New to the artifact fever - Central Texas

[CenTex_AL]

When I say new, I mean I don't even own an arrowhead. I'm completely new to this. I'm sort of easing my way into it. I'm not one to get totally engrossed by a hobby (unless it's football). But I do like to have some knowledge about different topics and hobbies just in case.

I'm a central Texan to the core - 7th generation since moving here in 1837. My grandmother was part native as well, so it goes back farther if we go that way. I'm sure many Texans have similar histories.

I don't really know where to begin hunting. I'm going to try some surface hunting first. I know a creek or two I could start with. Maybe some hiking trails, etc. My family has 10 acres in Lampasas with a dry creek bottom and a high, rocky hill I might check out more closely.

I'm curious about the digging. I hate to start putting holes all over that hilltop. What do y'all do about the holes? Do you dig a certain size and depth? Certainly, you must fill them back in.

Just some random thoughts this morning from a novice. I hope to find a couple points and share them with y'all!

[NeoGeo]

Welcome from another Austin guy. Your in luck, Austin is loaded with artifacts.Anywhere you can see the bare ground always draws my attention..lol

[CenTex_AL]

haha Well there's plenty of bare land right now, and for the next few months!

Do the Austin guys ever have a meet and greet?

[NeoGeo]

Some of us do pretty much on a regular,others are in the works....We try to stick together....lol.There is a good gang going,with room for more....Can never have too many friends....

[Scotto]

Welcome from SW AR.

[Mud Hawk]

Welcome from Penna. Walk slow and scan the ground slow will be a great help to a new hunter. Good luck to you!

[kirby]

Welcome from your neighbor to the northeast........Little River Basin.

[neralich]

Welcome, Texan!! Jason from Missouri...

O Yeah,, the depth of a hole is,,,well it just depends!!
The majority of the time I dig 2-3 ft holes. Sometimes much larger, sometimes less.
Give it a shot and see if you find flakes. and, yes, backfill your holes. Just take a roundpoint shovel and test pit two shovel-fulls deep. If you start hitting flint chips, open your test pit up 3ftx3ft and see what happens. Goodluck

[lillyput]

Welcome from Bandera county. Might be good to begin just by surface hunting. It takes a little time to train your eyesight. No joke. Just start by noting all the flint you see as you walk. Especially after a rain. I'd wait for the guys to kinda show you about digging. Very easy to destroy flint items with a shovel or pick. and here is a little secret - don't expect to find points that are worth lots of money, you must just love the history and the hunt

[Trask]

Welcome from Oregon...It's a hobby that can overtake your whole life and it's the only thing that has done that in my life and had a positive effect

Hunt slow and don't be afraid to pick up lots of rocks..Lilly is right ..it takes some time to train your eye