Early Spring River Rock Hunt Success!

The gravels are calm before the storm... and there is one on the way shortly! I caught a perfect moment to get out and explore the river before spring melts more snow and the mighty Yellowstone shows its power. This is my first rock hunt bringing both of my golden retrievers, Chopper (3 years old) and Lola (1 year old). This hunt is loaded with finds. From ammonites, agatized wood, jasper and a variety of Montana agates, surely you can find a favorite in this adventure! The weather changed a bunch during my day. Jacket on, off, on, off. My batteries in my spray bottle died, but I was prepared with a backup bottle, as I had a feeling that would happen and had forgotten to pack more. This was a great reminder to me as to how much I love my battery sprayer. The pups behaved, no one had to be rescued from the icy river :). Thank you all for watching.
Are you looking to do some rockhounding in Montana?
Here are some links to some Montana rockhounding resources:
Rockhounding In Montana (Where To Go and What You Can Find!)
by Rock Seeker:
www.rockseeker.com/rockhoundi...
Montana Rockhounding Location Guide & Map by Mike Rhea, a professional geologist:
rockhoundresource.com/montana...
Here's an Amazon link to a great Montana rockhounding guide:
amzn.to/3Bv3fIS
Looking to learn about Yellowstone River agates? This is a publication from 1972 by a man named Paul Fry. This was the very first literature I read when I was learning about Montana agates. It is called "Meanderings of a Montana Rockhound" and it is priceless:
pdf4pro.com/view/meanderings-...
Here is another page with great information on Montana Agates by Jim Landon called "Montana Agate: The Best Catch on the Yellowstone River" :
www.rockngem.com/montana-agat...
00:00 Introduction
01:17 Agatized Wood with Banding
02:14 Jasper with Hematite
03:20 Waterline Agate
03:56 Dark Montana Agate
06:10 Banded Montana Agate
08:03 Petrified Wood with Tube Agate
09:38 Green Moss Agate
10:56 Unakite
12:20 Red Yellow Jasper Agate
12:40 Large Green Jasper
16:05 Clams and Ammonites
17:55 Large Agatized Wood
As my supply allows, I sell my finds on Ebay to support my channel:
www.ebay.com/usr/montanarockmom

[@MontanaRockMom]

The petrified wood at 8:00 is full of tube agate! It's so cool! You can see the circles of agate tubes running through it! At 9:35 is a SOFTBALL sized GREEN MOSS AGATE! And who doesn't love GREEN jasper- so many great rocks. The river gravel is looking clean and spectacular. This rock hunt was a pre-season SUCCESS!

[@utahrockhoundingcouple]

Oooh I love that green softball agate too! Definitely a successful hunt!

[@lindaleehulsey3167]

PERFECT HUNT🐕🐕🤩😋🤗 Rock finds SPRING CHARACTER DROGON🐉🐲 gonna devour show GEMS for U........ Can not wait......👁👁🙆‍♀️🤩🤗

[@ricksmith1647]

Oh my goodness, double the dog cuteness on this video. Love the pet wood at 17:55. My wife and I chuckled when you first said "I'm not taking this one home" and then flipped it over and changed your mind. Please post a video of you slabbing that one. I bet it will be stunning.

[@MontanaRockMom]

I can't wait to slab that one. Yes... I might have to make a slabbing video this weekend. It's my "backpack bargaining." I'm literally arguing with myself outloud as to which rocks I can take and which ones I have absolutely no choice but to leave since I can't carry 100 pounds on my back several miles, lol! I really hated leaving that jasper. It was such a great quality and would have been stunning cut. It's all covered in snow right now. I was thinking about it earlier. I had thought about GPS'ing the location so I could go back for it...then I yelled at myself for thinking that. Ohhhhh the admissions of a rockhound addict.

[@evamarie5024]

It's probably just me....i keep seeing faces in your finds.... Good Lord, you find some of the bests of the bests!

[@jennifergaines3320]

This is where a Gorilla cart comes in handy! You can pack out the big heavy stuff!

[@kellyharper367]

Old disabled house bound dusty rusty rockhound here: You need a pack mule for those Yellowstone River finds! Gee-whiz!

[@Reet64]

Nice to see you back at it and thanks for taking us along. I found it funny how you kept telling the dogs to make good choices, for the most part, successfully.

