erode to dust within fairly short order. The fossils being found on the show are already partially exposed to the elements or are near the surface, and the reason they're being found is because the land is rapidly eroding and uncovering them. If they aren't dug up by someone they'll soon be lost to science anyway.
The Society for Vertebrate Paleontology has written a letter to the Discovery Channel complaining about commercialized fossil hunting in general, and about this show in particular because the cast lacks diversity (there are only a few women and one possible person of color featured on the show) and some of the show's promotional material included reference to a felon who has been convicted of fossil theft.
I'm as sensitive to diversity as the next liberal geek, but just how many women or people of color own ranch land in Montana, Wyoming, or South Dakota who are also interested in fossil hunting as a means of making a living? Keeping the show within legal bounds appears to be the limiting factor on diversity, not any conscious decision on the part of the Discovery Channel. And so far I've seen no actual mention of the felon they were complaining about in the show, so maybe the letter from the SVP had some positive impact.
My advice is to watch the show if you're interested in amateur fossil hunting. Avoid it if the lack of real science turns you off (and please avoid voting reality TV show stars into high political office). But remember that if these guys weren't digging these fossils up no one else would, and they'd be lost to both erosion and science.
Some of my fellow geeks and nerds are complaining that this show is bad science and promotes illegal fossil hunting. I'd say those are unfair complaints. Again, don't look to TV reality shows for science. If you don't find the show entertaining then don't watch it, but there's little point in complaining that the show isn't something that it wasn't intended to be. And the fact is that the fossil hunting on this show is perfectly legal in the jurisdictions where the show was filmed. The fossil hunters are land owners hunting on their own land, or have the permission of the land owners to hunt fossils. There's nothing illegal going on that I can see.
The more general complaint is that the commercialization of fossils is harmful to science. But the fact is that if these land owners and hunters weren't looking for these fossils they'd erode to dust within fairly short order. The fossils being found on the show are already partially exposed to the elements or are near the surface, and the reason they're being found is because the land is rapidly eroding and uncovering them. If they aren't dug up by someone they'll soon be lost to science anyway.
The Society for Vertebrate Paleontology has written a letter to the Discovery Channel complaining about commercialized fossil hunting in general, and about this show in particular because the cast lacks diversity (there are only a few women and one possible person of color featured on the show) and some of the show's promotional material included reference to a felon who has been convicted of fossil theft.
I'm as sensitive to diversity as the next liberal geek, but just how many women or people of color own ranch land in Montana, Wyoming, or South Dakota who are also interested in fossil hunting as a means of making a living? Keeping the show within legal bounds appears to be the limiting factor on diversity, not any conscious decision on the part of the Discovery Channel. And so far I've seen no actual mention of the felon they were complaining about in the show, so maybe the letter from the SVP had some positive impact.
My advice is to watch the show if you're interested in amateur fossil hunting. Avoid it if the lack of real science turns you off (and please avoid voting reality TV show stars into high political office). But remember that if these guys weren't digging these fossils up no one else would, and they'd be lost to both erosion and science.
Their land
clarks585 August 2020
Reading some reviews I'm appalled some people think they have the right to judge what someone does on their own land. There are millions if not billions of dinosaur fossils to be found and everyone of them that these land owners find can lead to more discovery's.
If anything this show puts the spotlight on illegal digs and showcases how meticulous these ranchers are in their documentation and their problem with poachers which just destroy scientific sites.
Thinking museums are all goody goody just means they have no education in the methods used by them in the past.
More museums are now able to purchase fossils from legitimate diggers.
More Reveals, less filler.
droberthayward30 August 2021
People continue to complain about RANCHERS DIGGING ON THEIR OWN LAND. Go away complainers. They have every right to dig and sell what they find. There is NOTHING ILLEGAL going on here. Are their methods rough? Yes. If you don't like it, change the channel.
My complaint is that there is too much filler and small talk and not enough actual reveal of the actual skeletons.
My complaint is that there is too much filler and small talk and not enough actual reveal of the actual skeletons.
Ignore the Negative Science Comments
bravo133111 August 2020
Based on the comments, it sounds like a lot of scientists are jealous that these farmers can dig up dinosaurs on their own land and they cannot. Tall poppies syndrome?
At the end of the day is it 100% scientifically accurate? Probably not. Do I care? No, as it give a little bit of an in site into the world of bones and fossils. i.e. I didn't realise how much effort went into digging it up and restoring it to look like they do in a museum display. That was pretty interesting and something new that was learned.
