How to Look for Arrowheads

Read a topographic map of the area you plan on hunting. A topographic map shows the best areas to hunt for arrowheads. Look for areas on the map near waterways or where water runoff might expose ancient artifacts.

Hunt immediately after a fresh rainfall. Most soil shows a different color than arrowheads. The arrowheads are usually camouflaged after the soil dries. Rainfall erodes topsoil, exposing arrowheads once buried.

Talk with others who have had experience and success hunting arrowheads. Learn the techniques of an experienced hunter, and the times he usually hunts. Ask if you might tag along on a hunt to observe technique.

Hunt in areas exposed by recent erosion, farming or construction. These conditions pull artifacts out of the ground. Seek permission prior to hunting on private property.

Look for chips or flakes from a stone. This sometimes indicates a spot when an Indian worked on an arrowhead. The shavings are the debris from his work.

Walk slowly when hunting. Take narrow steps when you see shavings for an arrowhead, or find an arrowhead. Take wider steps if you see nothing. Work an area methodically, going from one side to the other.

Search an area thoroughly once you find an arrowhead or shavings. Mark the area on your topographic map, and return after a fresh rain.