[@jimlancaster6120]

Wow, what a great day, so many beautiful chunks. ❤👍👏

[@sandmaker]

Loved the doggies! It looked like a beautiful day and of course you found the best rocks and a few snacks for Drogon. It's always good to see your smiling face. Do you have small backpacks for the dogs or would that hinder their protection modes? A fun trip! Be happy, safe and stay healthy. Cut, cut, cut! I can't wait! 😷⚒

[@MontanaRockMom]

Silly Chopper likes to dive several feet in the water and pick rocks up!

[@sandmaker]

@@MontanaRockMom if there good rocks, not so silly. Stay warm chopper.

[@darlabuchmeier8139]

Season off to great start. Looking forward to seeing a batch of the littles tumbled

[@michaelbearss371]

Wow awesome day! Can't wait to see them cut and polished!

[@jbandy9287]

You need to get the dogs back pack of there own. No rock left behind . I enjoy your rock trips. Rock On

[@MontanaRockMom]

No rock left behind!

[@bigchenzo83]

Lovely day for a hunt! Your smile & awesome spirit make me want to get out & find some beauties. Thanks for the inspiration keep rocking 😁🤘🪨

[@gmariet1391]

Wish I was there ! I often see another rock next to the one you pick up . There's so much to appreciate ❣️🌿

[@denisweimer8791]

Totally digging the iridescence on those ammonites. Theo was probably jumping up and down when he saw those. :D And, yes, you had to take that last piece of wood. No way you can leave something that cool behind. Bummer about the yellow jasper that lost its spot in the bad though.

[@cynergy4]

It looks like Drogon won't be going hungry anytime soon! I look forward to watching you feed these beauties to him

[@MontanaRockMom]

It's amazing how fast he can chew through a pile. What a beast.

[@deniseview4253]

You made me laugh when you said you weren’t taking the one wood till you flipped it over and seen how gorgeous it was. You find such beautiful rocks.

[@MontanaRockMom]

That's one of the nicest pieces of petrified wood! I want to cut it and polish it! I am always having a debate with myself as to which rocks I can take and which ones I have to leave. That one was just stunning when I turned it over. There was no way I could leave it!

[@patriciamckean4186]

Raining mix here, thankfully I can watch you, Theo, Currently Rockhounding and still catching up on Michigan Rocks.

[@MontanaRockMom]

Thank you for watching!

[@kastah]

That must have been the most colorful Petrified wood I have ever seen someone picked up. Nice to see you here, nice to see all the georgeous rocks!!! SIGH, I want I want, lucky you!!

[@ubroberts5541]

Great video. Rock hounding is fun. Start slabbing. You never know until you start cutting these into 7mm slabs!

[@jolenecarley3154]

Yay! Just what I needed. The snow is still covering all my favorite hunting spots...I can live vicariously through you!! Xoxoxo

[@MontanaRockMom]

We just got a few inches, I beat it!

[@brianwalker9185]

Mud and flood time coming. What a selection of rocks. All I've got seems to be basalt and granite.. lol. Chopper and Lola, a mischievous pair...Be well, stay safe...you rock.

[@dawnwilkinson8717]

A lovely walk for your dogs they certainly enjoyed it. I do question your faith in letting them make good life choices ( we have an eighteen month old black lab and his life choices can be questionable lol) though nobody can question your rock choices there are some stunners in there. Really enjoyed your video and can't wait to see what is inside them. 😄😃😄

[@MontanaRockMom]

Haha, I agree. The pup Lola especially didn't learn to stop getting into the pricker bushes. Chopper sat on the ground back at the house and pulled the prickery things out of her fur for a good half an hour.

[@largent45]

Wow! You have endless patience to want to train another Irish setter after just finishing with one of them. I have seen first hand how head strong and active Irish setters are and they are tough. You are a brave ! I'm glad in Montana, they have ample room to roam. Those were some amazing finds. The ammonites were killing me! I want to find my some ammonites. And the way you say I'm not going to take this, and then say I have to take this, is amazing. Nobody is blaming you. Take the rock. You have a hungry slab saw to feed! 😂 Maybe you should invest in a little cart drawn by your mule team lols and chopper. That way they get exercise, chopper gets to set good examples for Lola, and you don't have to carry heavy rocks back! Lol. Just a thought. Great hunt. I love that last pet wood. It was work taking home.

