Tips for How to Rockhound in Heavily Hunted Areas

[@Ken_G.]

And in Chopper's triumphant return, he finds a leg.😁 Nice to see he's back on his game. Pretty stuff as always, but that purple and orange and green piece toward the end was truly magnificent.

[@MontanaRockMom]

Right! One of the most colorful jaspers I have ever found. I am just silly with smiles that it was in such a crowded area. Usually in these areas people are out to camp, fish, swim, etc and not usually doing serious rockhounding- you know. I prefer the solitude of the more backcountry areas and not worring if Chopper is jumping on people. I feel like I can't relax and concentrate on the details on the ground if there is too much going on around me. If I am stressed, I find NOTHING. It's as if I am throwing out bad energy and the universe answers, lol. I can usually still find good stuff at popular places, but it's only occasionally that I will find a shelf piece to display forever. In person, it truly has eye popping color...looks so gemy 💎 ... and Chopper, gosh I adore his sense of adventure and wilderness. It amazes me how he climbs the big tree trunks. I let his nails grow a bit since he's a climber, lol. 🧗‍♂️

[@CT-gl2zj]

And a vertebra

[@MontanaRockMom]

I tried to put together a quick video with tips on smarter rockhounding when you are out on gravel bars. As you will see, I am at a quite busy public recreation area. However, I found the MOST INCREDIBLE colorful jasper I believe I have ever found thus far in my rockhounding hunts. I hope some of my tips are useful to any beginners out there, or a reminder to those of us who have been collecting for quite some time...

[@ccccarriemchardy9216]

That last jasper makes it hard to believe it was a rock, the colours and pattern make it an artful beauty!

[@UmbraTerras]

Where exactly is this area, i want to plan a trip to Montana and this looks like a beautiful place to do a little rockhounding

[@NascarHhotttee]

She has the area mentioned in her bio . Click the more and she has more stuff listed

[@elementsofsaffron]

We have luck at some of the heavily trafficked places as well. Your tips are exactly how I hound. Great tutorial as always! Slow down, work your space, sit and enjoy! Happy Hounding! Thanks so much!

[@darrinwilliams5715]

That green jasper which was more like rainbow jasper was beautiful. Thank you km and chopper.😇

[@katelynkrashed]

Love the emphasis of needing to be close to the ground. I feel this in my bones! 🤌🏻🙏🏻

[@debbiewilson6806]

Good tips. Thank you

[@watermelon-rx5ok]

Lots of great tips! Sometimes it's fun hunting in frequented areas because when you find something really nice it feels so special that everyone else missed it 😄

[@MontanaRockMom]

Good point!

[@sandmaker]

Wow. Wow, wow. Another great rock adventure. The rocks were all beautiful, and such colors. It is always fun to see Chopper in his element. Keep the goodness coming. Thanks for sharing this with us. Be happy, safe and stay healthy 😷⚒

[@kengeohegan6854]

What Chopper has at 5:20 is a cow vertebra. Thanks for another video with spectacular rocks.

[@MontanaRockMom]

Do you see the next bone he has? Is it a beaver skeleton? 🦫

[@mariemoss2475]

You are so lucky ...what a beautiful place. Such an array of gorgeous rocks 👍💞

[@MontanaRockMom]

So many! Thank you for watching Marie.

[@ntheno3974]

some very good finds! I enjoyed watching, keep posting Montana rock Mom we love you.

[@MontanaRockMom]

Thank you! Will do! Looking forward to my favorite season for rockhounding = FALL

[@largent45]

Chopper is so much fun! The pet wood is amazing! That little piece is gorgeous! Wow! That chunk of wood is amazing! its gorgeous! That plume is amazing! That pretty jasper is a fossil coral! Gorgeous woods! Nice basalt nodule. Its so agatized! That jasper is gorgeous! The colors are amazing! The blue in that piece of brecciated pet wood is amazing! Nice hunt! Thanks for taking us along!

[@MontanaRockMom]

Thank you for watching!

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

“Not everyone’s a rockhound” one of the best pieces of advice I’ve never thought to give, but have to remind myself of Kim! What a great video! I’ve been away from watching (and creating) rock videos but I’ve always enjoyed yours. Just wanted to let you know you Montana folk are some of my favourite! Big love and keep doin you Kim!

