Plot Synopsis

DINO HUNTERS is a one-hour docuseries that follows cowboys and ranchers who rely on their deep knowledge of the land to search for prehistoric dinosaur fossils -- from T-Rexes and Triceratops to discovering a rare and disputed dinosaur species -- that might have significant scientific impact. Across the West, the stage is set for a new type of gold rush: the hunt for prehistoric dinosaur fossils. In the badlands of Wyoming, Montana and the Dakotas, ranchers and cowboys are uncovering valuable dinosaur bones on their land and using the discoveries to help save their livelihoods. The stakes to advance the understanding of prehistoric creatures are high and so is the possible payday as these fossils can be worth millions. DINO HUNTERS brings these creatures back to life by using a combination of 3D modeling and Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI) to create X-ray visualizations of both the fossils and the dinosaurs. The spectacular images reveal what the dinosaur looked like, how they moved, and other important characteristics of these prehistoric giants. These hunters uncover new fossil discoveries, but if they are unable to excavate the finds before the harsh winter bears down, they risk losing the fossils to erosion, turning their potential fortune to dust. The hunters include:

Clayton Phipps (Montana): Born into cattle ranching, Phipps discovered that the land his family owned had a lot more to offer when he found his first dinosaur fossil in 2003. Only three years later, he unearthed what is considered one of the greatest fossil specimens ever discovered, the spectacular "Dueling Dinosaurs." With deep roots in Montana, Clayton is well connected to other ranchers who sit on fossil-rich badlands dating back 65 million years. Along with his 12 year-old son, Luke, and a small team of fossil experts, Clayton sets out every digging season on the trail of his next major discovery. And this season, he hits another fossil jackpot.

Mike Harris (Wyoming): A true cowboy and businessman who "just can't slow up," Mike Harris has kept himself busy working since he was a kid. When he stumbled across a triceratops horn on his pastureland about 20 years ago, he realized there was more to ranching than cattle. In 2011, he found a T-Rex worth millions; its sale could pay off his ranch, but it's hard to find a buyer with that kind of cash -- so "Cowboy Rex" is still on the shelf. While he hunts for a buyer, he's hedging his bets, prospecting for another big dinosaur that could bring the payday he needs.

Jake Harris (Wyoming): With a father like Mike Harris, it's no wonder Jake Harris has spent his whole life trying to catch up to his dad. After spending eight years as a teacher, Jake returned to the ranch to work alongside the person he admires most. More manpower expedites the cattle work, freeing up precious time to pursue what they love most -- hunting for dinosaurs.

Aaron Bolan (Wyoming): Back in the day, Aaron Bolan ran heavy machinery for a living and studied to be a homicide detective. But his free time was spent prospecting for dinosaurs on his Uncle John's Wyoming ranch. Five years ago, he took a leap of faith and moved to the ranch, tying his digging and forensic expertise to his passion for paleontology -- but now he has to make sure it pays off. Aaron is one of the few who've been struck twice by lightning, but he'd rather make his reputation by discovering a unique and historic dinosaur.

Jared Hudson (South Dakota): Jared Hudson has been hunting dinosaurs with the pros since he was 16 years old, getting his start at a site known worldwide for its mammoth fossils. Inspired by the team that found the famous T-Rex, "Sue," Jared found a South Dakota T-Rex of his own. But what should have been the high point of his career was dashed by a contract dispute with the landowner. The bad blood spread to neighboring ranches, cutting off access to his best dinosaur hunting grounds. With legal bills piling up and his revenue stream in a stranglehold, Jared finds himself starting from scratch. He's determined to find another great fossil -- but also to clear his name and return to the area he once called his "second home."
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The second season of DINO HUNTERS premiered on Friday, July 30, 2021 at 9pm ET/PT on Discovery. Season 2 features both new and returning characters. Continuing on their quest to find fossils are Mike Harris, Jake Harris, and Aaron Bolan in Wyoming and Clayton Phipps and his son Luke in Montana. New to this season is Andre Lujan, a Texas native with a passion for fossil hunting, as he helps Robert and Billie Abercrombie, 4th generation ranchers who run a cattle operation in New Mexico. About a century ago Robert's grandfather discovered that the family homestead held much more than viable grazing land - it had a massive site of Ice-Aged Columbian Mammoth bones. But Robert's grandfather was never able to keep any of the remains, as they were excavated and transported to a museum out of state. Now, using the original map from the 1929 excavation, Robert has hired Andre to help locate the 100-year-old dig site and just maybe honor his grandfather's legacy by uncovering an ancient behemoth.

In the season opener, "Doubling Down on Dinos," Clayton Phipps and his son Luke put it all on the line for a risky raptor fossil buried under 30 feet of earth. And the Harrises decide to go for broke to prep their multi-million dollar T-Rex skull.