Help for a rookie?

[IowaMan]

Hi, my dad got me started on arrowhead hunting when I was a little kid. He was a really casual hunter and new of only 2 or 3 spots to look. Those spots weren't that great, a lot of people look there. This summer I started looking again hoping I could find some stuff before heading off to college.

I was wondering if any of you guys/gals new of any places to look in Ringgold or Decatur Counties in Iowa? How could I find out where old campsites were located? Also, do you have any tips for a new hunter?

Thanks for any pointers!!!

[TurtleMan]

First, good to have you! The best advice I could give you is to go get a county plat map, one that shows who owns what. then look for rivers, creeks, and lakes (natural). then look for were two creeks come together or flow into a river or lake. once you have located these look for the high ground just above the flood plain, also if there is ANY high spots in the flood plain, bluffs are good also. If there are any corn fields (if your in Iowa I'm shure there is!) on these spots perfect! just start walking! If not look for any wash outs or open (bare) ground. Be SHURE to use the info in the map to get permition first! most farmers don't mind you poken' around but be respectfull an don't leave trash, close gates behind you, if there is stuff planted in the field, stay in the rows! and always be polite even if ya' get turned down.

[marksimerson]

Good advise! Sandy well draining soil is usually best also. In colder climates like were your from look for high ground with higher ground blocking the cold north wind, 2nd tier. I cover new spots quicker than old standbys. Look for flint flakes and burnt rock....if ya find some....Slow down! Happy hunting!

[tim copas]

I agree with both of these guys, I have had luck looking for dark rings or spots in plowed fields.

[IowaMan]

Thanks for the help fellas!!!

[paleo_joe]

Don't get discouraged. It can take a LOT of walking but it will be worth it. The easier a site is to get to, the more likely other people are hunting it.

[Steve Valentine]

Check out this link to an interview I did a while back. It has some insights into what to look for to find new sites and how to hunt them. Good luck and don't get discouraged. You will eventually find some good spots to look.


Prehistoric Indian Artifacts

[centraliowa21]

Originally Posted by IowaMan

Hi, my dad got me started on arrowhead hunting when I was a little kid. He was a really casual hunter and new of only 2 or 3 spots to look. Those spots weren't that great, a lot of people look there. This summer I started looking again hoping I could find some stuff before heading off to college.

I was wondering if any of you guys/gals new of any places to look in Ringgold or Decatur Counties in Iowa? How could I find out where old campsites were located? Also, do you have any tips for a new hunter?

Thanks for any pointers!!!

http://ags.gis.iastate.edu/IsitesPublicAccess/...Mess around with this site for a while, it should help lead you in the right direction. It has helped me out.

[IowaMan]

Thanks for the helpful link, Mr. Valentine.

[IowaMan]

Originally Posted by centraliowa21

http://ags.gis.iastate.edu/IsitesPublicAccess/...Mess around with this site for a while, it should help lead you in the right direction. It has helped me out.

I couldn't get your link to work