[@gregderksen1996]

That’s crazy how clean those rocks are after the snow has melted. Far better than when I was down last…. That silty muddy mess…. Drogon will be happy for some fresh food for sure! Thanks for taking us along Kim

[@MontanaRockMom]

Right ! Cleanest I've seen them in a long, long time.

[@donc5220]

MRM of the Space Force.. Thanks so much some beauties love that bluey banded . That big pet wood at the end i thought that was dark bark for a 2nd it had so much going on.

[@utahrockhoundingcouple]

Isn't it great getting out in the sun hunting on a sunny, spring day?! That is a clean bunch of rocks compared to what we usually find on the Yellowstone. Those are some great pieces of agatized wood and that banded piece of agate is just amazing! I share your excitement to be out again! 😊

[@kevinunger433]

Love that wood @8:10.that is a nice unikite. Ooo waterline agate

[@rosemaryspringer4239]

I really like that you pick up more than just agates.

[@MACorrupt]

Yay!!!

[@vinnymartinez6031]

Nice finds miss Kimberly. I love your enthusiasm and expressions of excitement. It makes me laugh because I’m the same way. We’re like kids in a candy store. An equal expression, Rock on young lady. RMR Dedicated. Next video please!

[@graemero5532]

Some beauties on that trip, shame you had to leave the big yellow jasper. Cheers MRM 😁

[@billpattison4702]

I love watching you rockhounding and the absolutely beautiful finds You are so fortunate to live in Montana !!!!

[@anniegironne8444]

Glad to see you back on some gravel patch with the doggies. Great finds, can wait to see them go through Drogon.

[@savagesquirrel9828]

I tell my dogs,”No badness!” The neighbors probably think I’m nuts. Great hunt….beautiful finds. I’d love to see cuts of the dark ones. Thanks.

[@loriazevedo5994]

You always fined the best rocks

[@michaelvandyke6715]

Awesome awesome awesome!!! Spring is here and you're starting out with great results!

[@MontanaRockMom]

Did you see all that ridiculous agatized wood??!!!

[@michaelvandyke6715]

@@MontanaRockMom , yes I did. My favorite material on the Yellowstone..

[@MontanaRockMom]

It's crazy to me how much the petrified wood looks like real live wood. Like you have to pick it up to see....🪵

[@lorettarussell593]

MRM!!! Fantastic finds!!

[@markgubbins1958]

What a spectacular day !!!! You sure did find some beautiful specimens. Drogon is going to eat well.

[@8621Charro]

Kim, remember that plastic sled thing I dragged around when we hunted in Deming? You need one of those! It slides over rocks like ice skates, and lets you carry LOTS of weight, LOL!

[@MontanaRockMom]

I do need one of those, I completely agree, omg.

[@lindakheilig8507]

That piece is beautiful

[@kirsiselei8703]

Really beautiful finds💕.i love to watch all the rocks u can find there(with bit of envy😁).here( northend Finland)is no such things.still heavy winter here.-25c and so much snow😑

[@fireflyidaho1]

So happy to see a new video from you!!

[@MontanaRockMom]

Thank you for watching Angela

[@billwebber400]

Very beautiful rocks. Look forward to Future video of cutting them. Especially the Petrified rocks the colors are incredible on the outside and they can only get better on the inside.👍

[@MontanaRockMom]

I can't wait to cut those!

[@billwebber400]

They are going to be beautiful

[@jimellis936]

Beautiful rocks. You need to invest in a mule with saddle bags.

[@jamesblondeau1029]

Wow. The green jasper with the yellow was amazing and the small one with the green lines that were popping out was cool. But the petrified wood is amazing. So incredible Kim. Thanks for taking the time and making the video and your puppies are so cute. 😀

[@IvanLopez-zh3xz]

Awsome episode!!!!!!

[@springyt75]

Yaaa!! Made my day too see this video!! You found some amazing pieces & big ones too! Heading to Montana second full week of June. I am planning on rockhounding for 2 days before heading on to Glacier. Was wondering where to go for some really good specimens & any pointers you would be willing to spare. Thank you for sharing this video!!

[@MontanaRockMom]

You'll have to ask me in June... we just got a bunch of snow today!

