Skeletons in the Sage: A Guided Bone Hunt Across Wyoming’s Hidden Badlands
Learn to find, permit, and clean skulls and skeletons on a hands-on field workshop in Wyoming’s open country.
The sagebrush parts like an audience when the guide kneels, palms dusting at the edge of a bleached rib. Wind tugs at the hem of your jacket and a single turkey vulture wheels above—ever the witness to what lies below. Here, off the beaten path in Wyoming’s open country, the past is scattered in fragments: jawbones, vertebrae, a skull half-buried in dust. The lead bone hunter — an expert in what some locals call “vulture culture” — points out weathering patterns, explains how scavengers and sun bake bones until they tell their own story, and lets you handle a mandible that once clenched tough prairie grass.
Trail Wisdom
Expect off-trail walking
Plan for 2–5 miles over uneven ground—sturdy boots and ankle support will save your knees.
Bring nitrile gloves
Gloves protect both you and fragile bone surfaces during handling and documentation.
Hydrate and shade up
Carry at least 2 liters of water and wear a hat—heat can spike quickly on exposed terrain.
Follow permitting rules
Only remove specimens cleared by the guide—collecting without permission can be illegal.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Small roadside exposures where recent erosion reveals new fragments
- •Tate Geological Museum in Casper (for classroom context)
Wildlife
Turkey vulture, Pronghorn or mule deer (regional mammals)
Conservation Note
Collectors must follow federal, state, and private-land rules; ethical collection focuses on documentation and partnership with museums or researchers.
Wyoming’s badlands and basins preserve Pleistocene megafauna and more recent ranching-era remains—bones tell stories across geologic time.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Cooler temperatures, Fresh exposures after winter thaws
Challenges: Mud on low trails, Variable weather
Spring brings moderate temps and fresh ground exposures but can be muddy after late snowmelt; dress in layers and waterproof footwear.
summer
Best for: Long daylight hours, Peak beetle activity for natural cleaning demos
Challenges: High heat, Dry, reflective sun
Summer offers long days but can be hot—start early and plan for strong sun and limited shade.
fall
Best for: Comfortable hiking, Crisp light for photography
Challenges: Shortening days, Cooler nights
Fall is ideal for comfortable fieldwork and clear skies; bring an insulated layer for chilly mornings.
winter
Best for: Solitude, Exposed features after snowpack shifts
Challenges: Cold, wind, and possible snow cover
Winter is quiet and dramatic, but cold and snowy conditions can conceal finds and make travel difficult.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Sturdy hiking bootsEssential
Support and traction for uneven, sandy, and broken-rock terrain.
Nitrile or leather glovesEssential
Protects hands and preserves specimen integrity while handling bones.
Sun hat & sunscreenEssential
Wide sun protection for exposed badlands and long daylight hours.
2–3 liters of water and small daypackEssential
Hydration and space for layers, field forms, and small tools provided by the guide.
Common Questions
Do I need prior experience to join a bone-hunting tour?
No—these workshops are designed for beginners and experienced fieldworkers alike; guides teach identification, documentation, and safe handling.
Can I keep every bone I find?
No—collecting rules depend on land jurisdiction and the guide provides permitting guidance; some specimens must remain in place or reported to authorities.
What safety precautions are used when handling bones?
Guides require gloves, use proper lifting techniques, and follow hygiene procedures when demonstrating cleaning methods to avoid contamination.
Is this activity suitable for children?
Older children with good attention spans can participate; check age policies with the operator and expect a lot of crouching and quiet observation.
Will I see fossils or only modern bones?
Both are possible—guides can help distinguish modern animal remains from older paleontological material, and they advise when to stop and call in specialists.
What happens if we find human remains or suspected archaeological artifacts?
All operators follow mandatory reporting procedures; you must not disturb potential archaeological or forensic finds and should notify the guide immediately.
What to Pack
Sturdy boots for uneven ground; nitrile gloves to handle specimens safely; 2–3 liters of water to stay hydrated; sun hat and sunscreen for exposed terrain
Did You Know
Wyoming’s basins and badlands, including regions around Casper and the Bighorn Basin, have produced important Pleistocene megafauna remains, including mammoth and ancient bison discoveries.
Quick Travel Tips
Book flights into Casper (CPR) for closest access; expect intermittent cell service—download maps; wear gaiters in windy, sandy areas; bring a printed photo ID for permit paperwork
Local Flavor
After the field day, head back to Casper to visit the Tate Geological Museum for context and local specimens; refuel with a hearty meal at a downtown diner and sample a local brewery—locals enjoy swapping stories about land and livestock.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Casper–Natrona County International Airport (CPR); Driving distance from downtown Casper to field staging usually 45–90 minutes depending on site; Cell service: intermittent in the field; Permits: collection requires permissions—tour provides guidance and paperwork.
Sustainability Note
Respect wildlife and archaeological protections: only collect what the guide authorizes, document finds thoroughly, pack out all trash, and avoid disrupting nesting or shoreline habitats.