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

Okay the time limit and stressed thing is key too! Even when you’ve had a full day of hounding, and the home time is closing in, I find less then, because I’m searching harder. This vid is great!

[@MontanaRockMom]

Awe you're the best Rookie! Thank you for watching seriously! I love your videos...I'm one of your biggest fans, always have been, always will be. Much love headed your way...🤗🤗🤗

[@anniegironne8444]

Great tips and amazing finds. Nice to see Chopper doing so well. Rock on!

[@vannemocilac274]

Sweet tips! I drove by a bunch of fishing access sites thinking I prolly wouldn’t find anything. Now I know better! What a great day and glad to see you looking healthy!

[@MontanaRockMom]

I think many people assume that.... and skip these areas. I have found some sweet rocks not far from parking lots : ) Thank you for watching.

[@mitchgillilan]

Chopper is so funny! Always gotta find a leg to gnaw on to be in the spotlight!! Great hunting tips, I agree with you on all of them. Especially getting down lower towards the ground and hunting vehicle tracks, erosion on steep banks, and after floods. That last jasper you found is so unique!! Looks like the color of a peacock feather! 🦚

[@kylaabegglen1275]

WOW!! Great hunt! You found such amazing petrified wood, agates and jaspers on this trip. I love them all, especially the petrified wood with blue-green, yellow and PURPLE😲😳🤯 way too cool and the plume jasper is awesome also! You never know what kind of beautiful rocks you will find. Great video BTW, helpful to everyone, because no matter how long we've been rockhounding we are all still learning new things all of the time. You gave us some really important tips. Thanks for sharing Kim!✌️🤠

[@agatebeauties]

Great tips! Fun to watch!

[@graemero5532]

Thanks for the tips MRM, you rock

[@deniseview4253]

Thank you for sharing tips on where to look for rocks. Yellowstone River had such beautiful rocks.

[@MontanaRockMom]

Thank you for watching Denise

[@deniseview4253]

@@MontanaRockMom I watch you often. I love the hunts you and Chopper go on.

[@bethmarshall194]

You could have started me into looking for rocks just for myself. There is beauty that matches no other in so many. Ty. Enjoy and happy hunting.

[@ofnature7238]

Amazing stone 😍

[@donc5220]

wicked tips i notice the spill line too i always follow a line

[@MontanaRockMom]

...that line..... a priceless tip I learned not long ago.... always follow the line, right!!!!

[@Druid99]

Smart tips / good advice✨ You could be a successful prospector😉 Work area is similar, and still get to see tons of great stones, but with the added benefit of gold👀😄👍

[@MontanaRockMom]

That sounds like a worthwhile benefit 🤑🎆🤗 :)

[@ronaldhoppus9015]

Thanks for the publication links and the great videos. Love your channel 💘

[@IndusRiverRock]

Amazing I like your rockhounding videos so beautiful stones thanks for sharing 😊

[@veronicamoore3777]

OMG! You never cease to amaze me! Your finds are just extraordinary, and it seems with such great ease. You have a good eye for rockhounding!!!😮

[@MontanaRockMom]

Thank you Veronica. 😊 I love seeing your comments

[@veronicamoore3777]

@@MontanaRockMom My comments are genuine! Love your videos!

[@veronicamoore3777]

@@MontanaRockMom Genuine comments! Love watching your videos!

[@offyarocka]

One of my favourite aspects of rockhounding is finding and exploring new spots. We have very limited public access spots to pick through here in Queensland, Australia and as a result they get hit pretty hard. These tips are awesome for those spots, thanks for sharing!!!!

[@MontanaRockMom]

Thank you for watching!

[@nancyhainline2517]

Great hints and info. I pass thru and would like to pick, but don't know where the river accesses are. Your video was so informative. Thanks.

[@RonHei]

I like how you’re at a place where you might think nothing could be there because of the activity. Here in Portland, Oregon they use gravel as mulch in parking islands and they’ve been sources of agates and jaspers for me. People are astounded when I tell them that.

[@troylarsen2454]

Damn, Montana has some sweet rocks and minerals. The petrified wood and amygdaloidal basalt is pretty sweet and would be awesome to find.

[@treasurehuntingscotlandmud9340]

enjoyed seeing the finds😅😊😊😊😊

[@karencole1623]

So many pretty rocks!

[@dennisnolan826]

Great tips!!!!!

[@karencole1623]

Wow that light one with the black spots is Jasper? Love that the most of all the Jaspers I've seen!

