Hobbies And Interests
Things You'll Need
Instructions
Learn the legal and ethical implications of digging for arrowheads and other artifacts. Native Americans consider many sites sacred, and those automatically should be off-limits. Public land usually isn't open for digging; on private land, ask the owner's permission and establish who will keep what if you make finds.
Dig on land that has already been disturbed--for example, by plowing. If you make a find on undisturbed land, don't keep on digging because you could ruin a potentially important archeological site. Instead, report your find to the landowner and/or a professional archeologist.
Learn where to look. Talk to residents, local farmers and anyone else who knows an area well. When you start asking around, you'll be surprised how many people know about plowed fields that once housed Native American villages. Also, familiarize yourself with land formations by looking at a good topographic map. (See Resources below.)
Learn when to look. Hunt in a plowed or bulldozed field after a rainfall. The rain will help uncover artifacts for you. Go in the morning for the best light.
Bring the right tools. Most hunters dig with a small trowel or shovel (8 inches long or less), and they use a small paintbrush to dust off artifacts. Dig cautiously so you don't destroy fragile pieces.
Do small digs before you hunker down to a full one. In the test digs, look for evidence of arrowheads such as chips or flakes of stone left over when arrowheads were made. A wealth of these chips may indicate a good dig site.
Develop a system for going over a site. For example, walk up and down in rows. If it helps, plant sticks or flags to show you where you've been so you don't retrace your steps.