Discovering Shark Teeth: The Myrtle Beach Community

News Summary

Myrtle Beach is a hotspot for shark tooth hunters, led by enthusiasts like Charles Shelton Jr. The local community has grown to over 46,000 members sharing their passion for beachcombing. Participants find treasures along scenic shores, joining workshops hosted to educate future fossil hunters about responsible collecting and the environment’s history.

Myrtle Beach: A Treasure Trove for Shark Tooth Hunters

Welcome to Myrtle Beach, a stunning seaside escape where sunbathers enjoy the warm sands and refreshing ocean waves. But beyond the sun and surf, this coastal paradise is also home to a growing community of passionate shark tooth hunters who are digging deep into nature’s treasures!

Meet the Enthusiasts

One of the standout figures in this fascinating hobby is Charles Shelton Jr., a big-hearted enthusiast who started his adventure as a toddler on family vacations to Myrtle Beach. Originally hailing from West Virginia, Shelton’s love for collecting shark teeth blossomed into a full-blown project known as “Myrtle Beach Shark Teeth.” Since moving to the Conway area of South Carolina about two years ago, he has taken his passion to new heights, offering community workshops and events to share his knowledge.

A Community of Collectors

As Shelton gained more expertise, he also gathered a community of fellow hobbyists. His Myrtle Beach Shark Teeth Facebook group has ballooned to over 46,000 members, turning online interactions into vibrant local meetups where people showcase their incredible finds. From awesome shark teeth to rare fossils, this group has transformed into a lively sharing platform that is dedicated to the art of beachcombing.

Prime Hunting Locations

It’s not just about pure luck to find these treasures; Shelton has compiled a list of hot spots for aspiring hunters. The best places to search include popular areas like Cherry Grove, Myrtle Beach, Garden City, and Litchfield Beach. Each beach holds its own unique offerings that range from megalodon teeth to those of sand tigers and lemon sharks. Choosing the right time to hunt is crucial, with wind, tides, and shell beds being essential factors to consider. Many hunters agree that mornings are ideal, and Shelton often ventures to multiple beaches in one hunt, ensuring he doesn’t miss out on any potential treasures.

Tools and Techniques

While the thrill of the hunt is intoxicating, there are techniques that make the process much easier. Shelton emphasizes that using your hands is the primary method for hunting but suggests carrying a small shovel for moments when deeper digging is required. The thrill of uncovering a buried tooth keeps the excitement alive!

Another tip from the experts is to not limit yourself to just one beach near accommodations. Venturing out to different spots could lead to incredible discoveries that locals often miss.

Community Workshops

Shelton’s commitment to educating and engaging the community truly shines through his workshops. Recently hosted at the North Myrtle Beach Area Historical Museum, these events have drawn large crowds, eager to learn. The local museum director highlighted the importance of Shelton’s expertise in helping the public understand more about these fascinating remnants of the ocean’s history.

Young and aspiring fossil hunters are encouraged to remain open-minded. Sometimes the most valuable finds can easily be mistaken for ordinary rocks. Besides teeth, Shelton also enjoys collecting fossils and imparting insights about historical marine ecosystems.

Respecting the Environment

As the popularity of fossil hunting rises, so does the importance of responsible collecting. Shelton advises everyone to take care when digging, urging that any holes be filled in after a search. Also, remember to ask for permission when hunting in non-public areas. This way, hunters ensure that beaches remain clean and enjoyable for everyone.

Inspire the Future

With decades of collecting experience, Shelton has amassed a jaw-dropping collection of tens of thousands of shark teeth, jaws, and fossils. His hope is to inspire and educate future generations about marine fossils and their significance to our planet.

As the sun sets over Myrtle Beach, it’s clear that the world of shark tooth hunting is more than just a hobby—it’s a community filled with adventure and discovery. So, grab your buckets and shovels and join in on this exciting journey to uncover the ocean’s hidden treasures!