Do I care if they make a buck? No i do not as at the end of the day it is their land and if they didn't dig them up they would turn to dust anyway.
Has the show made me want to buy some dinosaur fossils? absolutely, didn't even know that was a thing. What is wrong with private collectors want a tooth, a small bone or a claw? They seem to be priced reasonably well and it sounds like Museums already have more than they want.
Do I want a season 2? Absolutely as can't wait to see some more full bodies dug up and cleaned up and eventually maybe end up assembled as a display somewhere.
At the end of the day is it 100% scientifically accurate? Probably not. Do I care? No, as it give a little bit of an in site into the world of bones and fossils. i.e. I didn't realise how much effort went into digging it up and restoring it to look like they do in a museum display. That was pretty interesting and something new that was learned.
Do I care if they make a buck? No i do not as at the end of the day it is their land and if they didn't dig them up they would turn to dust anyway.
Has the show made me want to buy some dinosaur fossils? absolutely, didn't even know that was a thing. What is wrong with private collectors want a tooth, a small bone or a claw? They seem to be priced reasonably well and it sounds like Museums already have more than they want.
Do I want a season 2? Absolutely as can't wait to see some more full bodies dug up and cleaned up and eventually maybe end up assembled as a display somewhere.
Harmful to palaeontology
georgedinoboy26 July 2020
Amateurs using heavy machinery to excavate Fossils, proceeding to sell them to private collectors so that potentially important discoveries are impossible, and nothing remotely informative or accurate about the Animals. This show is disgusting and it is shameful that Discovery put this out.
Promotes illegal fossil hunting and private collecting. DO NOT support this!
Mildly_Exasperated_Sci-Fi_Nerd7 July 2020
Don't watch this. This show is anything but educational. It promotes the commercialization of fossils in trade and sales. This is unethical, not to mention illegal. This show may popularize the idea of profiting from fossils in auctions and sales. Commercialization of fossils is harmful to science, putting such fossils in private collections and selling them like this steals from the education of the public.
This show could hurt the public's view of Paleontology and what it is really about. None of the people in the show really know what they're talking about. One talks about a "Nanotyranosaur" for god's sake. That's a dubious genus of dinosaur, generally accepted as just being a juvenile Tyrannosaurus rex. Not only do they not know what they're talking about, but several of them are convicted felons and fossil poachers. Bottom line, this show sucks, promotes illegal fossil hunting, and tarnishes people's perception of paleontology and what it is really all about. Don't watch this.
Hardly theft
oici11 September 2021
As a former archeologist I have no problem with their exploits. This material is not like raiding a Mayan pyramid. Were it not for their efforts these fossils would end up as so much dust. If academia wants control let them hire teams to recover these fossils before they disappear completely.
Educational, enjoyable
rsvp3214 July 2020
I'm delighted to hear how educated and knowledgeable these "hunters" are about dinosaurs, and where even tiny fossils fit in its origins.
One of the *very few* reality shows that doesn't have fake, scripted drama to use as filler in an episode.
One of the *very few* reality shows that doesn't have fake, scripted drama to use as filler in an episode.
Love to see what they discover
sheilablair21 September 2021
I really like this show. But... they are constantly talking about how expensive it ia to dig and how much money they have invested and will lose. I dont get it. They bring their equipment and do the digging. Even if they rented the equipment they dont have a vast amount of money invested in digging. I understand their time is money but how much do they think it's worth? Would totally love the show if not for the constant drama of how much it's costing them. If it's that much of an up front investment, maybe it's not worth it. GMAB!
Truly the worst show I've ever seen.
jakehollett22 July 2020
This show disturbs me to my very core.
The fact that these people, with no background or understand of science and a 10 year old's level of comprehension of palaeontology, encourage the excavation and selling of priceless natural artifacts (on a purely profitable basis) is sickening.
This show sees science as a profitable exploit. Beyond the fact that they build the show around exploitation and harmful stereotypes in the scientific community, when they do focus on the dinosaurs themselves, I don't know whether to laugh or to cry.
The information is extremely outdated, the information and reconstructions are the WORST in any form of media I've ever seen. They fail to even spell the names of the species correctly, and these people with no understanding of what they're talking about are attempting to tackle paleontological issues that not even some experts know enough to be weighing in their opinion.
