Anyone who participates on a Dallas Paleontological Society (Society) field trip must complete and submit a field-trip-specific Hold Harmless Agreement ( this is an example of what HH will look like on the Registration webpage, not an actual one).  Field trip participants will hold harmless the Dallas Paleontological Society ( Society), and all Officers, Committee Chairperson, and members of the Society. Additional Hold Harmless Agreement(s) and/or photographic releases may require a signature by the participant and/or legal guardian of participating minors. Participants may need to complete releases and/or agreements for specific landowners or special circumstances.    

You are agreeing to the free use of your photographic images, videos, or other renderings and recordings by any officer, agent, or field trip participant (member or nonmember of the Society) in any legal and noncommercial manner.

Field trips will be rated as to Difficulty and Danger. Difficulty scale will include factors such as distance walking, terrain including walking conditions, and weather conditions. Danger scale will include factors like venomous snakes, poisonous vegetation, slippery slopes, and rock falls. 

COMMON FIELD TRIP QUESTIONS.
If you have a question and the topic is not specifically addressed in the trip description it is always best to ask the Field Trip Leader.

Are kids and dogs allowed on trips? Typically, they are allowed to participate except for quarry trips. However, take into consideration the  terrain, distance walking and weather conditions from the parking area to to farthest point you may collect. Can your child or pet walk go the distance?

What do I need to know if we are going to a quarry? You must be a current member to participate on quarry trips. Unless there is an exception, persons under the age of 18, and pets are not allowed.  Hardhats, protective eye wear and steel-toed boot are highly recommended and sometimes required. Sometimes, the quarry will provide hardhats. If these items are not mentioned in the trip description, ask the trip leader.

I am not a member. Can I go on a field trip? A few field trips a year are open to nonmembers. These trips are to encourage people to join the Society. Field trips are considered a privilege of membership. Members dues occasionally help pay for different aspects of a trip. Some trips have a limited roster or have restrictions imposed for various reasons. An unscheduled or unannounced person could ruin the day for themselves and others.   

I won't be able to make the trip on that day but on another day, where are you going to collect? Specific field trip information is rarely given out. There have been times when people jump the gun causing many problems. First, every site requires permission from the landowner for anyone to collect. Just because the Society has permission on a specific day does not mean members or nonmembers can go whenever they please. "Jumping fences" is not condoned. Second, going before the Society's scheduled time, can get you arrested or shot (at).  

WEATHER: North Texas weather is hard to forecast except in the summer, typically very hot (Heat Index over 100°F). The rest of the year the weather can change quite rapidly. Check the forecast and the Hotline, 817-355-4693, before you leave the house. You may be caught by surprise but at least you checked, right? 

WHAT TO WEAR AND BRING: Prepare for the weather conditions for the entire trip. Depending upon the time of year there can be a dramatic need for different clothing from morning to afternoon or evening (if you camp).  Always bring plenty of water. Whether it is winter or summer underestimating your fluids intake can be fatal. Snacks and sack lunches are based on personal preference.  

Wear tough footwear like work boots or hiking boots. Steel toed boots for quarry trips are recommended. Any type of open-toed shoes are not recommended. Even in creeks, pebbles, broken glass, and metal can get underfoot or between toes. Knee pads and gloves be found at local home improvement stores, some gardening centers, and carpet supply stores can provide protection and comfort. A type of glove used by weight lifters and cyclists have the finger tips open for grasping while the palm of the glove is padded. 

Things to carry your fossils in: Backpacks, buckets, cloth sacks are good for larger bulk items. Plastic baggies are always a good thing to include. baggies can be easily labeled especially if there are multiple collecting localities. Film canisters (a soon to be trace fossil) and medicine bottles are excellent for storing small and fragile fossils. Bring tissue paper to wrap the delicate or small fossils. For larger specimens, newspaper or aluminum foil is good for wrapping and protecting larger fossils.

Equipment: The matrix will dictate the tools needed. Some never fail items are an ice pick or awl, a 2-inch paintbrush, a rock hammer and one or more cold chisels. If you plan on using a hammer, please wear safety glasses. 

Other equipment: As with golf, a whole bag of clubs is just dead weight when you only need a couple of irons and a putter. Decide if the equipment is necessary before lugging it on a long hot day.  Dynamite is never allowed. (Bummer, it could come in handy.) 

Comment about limited roster field trips.

Please do not sign up on a limited roster field trip (where Registration is required on the website) and then not show up. This is very inconsiderate to other members further down the list. If you know you are not going to make the trip, contact the field trip leader and cancel your Registration online and remove your name from the list of registered attendees in a timely manner to allow for others on the roster to move up. Additionally, if you are not on the roster and show up unannounced the day of the trip there will be no exceptions made to accommodate you.