[@springyt75]

@@MontanaRockMom oh yeah, we are getting about 6" of snow today here in Wisconsin too! It's been a very snowy start to 2023 for us here. Thank you!!

[@hardwarefixer6822]

Dagnabit! I live south oif you in Bend aand I can't get out because of snow.

[@atuuschaaw]

Such a pleasant surprise seeing this notification pop up! Made my whole day! ♥

[@MontanaRockMom]

Thank you Randy. My heart is still racing after finally getting out! Thanks for watching

[@michaelgoldman4423]

Wonderful video. Great finds! Thanks. :-)

[@soul_adventurist]

Wow those are so pretty ❤❤ love all those rocks and don’t think I could possibly put any back! You need a cart, not a backpack!😂😂

[@mikeladley5149]

I spent a week in Yellowstone Park back in 2006. We spent a night at Chico's Hot Springs. Unfortunately never got to explore Montana. So much to see. Been a Rockhound on and off since 06, and I miss the Western United States for the geology and it's sheer beauty. I've been in the Philippines for 3 1/2 yrs now. Not much outside of Jadeite, Jasper, Serpentine, Gold, and a little Opal. Gold is off limits to prospecting. Only licensed Mine Operators are allowed. I had a serious leg infection 6 months ago and still haven't been alble to walk, but soon I hope. Anyways love the videos and wonderful outdoors. Happy Hunting! 👍

[@MontanaRockMom]

Do you do physical therapy?

[@mikeladley5149]

@@MontanaRockMom they don't do housecall therapy. I do upper body stretching and exercising for top and leg. Still have some tissue not healed on my calf. When I stand my calf feels like it will explode. My guess is by the second week of April. I'm getting stir crazy. 😉

[@grokeffer6226]

Beautiful!!! Chopper and Lola are such good rockers. Maybe on such good days as this you could cache some of the stones somewhere to retrieve later. Or some type of wagon that could roll across the smooth stones. Chopper and Lola could help pull. 😊❤🦮🦮🌄 You Rock!!!

[@terrylschumacher-levy5150]

Kim you slay all day 👸🏼🏆🙌 Didn't know you had a Lola 💗

[@MontanaRockMom]

She's the "family" pup. Chopper is my boy...1 million percent!

[@terrylschumacher-levy5150]

@@MontanaRockMom How old is she? She made good choices 👍😁

[@leslyeschoenhuth1107]

So many unusual rocks.. Hope they cut or tumble well.. Love it.. ~ Agree, Oooo on the 15:56 mark stone Such Variety.. ~ did you really leave that last Yellow Stone? OMG ~ You need a Travois with a harness for Chopper to drag back half your finds... LOL.

[@gator83261]

Good video.

[@MsKindaSorta]

Congrats on your beautiful day out! That first pet wood!😮

[@fireflyidaho1]

Would love to see a video of those rocks cut- I bet the insides are spectacular!

[@MontanaRockMom]

I can't wait to cut that petrified wood!

[@kiyarnmyers2429]

keep those amanights for theo..

[@joedoe6444]

i started watching your channel after the big floods last year, and i was thinking it would be a good time to go walk around the Gallatin or Jellystone this week, but after waking up this morning with 22 inches of new snow in Belgrade, I'm guessing i may need to wait a few more days. again.

[@MontanaRockMom]

Goodness. Bring on summer ☀️ I think we're all ready

[@raundupuis3134]

A lot of people rock my world. I'm happy to say you are one of them! (P.s. have you ever considered getting the 'pups' to help with a harness and pouch to carry prizes home?)

[@MontanaRockMom]

Thank you Raun! That is a good idea. However, I haven't before because I usually can't keep Chopper out of the water. He loves swimming and diving under to pick stuff up from several feet under! I don't want to weigh him down...my crazy dog

[@raundupuis3134]

@@MontanaRockMom I bet he'd be happy to help...on the way home. OR get him to fetch agates, lol.

[@helenlamberton2637]

Great finds!

[@dustinfindsrocks]

"Make good choices!" Ok Mom said go find the dead deer. You all heard her!!! LOL!

