Collecting Arrowheads in AZ

[Cher]

Does anyone know if there's an area near Phoenix where one could go looking for arrowheads? Any info such as the type of area to look in or whatever would be appreciated.

Thanks, Cher

[sandsman1]

good question cher id be intrested too,, one of these days im gonna get out to see banjo i already have the meteorite bug hahaha and he not far from Phoenix

[rockds]

I'd ask baz, doesn't he do the bigarizona.com site?

robert

[snowdog]

I know a guy that lives in deming NM that finds them out on the desert --would think that Az. would be about the same --do you hunt them where you live now?--I'm in illinois and go out any time I can
have to get out of the big cities and walk the areas along the creeks --on higher ground usually --but they do wash down the hillsides towards the creeks

[Cher]

I've never hunted for arrowheads in Minnesota, wouldn't even know where to start with all the forested areas. There's not really that many creeks or rivers that have banks you can walk along, at least not up here in my area (NE Minnesota). The reason I was asking about AZ is my sister is down there and was wondering if it might be something she could do.

[BAZ]

I only know about arrowheads up my way, I'll check my books though and let you know Cher.

[snowdog]

I'm sure there are some in both places (for you and her)up where you are is there many fields that get planted ?--alot of the farmers around here will let you walk them if you ask --I usually tell them I polish rocks and collect arrowheads (maybe keep a couple of polished ones in my pocket to give them as soon as I start talking) also tell them if I see any big rocks I will throw them to the edge of the field so the equipment won't hit them when planting --they are usually pretty nice about letting me go--just shake their head --"poor guy walks around in circles all day" (when the ground is plowed -not when crop is growing )--also is easier to spot them after a rain because they get the dirt washed off--if you start seeing flint chips then that is a good sign that someone lived or stayed around there for awhile---( sometimes have to think like they did --where would you live if you were out there right now --with only a tent----near water, higher ground so when it rained it wouldn't all run inside, food source==berries ,nuts , animals ) ---won't be long and we will have you out finding some
out west would be about the same except may not be many fields but they have open land --like BLM or nat' forest areas --can't collect any on wilderness areas tho-- could check with forest rangers to see if any restrictions in areas

[BAZ]

Haven't forgot about you Cher, I just can't find my books! Argh, they were good ones too, hope I didn't lose them.

[Cher]

Ok, I have time, my sis will be there till March I think.

[Sabre52]

Lots of neat areas to collect arrowheads in Arizona but here in the US you have to remember you can't collect on public land without running afoul of the federal antiquties act which is now vigorously enforced. Most of Arizona is Indian or publiic land and therefore off limits. Only private land is open for collecting with the owners permission. Believe me, there are very zealous enforcers out here that will literally throw the book at you if you're caught collecting indian artifacts of any kind! I mean huge fines and or an attempt to throw you in jail plus confiscate all your collection you don't have provenance or bills of sale for. I had a buddy who was caught when he accidentally wandered off private land into public land and it led to several years of unpleasantness plus loss of a valuable collection of legally purchased and collected material that last time I saw him he still had not had returned. Hunt on private land or chip your own. Otherwise it just isn't worth the risk. Besides, it is illegal!!!! Oh yeah. Another guy I know of was caught by the Pomo Indians hunting on their land by Clear Lake in Calif and he had his ass kicked literally by unhappy tribals!!!!....mel

[Cher]

Wow Mel, thanks for letting me know. I'll get a message to her right away to not even try looking. She would have no idea being a snowbird but I'm sure they would not accept that as any excuse.

[textiger]

Cher,

It's Arizona. Shouldn't she be looking for rocks to fill flat rate boxes?

matt

[Cher]

textiger said:

Cher,

It's Arizona. Shouldn't she be looking for rocks to fill flat rate boxes?

matt

No flat rate boxes Matt, she's pulling a "Lucy" for me and packin up any spare corners of her motor home. *smile* She's already been telling me about some of the ones she's found, I can't wait.