[@treasurelife6922]

Beautiful finds as always. I can't believe I haven't asked you this, do you or have you been hounding on the Madison? If you take 84 out of Four Corners, it'll run you into some awesome gravel bars.

[@MontanaRockMom]

I've been on the Madison, but only rafting...this year our trip was canceled because it was the weekend of the flooding....🌊🌊🌊 I was so sad 😞

[@treasurelife6922]

@@MontanaRockMom the Madison River valley is such a serene environment from 84 headed south. I use to hang out on Ted Turner's property watching the buffalo before spending the rest of my day admiring the Madison. I bet you were sad.

[@mattthomas1547]

Great finds and information

[@jackieboxer268]

I saw so many rocks that are good for painting rocks. Nice flat round ones if I were there. I'd be Collecting Just to paint them. ❤❤

[@TiktokMr-o9q]

Une perle à la recherche des pieres precieuses 😉

[@kevinunger433]

Oh my that colored one at 12:34 is gorgeous

[@rocktime3627]

Really like that green piece!

[@tonyb6485]

Mom you are amazing mom;) thanks for your videos it so fun..god bless you

[@MontanaRockMom]

Thanks for watching!

[@berjo77]

Hi, first time viewing any of your productions. So far, WOW! I’ve spent time in Montana, all in the Kalispell/Flathead Lake area. I get my rock from Lake Huron, have been tumbling them about two years? I recognize many of the rocks you are finding, the ones I see are already beach tumbled, most are not as nice as yours. I’ll subscribe, see you on the next one!

[@MontanaRockMom]

Thank you John. Lake Huron...sweet 😊

[@matthewgardenstheglobeboec7153]

New too the channel, enjoy your content! Would like to your materials worked up into some sort of finished jewelry! I'm in San Diego where I collect spherulitic material of Amorphous origin. Keep up the good work and I will h keep watching! Rock On!

[@MontanaRockMom]

Thank you Matthew 😊

[@bigchenzo83]

Dang, Montana rock Mom is a cutie!! Brains and beautie, yes please!! 💘🌻

[@mundodaspedraspreciosas]

I really like these amygdaloid basalt

[@jforce91]

You'll always be suprised by what people miss; everyone's different, everyone looks for different stuff, even if its close to carparks/campsites. Also to save you the mouthful- You can call Amyloidal Basalt "Galaxy stone" :) which is what Agate Dad (who hunts the great lakes) calls it. I personally LOVE the opalescent affect in some of those agates/agatised wood.

[@kevinunger433]

That super multi colored one I nominate find of the year

[@kevinunger433]

That petrified wood at 10:18 is so pretty

[@rebeccaofsunnybrookefarm8469]

That thumbnail was terrific, if it hadn't been you I'd not watched

[@MontanaRockMom]

That rainbow jasper was an insane find in such a crowded recreation area...I was so proud...LOL... Thank you for watching- I appreciate it.

[@rebeccaofsunnybrookefarm8469]

@@MontanaRockMom I don't know what you are doing differently or if it's that so many people are busy currently. But you vids were getting more views. I hope it picks up for you

[@libbygardner3021]

Such beautiful rocks that you find! I hope to be up that way and use your tips in a year or two. I’d love to polish some, but will be traveling in my van, and doubt that I’d have enough power 😭

[@TrevorHarris-t5t]

Hey Rockhound MOM ! We just got into Montana today May 20,2024 from Siloam Springs Arkansas. We love watching you on your youtube channel Question: What's the best creek or river to rock hound in, in Billings Montana? We may never get another chance to come back to Montana and would appreciate it so much if you would help us to find the best creek or river that has all those beautiful rainbow color in them.

[@patriciamckean4186]

I like using a scoop for those of us that would need an assist if we got down on the ground. Handicapable people are naturally slow so that helps.

[@MontanaRockMom]

I totally get it Patricia. In fact, as a mostly physically healthy person, a couple hours in, my back and knees are killing me! I am only 1 year away from a fall where I broke 3 bones in my back. It's been quite a recovery process. Being down on the rocky, uneven ground is not an easy task, for anyone. I don't think everyone can or should do it...however, those that can, likely can use it as one more tool in their rock collecting belt so to speak. One day, I'll likely not be able to slither around the gravel as I do now, 🐍... but good thing there are other things we can do to find good stuff out there besides being on our bellies, right! 😘🤗😘

[@davery9786]

Great stuff

[@darlabuchmeier8139]

Loved the multicolored "woood" ? I ask seized green/purple piece. Please show all cleaned. Would you cut it or leave as is?

