QUOTE(Lord Umbarger @ Nov 15 2006, 03:40 AM) [snapback]1427777[/snapback]
One other thing to add. I've been told that, with arrow heads anyway, if you find it on the surface you can collect it but you are not supposed to dig them up.
I don't know for sure so check with the local government where you plan to hunt before you go on a dino hunt with a backhoe or anything.
In the United States there is a federal law known as the Antiquities Act of 1974. It makes it a federal crime to collect or disturb ANY artifacts or fossils from public land.
And bear in mind, the definition of an artifact is, "Anything made or used by man."
I've spoken with a local archaeologist and asked her, "Okay. So I find a 1960s Coke bottle in the desert. Can I keep it?"
"No, because it's an artifact," was her response.
She then added that anything older than 20 years should probably be left alone, or you'll risk prosecution.
By the same token, using a metal detector on federal or state land to find artifacts (keeping the above "20 years and older" in mind) is a crime.
If you use a metal detector on state or federal land to find artifacts, it is a crime. In the past 10 years or so, the prosecution of artifact thieves has risen considerably. It's not dismissed lightly as it once was.
The exception? You can dig artifacts or use metal detectors to find them ON PRIVATE LAND WITH THE OWNER'S PERMISSION. But you'd better have that permission in writing, just to cover your keester.
There is another exception --- You may use a metal detector on state or federal land for the sole purpose of prospecting. It may be used to find raw ores such as silver ore or gold nuggets --- but find a gold coin and you've once again entered the realm of an artifact.
I live in the remote Utah desert, where folks think they can run their metal detectors all over the place and dig up whatever they please from state and federal land.
Some years ago, a Ranger from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) cited two men for using metal detectors on federal land. In their possession were a few arrowheads, which they had found while using their detectors.
They had to appear in Federal Court in Salt Lake City and were fined a little over $2,000 each. I believe they also had to do some community service.
Utah doesn't fool around. It has one of the strongest records of prosecuting artifact poachers.
And this is as it should be.
When you steal an artifact, even a Coke bottle from the 1960s, you are depriving future generations of an understanding of the past.
What looks like an innocuous object to you may be a major find to the trained eye. This is especially true of arrowheads, spearpoints and other ancient items.
The latest issue of Archaeology magazine notes that the very spot where U.S. Army Sgt. Alvin York took over 100 Germans prisoner by himself in World War I may have been found.
How?
The topography matches, and over a dozen .45-caliber pistol cases were found in a pattern reminiscent of York's activities that led to this remarkable feat. This important site might never be known if some jackleg with a metal detector had dug up the cases and thrown them away as worthless.
Remember, if you live in the U.S. you may not use a metal detector on state or federal land to find anything but minerals. On private land, you need permission.
I was legally shooting an M1 Carbine some years ago on federal land and used my metal detector to find the empty cases in the dry grass. A BLM Ranger came along and asked what I was doing. I showed him the "artifacts" I found and he said it was okay for finding newly ejected cartridge cases, but warned I better not use it for any other artifacts.
Point taken.