Permits & rules
Paid dig vs public land
A fee site is private ground or a leased pit that charges admission. The BLM cap does not apply there. Their sign does. Pay, stay inside the posted area, and take only what the ticket allows.
The House Range is the usual mix-up: a paid trilobite quarry next to public shale. House Range land status. Public shale still has the casual-use cap, and vertebrate bone is not a hobby rock on either side of the fence.
Informational only — not legal advice. Confirm with the managing agency before you dig or hunt.