"AAPS, The Association of Applied Paleontological Sciences was organized in 1978 to create an association of professional fossil dealers, collectors, enthusiasts, and academic paleontologists for the purpose of promoting ethical collecting practices and cooperative liaisons with researchers, instructors, curators and exhibit managers in the paleontological academic and museum community."
Their website is full of useful information including articles on National and International Fossil Laws, Fossil Theft Alerts, and a page on fossil specimens placed in Museums and Universitites by Professional (Commercial) Paleontology.
“Founded in 1968, the Hellgate Mineral Society (HMS) is a non-profit corporation whose purpose is to advance the cause of and participation in mineralogy, geology, paleontology, and the lapidary arts. The Hellgate Mineral Society is a member of the Montana Council of Rock and Mineral Clubs, the Northwest Federation of Mineralogical Association (NFMS) and the American Federation of Mineralogical Societies (AFMS)."
Want to visit in person? Stop by my demonstration table at the 2024 Annual Hellgate Gem, Mineral, Fossil, Bead, and Lapidary Show and Sell March 16 & 17 at the Hilton Garden Inn, Missoula, MT.
https://hellgatemineralsociety.org/
https://www.facebook.com/HellgateMineralSociety/
“Our purpose is to promote interest and education in earth sciences namely geology, mineralogy, paleontology, the lapidary arts and related subjects. We also support promoting and ensuring the right of amateur hobby collecting, recreational rock hunting and the use of public and private lands for educational and recreational purposes related to the earth sciences.”
Want to dig your own Hell Creek Formation Fossils? Cowboy Dino Digs is an awesome family owned ranch in Jordon, MT where you can spend the day unearthing your own treasures of a life time. Many of the specimens on my site were excavated at the Phipps Ranch.
https://www.cowboydinodigs.com/
Looking for the ultimate dinosaur adventure? Join Nate Murphy and the crew of Judith River Dinosaur Institute for a week long dig in the Little Snowy Mountains of Montana.
https://montanadinosaurdigs.com/