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How to start a collection?


Rapteg

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After spending a few too many hours on here, a few posts have inspired me to the point that I'd like to start a collection. The question is how? I don't know any sources of fossils nearby, including stores and such. I am also extremely low budget. Anyone have some advice?

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I'll PM you some spots to try (I'm also in Colorado) and such. Also I'm curious to know, what posts inspired you?

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Finding your own fossils is generally cheaper, and more satisfying.

Researching sites is a different kind of fun, but one that I suggest you start.

It can be almost as fun as finding fossils.

Regards,

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I was mainly inspired by seeing all the other collections, and realizing the drawing opportunities pointed out to me. Mainly being able to see how some people started and where they are now is really cool. I also figure it's better sooner than later.

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Super and welcome, any specific type of fossil inspire you more than others?

See if there are any fossil shows nearby just to get a better acquainted with local collectors. Just missed it but in September Denver has a big fossil show not sure how close you are to there.

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Not to far from me (a few hours)

Well so far I've had the most luck with drawing trilobites because of their simple symmetry and it's easy to get all the important parts in one drawing. I'm trying a few mammals at the moment. But no, not really anything in particular. I think that a lot of the modern looking stuff is cool (ex:shark teeth) because of the perspective it gives that stuff was once like that.

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You ought to plan go to Denver next year just to see lots of different fossils, dont have to buy anything. Getting acquainted with local collectors/clubs will help so go online and see what's out there. Good luck and have fun

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stop at every road cut you can safely, and look.

"Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence"_ Carl Sagen

No trees were killed in this posting......however, many innocent electrons were diverted from where they originally intended to go.

" I think, therefore I collect fossils." _ Me

"When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth."__S. Holmes

"can't we all just get along?" Jack Nicholson from Mars Attacks

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So question then, are there any maps that'll show me sedimentary areas? Because I know for a fact there isn't fossils everywhere.

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stop at every road cut you can safely, and look.

True. The best advice.

I have found fossils in Colorado just like I have everywhere... simply by stopping at outcrops, walking barren stretches, construction sites, poking around stream banks, examining road cuts.

You need to have the passion. This leads to reading up on everything. Gaining knowledge. Once up start finding a few specimens the addiction sets in...a good, healthy one.

I never accept someone's advice about a locale 'There are no fossils'. I look for myself. Some of my best Mammoth fossils came from alluvial deposits around igneous outcrops where there were supposedly no fossils.

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One thing I might add is maybe try collecting fossils you never thought about collecting. For example, I started off collecting mainly dinosaurs. However, I also find fish a and trilobites fascinating. Dinosaurs still make up a bulk of my collection, however, I still have several pieces of the others I'm interested in. Maybe look around and see what else is out there. There's a ton of fascinating creatures out there that you probably have never heard of.

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USGS for maps, and also try the Colorado Geological Survey

"Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence"_ Carl Sagen

No trees were killed in this posting......however, many innocent electrons were diverted from where they originally intended to go.

" I think, therefore I collect fossils." _ Me

"When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth."__S. Holmes

"can't we all just get along?" Jack Nicholson from Mars Attacks

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A couple pointers...

If denver is a couple hours away, you may want to join WIPS. They are based out of the DMNH and meet once a month. Make the effort to go once and become a member. They offer great field trips in the summer months. Westernpaleo.org. I think. Also, CO roadcut collecting is illegal, so i have been told. There are fossils to be found all over the state, but you should also check out the posts on here about getting permission from landowners. I can't remember where those posts are... Can anyone else help out? Whatever you do to collect fossils on your own, keep ut legal and always get landowner permission.

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