Hobbies And Interests
Archaeological Sites
Situated near to the Rio Grande river, which forms the border between the United States and Mexico, the Lajitas area has numerous protected archaeological sites as a result of the presence of Comanche and other tribes who lived there.
Legal Issues
Arrowhead collecting is not allowed in either the Big Bend National Park or the Big Bend Ranch State Park as a result of state and federal laws. Arrowhead hunting must be done on private property with the permission of the landowner.
Reporting Finds
While arrowhead collecting is prohibited on public land, a visitor may find an arrowhead or other artifact while hiking or otherwise using the land properly. Anyone finding an artifact should not touch or move the item but simply note its location and contact the park personnel or other responsible person.
Private Land
With permission of the landowner, arrowheads can be found and collected on private property. Areas such as plowed fields and construction sites where the soil has been disturbed can often produce arrowheads. Creek and river beds can also be a productive arrowhead hunting location.
Significant Finds
While a single arrowhead found in a creek bed is likely to be of little interest to an archaeologist or museum, arrowhead hunters may come across a find of significance. Significant finds should be left alone, their location noted, and the information reported to the landowner. The landowner should be encouraged to forward the information to the Texas Historical Commission.