Yes, I've heard that's how many do it.

Josh

A just-damp paper towel (no dripping wetness) in a baggie. In the fridge. And you stratify them :-).

Here is a link you may find helpful:
http://www.mishobonsai.com/germination_instructions.html

You don't mention in your user info where you live, which would have some bearing on how you might wish to proceed. IOW - if you lived in a northern state, you might want to consider that if you stratify now & sow, or the seeds germinate in the fridge, you'll need to nurse the seedlings through the winter on a poorly developed root system. Not so large a consideration if you have mild winters, but timing it so they germinate in the spring seems like a good idea to me.

I generally layer bonsai soil in a pot, scatter the seeds, cover them with Turface fines, then leave them in an unheated garage over the winter, tossing a little snow on them from time to time. This works better for me than any other method I've tried. If you live in a milder zone, you might be able to sow them in Nov & leave them outdoors to germinate on their own. Mother Nature seems to know best.

I ordered & rec'd 100 amur maple seeds last month. I'll sow in Nov & just leave outdoors in the shade all winter with a piece of screen over the soil to soften the rain (so seeds don't wash out) & keep critters away.

Al

Everything Tapla said!