Fossilized carbon imprint of an invertebrate
The United States offers hundreds of fossil hunting locations, but it helps, first, to understand the legal and collectible aspects of fossil hunting. Use literature references on fossils for your state, such as the Roadside Geology Series.
Collecting
The collection of fossils, such as brachiopods, trilobites, clams and most invertebrates, and petrified wood is legal in many states, but laws vary, according to Paleontology Ethics. Digs on private property, with owner permission, are open to anyone.
Permits
Collecting fossils and rocks on public lands, such as National Parks and monuments, is always illegal, but government organizations have a permitting system that allows for surface collecting or the excavation of fossils on public lands for scientific purposes, according to Paleontology Ethics.
Identification
Fossil collecting starts with proper documentation. Record the details of your find in a notebook, on a map, and on the fossil specimen; include specimen information, geographic location, and geology.
Location
Though found in every state, the western United States offers a prolific fossil hunting ground, including Clayton Lake, New Mexico (dinosaur tracks and other trace fossils), Northern California coast ranges, west of Calistoga (petrified wood), and Wellsville Mountains in Utah (trilobites).
Geography
Locate potential fossil hunting strata by using geological maps and overlaying corresponding topographic maps. Obtain topographical maps from local sporting goods stores, engineering or survey equipment stores, or request topographical maps from the U.S. Geological Survey Center (Map Distribution Section, U.S. Geological Survey, Federal Center, Box 25286, Denver, CO 80225, phone (800) 872-6277.
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