Watching these people excavate fossils is the same feeling I get watch an enraged bull run through an art gallery as they recklessly and horribly excavate to fossilized creatures. This show is not only bad, but it promotes greed and is downright harmful to the entirety of the scientific community.
With a gun to my head, I cannot think of a single positive thing about this show; unless you count the fact they are FIGURATIVELY taking a dump on the entirety of palaeontology, rather than LITERALLY.
This show sees science as a profitable exploit. Beyond the fact that they build the show around exploitation and harmful stereotypes in the scientific community, when they do focus on the dinosaurs themselves, I don't know whether to laugh or to cry.
The information is extremely outdated, the information and reconstructions are the WORST in any form of media I've ever seen. They fail to even spell the names of the species correctly, and these people with no understanding of what they're talking about are attempting to tackle paleontological issues that not even some experts know enough to be weighing in their opinion.
Watching these people excavate fossils is the same feeling I get watch an enraged bull run through an art gallery as they recklessly and horribly excavate to fossilized creatures. This show is not only bad, but it promotes greed and is downright harmful to the entirety of the scientific community.
With a gun to my head, I cannot think of a single positive thing about this show; unless you count the fact they are FIGURATIVELY taking a dump on the entirety of palaeontology, rather than LITERALLY.
Excellent show
web-26312 December 2020
Ok it sounds like the negative reviews here are out of line. These people have been doing this longer than most others in the field. Plus like others have mentioned... THIS IS THEIR PROPERTY.
They are trying to save their property and this is not their main life, they are ranchers. You are only seeing a small portion of their life. And they ARE preserving fossils not destroying them. Most only sell to museums.
Some of the best fossils EVER found have come from these people.
If these people didn't do this, most of the fossils would have been destroyed my Mother Nature. They are no different then all the websites that sell fossils to the public. And it helps spark an interest in fossils, or is that the problem some of you have?
We enjoy watching the time and prep they take when they do find a nice specimen. And also glue and other types of adhesive are used on fossils to keep them from falling apart, very common.
Excellent
lovethesun14 July 2020
I find this show fascinating. My niece is a neighboring rancher to Clayton Phipps who is highlighted in Montana. For the reviewer who said collecting these fossils is illegal, that is 100% not true. Do some research. I highly recommend the show and I'm very impressed with the knowledge that these ranchers/cowboys have about the fossils they find on their land.
DINO WEEK, anyone?
shelleyluvsre4 August 2020
We need more! This is super family programming that brings the wonders of natural history and paleontology, in fabulous hi def glory, right into our living rooms. Especially during Covid 19 sequestration, I've been super thrilled to have this quality content.
The depicted digs harken back to early days when novice hunters/fossil enthusiasts rescued these time capsules before being lost to the sands of time. This is how it all began. Few of us get to be on the front lines or in the trenches with personal pass cards from on high. The only excavation I get to do is in my garden! Dino Hunters is a fun little nerdy escape!
SO, this is it! It's what we have until the paleo world "stoops" to commercialize this type of content, harnessing the vast benefits of building interest, awareness, and financial backing. I'm thinking specifically of what Shark Week has done for marine conservation and oceanic cleanups. The viewing world is desperate and this, Dino Hunters, is only a small effort to fill a rather large void. Dino Week, anyone?
Terrible is an understatement
nrice-0760425 July 2020
Warning: Spoilers
The premise of this show is a bunch of CoWbOyS digging up fossils.
If you didn't think that was bad, these CoWbOyS then proceed to sell these fossils to the highest bidders. I think its fine to collect abundant fossils like fish, trilobites, etc, but that significant finds (IE feather/skin imprints, large megafauna, dinosaurs of any kind) should be turned over to actual scientists who preserve them in ideal conditions and study them the way they should be studied. In the hands of private collectors, valuable information about fossil animals isn't available for professional study and preservation, and is just used as a decoration. We know very little about Ankylosaurus magniventris from fossil material - these guys dug up some material from A. magniventris, which is now going to some high-paying private collector.
Everything about this show is garbage - its visual effects (the dinosaur models are so awful), its clear anti-science motifs, and the message that fossils are simple things to be sold and bought. The "team" is highly unprofessional and immature, as seen from its awful renditions of dinosaurs. Yknow how actual scientists spend days, weeks, months, even years carefully excavating fossils? Not these dudes, because careful preservation is "fur city slickers". They haphazardly plow through fragile dig sites, tear fossils out of the ground, and shove them in boxes. They broke a Triceratops nasal horn, yknow what they did next? Glue it back together. Frickin glue it back together. Discovery ought to be ashamed for putting out such a garbage show about plundering valuable ecological and geological deposits and selling them like old toys. Ridiculous and unprofessional - then again, these are the same guys who made pseudoscientific shows such as "Mermaids the body found" and "Megalodon is still alive or whatever guys please give us money". Pitiful.