[@kenschug9555]

Hey kid... Can you slow down your camera movements.... I need to stock up on some Dramamine! Great videos! Thanks for posting!

[@McShaganpronouncedShaegen]

Montana Hot Mom outshines all her pretty finds. lol

[@Lookthere167]

Yes she is indeed a beautiful gem of a person

[@scottowens1535]

So much rock candy. Someone would have to come looking for me I'd likely be stuck under a massage Bag of rocks😀. Endless amazement and the quest for possibles 👍. Lmao massage? Haha massive!..... Must have been channeling the sunstones I polished. I'm going to get a bathtub full and jump in it😀😀 it's a silky smooth tactile thing. Steel worker hand's and silky stone's. Sensory overload.

[@Mz.Stephanie]

Thank you so much!!

[@nicolagraynewzealandrockho8976]

Great finds. Omg that bright stone♥️ is it jasper, or wood?

[@MontanaRockMom]

Wood 😊 Insane right??!!

[@nicolagraynewzealandrockho8976]

@@MontanaRockMom totally insane. So much of what you find is amazing

[@etitintinnurhayati203]

Wawwww beatyfull rock's

[@mothernaturerocks1]

Chopper is as good at finding chewie's as you are at finding treasures Both of you come home happy

[@TrevorHarris-t5t]

We are going to have to leave Billings tomorrow around 5 or 6 pm, Please, if at all possible, help us. We know you are a very busy mom and rock hounder. Could you go out of your way, and give us information on the best creek or river in, or around, Billings? It would be so very much appreciated! If, it's possible, could you give the mileage and directions from Billings to which ever creek or river you might recommend ? Thank you very, very, much!! We will be watching your You tube channel.

[@harrytruax5195]

Is it possible to be able to identify the type of tree that is petrified?

[@MontanaRockMom]

Many times, yes. The shape of the rings and other markings on the wood (rock) often help identify the species. The petrified wood is essentially the same wood it was when alive, just replaced by minerals. Also, under a microscope you can see the plant cells. I have several friends who work with wood regularly and are excellent at identifying these. They often blow my mind with how fast they can name a species of tree from a quick glance at the petrified rock.

[@MsKindaSorta]

I’ve been wondering why no one takes a 4 wheeler rockhounding. I guess they do after all!

[@MontanaRockMom]

Yes....makes me want one so bad. But then I'd feel a lot worse for eating that cheeseburger 🍔 after 😉

[@BarefootDreamers]

Copper is a great bone-hunter!! ❤️💥❤️

[@marcusbear1276]

How about yooper light rocks? Try another area besides Montana

[@MontanaRockMom]

I was just recently down rockhounding in New Mexico, absolutely loved it. Hard to get out of the state with my 6th grader football games and working at the hospital--- but lots planned for the future on my bucket list for sure! :)

[@gailwalton5779]

where do you buy your rock cutting device?

[@MontanaRockMom]

I bought my covington saw from The Rock Shed in Keystone, SD. They have an online store. www.rockshed.com/

[@michaelvandyke6715]

May I share your video on my rock site on F/B?

[@MontanaRockMom]

Sure Michael.

[@MontanaRockMom]

I am going to Facebook message you....

[@kayburrington6100]

What kinda leg was that? Just taught it looked human

[@aerynventress7702]

It's not. Probably a coyote or something.

[@fatmirscollectables9240]

Je shume e mir

[@MontanaRockMom]

Thank you

[@jacoboverton777]

Sweet, were you Ben All my life ?

[@lisawilcox3787]

It looks like a hawk

[@zehraber8039]

Human bons .!

[@hanspetrov4343]

Lobotomy edits

[@LEVELUP1050]

ほとんどがメノウですね❗

[@melodyfalle5708]

Hilow ma'am good pm Sana. Ponta. Deto. Sa Philippines country Namen Ako pangalan ko barangay lawaan Dumarao Capiz Philippines country Crisanto Guevarra pangalan ko

[@diamondpeakproductions]

I’ll be heading up to search for unique items of note…thanks for your energies here. I like your style. WalkINBeauty 🌎✌️👀⛺️🐕🪶