Arrowhead Hunting Field Guide

[wiseshanks]

I've noticed that we have a lot of new members coming aboard that have never really hunted arrowheads and ask for advice on where to look and how to go about doing it. I think a good idea for a new thread topic would be Arrowhead/Artifact Hunting Field Guide. Contributing members could post threads about how they go about looking for artifacts in their region as well as add photos of what their favorite spots look like. A lot of members hunt specific areas, i.e. rivers, lakes, creeks, fields, desert regions, mountains, etc. Members could maybe give tips on how to pinpoint the best areas to start searching. They could also talk about their methods of hunting and things they use and carry with them. I am aware that the forum already has "Arrowhead Hunting & Collection," but I think a more localized section for this particular topic would really help a lot of novice collectors or maybe influence some of our guests to the forum (at the moment 19 users and 49 guests) to join and to get out there and hunt. If you try to search "how to arrowhead hunt" on the internet, there aren't a whole lot of resources and the ones present are vague or not very credible. Here is a passage from the second link pulled up online:

"General areas that were formerly inhabited by Native Americans are just as likely to provide a treasure or two. States that are known to have had many Indian predecessors doesn’t exactly narrow the field but gives an arrowhead hunter a place to begin. Native Americans hunted wherever wild animals roamed. Dense woods and flat, open fields can narrow the search somewhat. And these places can actually and literally be right in your own back yard. Take walks in areas of woods that are close to home looking especially near large, old trees. Huge trees with much age were probably there at the time the Indians hunted."

The fact of the matter is that there isn't a whole lot of information regarding arrowhead hunting for people online. This site has an abundance of knowledgeable people from all over the country that could really help those interested in artifacts get out there and start hunting and more importantly, FINDING artifacts. We all know what it feels like to have the fever; or be bitten with the bug. It's all we think about. So let's pass that on. Expand this hobby; and more importantly, preserve history that would otherwise be lost forever.

Sorry for the novel here I just had an idea that I felt needed to be shared. Please voice your opinion about the idea to let me know I'm just a little crazy, or if it is worth more consideration.
-Josh

[comanche]

looking especially near large, old trees. Huge trees with much age were probably there at the time the Indians hunted."

Now Thats Funny right there,,,,


This is a great Idea for a Thread Mr.Shanks,and I will do my part to contribute.////c

[wiseshanks]

I laughed when I read it. I mean that was the second link that pulled up when I googled "how to find arrowheads." There's probably some poor soul that wants to find arrowheads that drives around and looks for big trees. I can just picture someone staring at the ground around a 10' diameter tree.

[RedHawk_ArtifactHunter]

the only trees im sure were here when the natives were here is probably the Redwoods! lol are there any other trees in the US that can live a 1000 years or more? I thought most trees only live a few hundred years

[kirby]

Although the quote regarding the trees age is inaccurate, what I have found, on many campsites I frequent, is that exceptionally large trees can be an indicator of a campsite but for different reasons than cited in the above paragraph.

[wiseshanks]

Originally Posted by kirby

Although the quote regarding the trees age is inaccurate, what I have found, on many campsites I frequent, is that exceptionally large trees can be an indicator of a campsite but for different reasons than cited in the above paragraph.

I just don't see the correlation between the two. Not to say there isn't one just that I personally don't know of one.

[kirby]

wiseshanks,

This might not hold true in your area but it does in mine. My area consists of sandy hills on the edge of the Post Oak Savannah. The abo's camped in these sandy hills near the small tributaries. The trees here are not particularly old. In fact, I would venture to say the vast majority of them are less than 60 years old. However, in many of the sites I have stumbled across, there tend to be trees much larger than the average. In these same areas, the sand, which is normally light in color, appears to be burned, resulting in a much darker appearance. This is what I think contributes to the exceptional size of some trees. My theory is that the carbon materials in the soil, built up over centuries, feeds the trees allowing them to grow larger than the norm. As I said, sometimes I think the larger trees can be an indication of an occupied area. At least in my area.

[Massac]

Originally Posted by RedHawk_ArtifactHunter

the only trees im sure were here when the natives were here is probably the Redwoods! lol are there any other trees in the US that can live a 1000 years or more? I thought most trees only live a few hundred years

Sure, and closer than you think.

DNR

I don't think anybody's going to find anything around these though.

BTW Kirby I totally agree and would add that naturally fertile soil just growing better plants would attract Indians, not to mention the charcoal and ash like you said.

[comanche]

Trees?
I really don't look at trees,,,Sure the fertile ground might be better,,,But I try to focus on High ground close to Springs,,,,I have found 7-8 solid camps in the last month,,,and none of it had to do with looking at trees,,,,Cores,, Flakes and Blanks,,,Then go up to the high ground and Bam!!!///jmo

[RedHawk_ArtifactHunter]

I think i might have to check that out! Makes sense, I never thought about it like that.