FIELD EXPERIENCE
Hunt with the experts.
You get to spend a week hunting for dinosaur bones with guides out in the field. Learn to read the land, recognize real fossil material, and build a collection from discoveries you made yourself.
HOW IT WORKS
You get to spend a week hunting for dinosaur bones with guides out in the field. Learn to read the land, recognize real fossil material, and build a collection from discoveries you made yourself.
01 · Discover
Keep what you find.
You will be able to keep almost everything that you find. Many participants uncover dozens of bone fragments, several mostly complete bones, and an occasional tooth or claw.
02 · Collect
Start something awesome.
There aren’t many cooler things you can say than “Hey, want to look at my fossil collection?”
03 · Explore
Experience day digs.
One-day expeditions are perfect for folks with limited time. Call us at 616-443-7814 for more information.
The field changes everything
A week in the wild.
Open horizons, ancient formations, long days outside and the possibility that the next thing you notice in the ground has been waiting millions of years.
Choose your week ↓OUR FIELD SEASONS
Choose your Paleo Prospectors field season using our secure booking calendar.
Our amazing team
Meet the people behind Paleo Prospectors.
Five experienced field leaders bringing paleontology, teaching, preparation and decades of exploration into every expedition.
Founder · In memory
Dr. Steve Nicklas, PHD
Founder of Paleo Prospectors, Steve created opportunities for amateur fossil fanatics to explore remarkable places, make their own discoveries and contribute important finds to museums and research institutions. Along with Rob, he discovered the “Tanis site.”
Guide
Brandi Nicklas
Brandi is the daughter of our founder Dr. Steve Nicklas and has been working with Paleo Prospectors as a guide since she was 16. She is a Chemistry major at the University of North Georgia with a minor in Geology. She plans to attend graduate school for Geochemistry after graduating in 2027. She is currently doing research involving environmentally friendly iron nanoparticles (nFe) for removing groundwater contaminants. Brandi is dedicated to continuing her father’s legacy by advancing scientific research and fostering opportunities for fellow fossil enthusiasts to build collections of their own.
Guide
Rob Sula
Rob has over 25 years of experience as a field paleontologist. He is co-discoverer of the famous Tanis Site and the Licking Leaf site, and has contributed to several paleontological publications.
Guide
Michael Payne
Mike has worked in Paleontology since 2004. His greatest loves include the Niobrara Chalk and Oligocene White River Badlands. He also works as a fossil preparator and artifact conservator.
Guide
Ryan Cieszkowski
Ryan Cieszkowski has been hunting dinosaur fossils since 2002, turning a lifelong fascination with prehistoric life into more than two decades of hands-on field experience. Over the years, Ryan has explored fossil-rich formations across the American West, developing extensive experience locating, excavating, and preserving dinosaur fossils. He brings his passion for paleontology and the thrill of discovery to Paleo Prospectors, helping guests experience what it’s like to uncover fossils that have been buried for millions of years.
FIELD STORIES06 VOICES
Real finds.Real memories.
Field stories
What stays with you after the dig.
“You guys rock!! I can’t wait to prospect with you all again. ”
Pack smart.
Practical gear, sun protection, layers, and a little gumption.
CONTACT US
Questions about a field season?
Reach out for expedition questions, registration details, or help planning your Paleo Prospectors trip.
READY FOR THE FIELD?Montana · WyomingGuided fossil-hunting expeditions