If you have ever been to the ocean, you have most likely seen people looking for shells. All types of people enjoy taking home a seashell as a memento of a wonderful vacation, but for some of these people, looking for shells is much more. They are shell hunters.
What exactly is a seashell hunter? This is someone who loves shells, all kinds of them and is willing to spend the necessary time that it takes to find a great specimen for their collection. There are a number of shells available to hunters, although, the variety does change depending on location.
So, where do these seashell hunters find their catch? Most hunters of shells prefer to do their hunting underwater. It is best to stay at a depth of 1 to 10 meters under water, too much deeper and it becomes hard to see. It is important to go slowly so as not to miss your target of the perfect shell. It is also a good idea to narrow your search to one type of shell, this makes it easier to concentrate on that particular shape.
It is best to look for seashells that are dead, while you may not realize it, animals live inside these shells. Only the most experienced shell hunters should ever consider taking live shells from the ocean. This caliber of hunter normally has an aquarium suitable for the shell to continue its life. However, even then they are taken from the reproduction chain of the ocean. This should only be done under the strictest of circumstances.
If you decide to go shell hunting, there are a few ground rules that you should become familiar with. First, make sure that hunting the shells is legal where you are. A number of states and countries have rules that govern the type and number of shells that can be harvested from a particular location. This usually includes dead shells also, because other animals move into them as they outgrow their own shells.
The best places to look for what hunters call dead shells are under rocks, in caves and in shallow holes. However, please remember that whatever you move should be done carefully and then put back exactly how you found it. The rocks that you move are most likely being used by other sea creatures to avoid the sun.
After you have proven your seashell hunting skills and brought them home, you will want to clean them up. The best way to do this is to let them soak in a 50/50-mixture bleach and water. You want to let them soak this way until the leathery type covering is gone, they will look a lot brighter at this point. If you want your seashells to have a nice shine to them, you can rub them with baby oil.
The next time that you have the opportunity to visit the beach, keep an eye out for the beautiful seashells that can be found, take one home, clean it, polish it and tell all of your friends about your great shell hunt.
Summary:
If you have ever been to the ocean, you have most likely seen people looking for shells. All types of people enjoy taking home a seashell as a memento of a wonderful vacation, but for some of these people, looking for shells is much more. They are shell hunters. Before you decide that shell hunting is right for you, there are a few things what you need to be aware of.