Everything about this show is garbage - its visual effects (the dinosaur models are so awful), its clear anti-science motifs, and the message that fossils are simple things to be sold and bought. The "team" is highly unprofessional and immature, as seen from its awful renditions of dinosaurs. Yknow how actual scientists spend days, weeks, months, even years carefully excavating fossils? Not these dudes, because careful preservation is "fur city slickers". They haphazardly plow through fragile dig sites, tear fossils out of the ground, and shove them in boxes. They broke a Triceratops nasal horn, yknow what they did next? Glue it back together. Frickin glue it back together. Discovery ought to be ashamed for putting out such a garbage show about plundering valuable ecological and geological deposits and selling them like old toys. Ridiculous and unprofessional - then again, these are the same guys who made pseudoscientific shows such as "Mermaids the body found" and "Megalodon is still alive or whatever guys please give us money". Pitiful.
Fun to watch, if you're into this sort of thing
gottafroginmythroat9 January 2023
The ranchers make no secret this is a profit search. They don't claim to be doing this for any other reason. I found this to be an exciting and interesting series and hope it runs into more seasons. I'm a Gold Rush fan and this falls into the same category for me.
I'm appalled at the negative reviews about the reason for the hunting. Obviously these people aren't paying attention to the dialog.
I wanted to be an archeologist when I was a kid. I can dig in dirt for hours. I regreted often after watching this show that I didn't follow that dream. If I had the back and knees for this I'd be calling these folks to volunteer.
I'm appalled at the negative reviews about the reason for the hunting. Obviously these people aren't paying attention to the dialog.
I wanted to be an archeologist when I was a kid. I can dig in dirt for hours. I regreted often after watching this show that I didn't follow that dream. If I had the back and knees for this I'd be calling these folks to volunteer.
a disgrace to discovery channel
cam-muylaert26 July 2020
Anybody with a decent understanding of or even a respect for paleontology and naturalism as a whole can understand why this show is problematic. Apart from the fact that the reconstructed dinosaur models they show are completely horrendous, out of date, and wholly inaccurate, the hosts aren't even remotely knowledgeable on what they're talking about, their practice and method of digging up fossils is sloppy, amateur, and unethical at best, and outright illegal at worst. The hosts are complete charisma-voids who don't belong on television, and the information they provide and their practice of fossil-hunting for-profit is a complete affront to the science they claim benefits from their reckless endeavors in ignorance.
GARBAGE!
dinosaurman-053703 June 2021
Great show
scottmcarter20 July 2020
My daughter and I love the show
ashlieparrott6 November 2021
Despite some very critical reviews, my 8 year old and I absolutely love watching this show together. She loves dinosaurs and loves learning about the different species. Who knows, maybe she'll grow up to be a paleontologist. We both find this show super engaging and really opens up some good conversations about what life must have been like and how they died, etc, etc... anyway, seems real enough and enjoyable and we can't wait for the next season.
Cry me a river scientists
jronimoman11 May 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I don't care what anyone says. This is a good show where ranchers look for fossils in order to help pay the bills to be able to keep their ranches and land. There is not a lot of intricate scientific info to be absorbed, but that is not a bad thing, and doesn't take much away from the overall goal of the show; to show how these ranchers have found an interesting and cool way to make ends meet during trying times. Even though they are not real, educated paleontologists, they are still educated and have the knowledge to be able to dig and preserve these fossils, showing off some cool and unique findings. It's obviously meant for viewer entertainment, with educational tid-bits about dino species, weathering of bone structure, and more, not to be a solely scientific masterpiece or anything close to that. Anyone rating this from a scientific standpoint, I get your viewpoint, however this show is not meant to be viewed within that mindset.
Terrible show that shows blatant ignorance for the scientific community and promotes illegal activity
msmaiwat26 July 2020
Dino hunters shows blatant disrespect for both the fossil community it claims to be a part of and the law itself. The show has no real experts, and when they aren't getting dinosaur names and details completely wrong, they're showing people how glamorous the crim of fossil smuggling can be.
See also
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