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How to Detect for Arrowheads

Hunting for arrowheads can be an absorbing and satisfying pastime, and one which can be enjoyed by hobbyists nationwide. No matter what state you live in, the odds are very good that Native Americans were there at some point. With diligent searching and a little luck, you can unearth arrrowheads--projectile points made of flint or quartzite and used on arrows and throwing spears, also called atlatls--that testify to these indigenous peoples' way of life. You can increase your odds of finding arrowheads and other Native American artifacts by doing proper research and observing some basic search guidelines.

Things You'll Need

Soil and topographical maps
Broomstick with a nail at the end
Comfortable hiking shoes
Wading boots (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Research your area through your local library, historical society or university to find specific sites where Native Americans lived, forged their weapons and hunted for food.
- 2
  Obtain maps before you search, to help you focus on places where arrowheads might lay. Get soil maps from your local county extension office or Farm Service Agency; these can indicate soil types that may provide clues, such as the presence of sandy loam, which indicates elevated ground that may have served as an encampment. Study topographical maps, which show not only hills and valleys, but creeks and lakes. Native Americans almost always camped near water, so these areas can hold a treasure trove of artifacts. A spot where a creek empties into a river is ideal.
- 3
  Get permission from the landowner to search the land. Explain what you are looking for, and offer to let the landowner keep any arrowheads or artifacts you might find. Although some may refuse you, many will give you permission not only to search for arrowheads but to keep them. If searching a construction site, get permission from the foreman.
- 4
  Search in the spring, when frequent rain washes up arrowheads and there is less interference from biting insects and extreme heat or cold.
- 5
  Begin your search in places where the soil has already been disturbed by erosion, construction, or farming. Freshly plowed fields are a good place to start. According to the Arrowheadology website, the more soil that shows, the better your chances of finding arrowheads. Wear old, comfortable shoes or hiking boots. Use the broomstick and nail to flip rocks, turn over logs, and get a good look at the other side of promising stones without having to bend over. Remember, every stone you see might be an arrowhead.
- 6
  Look for sites with obvious occupation signs, such as burned rock, chips of flint, bone or shell fragments, and beads.
- 7
  Concentrate your search around rivers and lakes; as all animals are drawn to water, and the Native Americans hunted them there. Search along shallow creeks, examining gravel bars and collections of small pebbles in the water. Unlike sand, which can cover arrowheads, these grainy rocks can trap and hold them. You may want to wear wading boots for this.
- 8
  Leave the land as you found it, with the exception of picking up arrowheads. Don't disturb foliage or wildlife, or leave litter behind.

Rock Collecting