[@mitchgillilan]

Such a great day! You really did so well on every piece you picked up! I really love the first piece of wood and that sweet red and yellow orbicular jasper. Really nice big agates too! The doggos were starting to worry me playing in that fast cold river! 🥶 is that Choppers sister??!!??

[@MontanaRockMom]

Yes, Chopper's sister Lola. She may learn some of nature's lessons the hard way. That orbicular jasper was awesome for sure! I knew you were going to love that wood.

[@mitchgillilan]

@Montana Rock Mom That piece of wood is so unique I've never seen one like that! Poor Lola just trying to keep up with her rascal brother lol

[@diann546]

How do you pick what to take home? I want it all! Could a plastic sled be used to haul? Would you be able to drag it over the terrain? Shortening it's life would be for a good cause!

[@rubroken]

River pebbles seem so hard to identify. Petrified wood, most times, looks like wood, agates stand out due to their color or sheen, but river rocks have been pitted and dulled to the point that I would have a hard time finding them......good eye!!!

[@MontanaRockMom]

I agree! Thanks for your time watching and commenting 😊

[@rubroken]

@@MontanaRockMom I was going to ask what you did with the rocks you find......thank you, you tube algorithyms(?). A video of you came up with you cutting some of your stones. Question answered!🙃

[@nielskrog9623]

Don't you have a website where you Sell some of your Findings....!?? I love to watch your videos....😻💥 You have impeccable taste....👍 But it break my heart, when you choose to leave Perfect Pet. Wood behind....😞✌️ The Danish Viking, living in GHANA...!!

[@MontanaRockMom]

Not yet! Trust me, I would take everything if I could hike back to my jeep with it all

[@billpattison4702]

If I lived in your area I would be out everyday

[@kellyr8610]

I love your videos. I was wondering what kind of setup you have for spraying the rocks off? I like that it's pressurized. Is it like a backpack?

[@FahlynStahr]

Plz cut that agate sphere. I’m sooooo curious 😂

[@highlander5161]

Man, yer killin me with all these fantastic rock you find. Would you ever consider shipping some over to UK? Hint: YOU NEED TO SAY "YES" lol

[@MontanaRockMom]

Haha, lol. I need to fill up my stash a little more first.

[@highlander5161]

@@MontanaRockMomHe mutters cunningly to himself - "If i threatened too unsubsribe she would surely send them then huh? Mwa Ha Ha" 🤣🤣 (Only kiddin) 😘🤗🤗 So is that a yes? You gotta say yes Mom, ye just gots too. Am pleadin wif ya. 😭 I'll tell my own Mom if you don't. Lol Seriously, i'd buy some off of you!! Shall i ask again in a little while?

[@MontanaRockMom]

@@highlander5161 Yes, once I get a good supply again 😉

[@highlander5161]

That would be awsome. Is there a way to connect with you outside of youtube? Loved your last video. You are one lucky lady being situated where you can access finds like you do. I am spewing 🤢 with envy every time i watch your rock hunts. But hat off to ya, you find some real belters. 😊

[@gccg3646]

🦖🦖

[@billpattison4702]

I would love to go rockhounding with MRM just one time

[@Rockhead75]

That was you up from Pompeys wanted to say hi but we had our 2 dogs also

[@MontanaRockMom]

Did you see Theo too? We all had the same idea! Such great rocks right!!! It's going to be a great season. You should have said hello! My pups are super friendly- they just like to bark until you let them say hello. Are yours?

[@Rockhead75]

@@MontanaRockMom no just you and the pups . We love both of your channels hope to meet some day ! Thursday we went to Terry up the creek on the north side of the river If you don't know about that place it's crazy so much wood and agate it's insane feel like it's going to be a special year !

[@Rockhead75]

And my border is very sweet and the German shepherd is only 3 months old and so far is a lover

[@MontanaRockMom]

@Motohead yes, one of my favorite places for sure! I am so excited for this year! Great finds ahead...see you soon on the river.

[@tanekarnes5260]

You need a wagon. The kind used on farms, has bigger wheels.

[@MontanaRockMom]

Yes!

[@kiyarnmyers2429]

hi kim.whats the thingo you use on youre cut rocks to see the crystels in them ..and where can we get it please ..and cost..cheres kiyarn .from australia.

[@MontanaRockMom]

The digital microscope I use? Here's a link to the one I have on Amazon... amzn.to/40Bkphy