Research Site History and Legal Status
1–2 daysStudy old maps, property deeds, and state artifact laws; confirm site is not protected battlefield or burial ground.
Field context
This workflow is part of 3 niche fields
Complete guide for relic hunting fieldwork — step-by-step workflow, tools, checklist, and expert tips to get started.
Study old maps, property deeds, and state artifact laws; confirm site is not protected battlefield or burial ground.
Obtain landowner written permission, mark grid lines 10–20 ft apart with GPS waypoints logged in notepad.
Sweep each grid lane methodically, record depth and signal for each find, photograph in situ before removal.
Clean minimally, photograph catalog, report battlefield or human remains to authorities per state law.
Documents grid coordinates, depth, signal ID, and landowner permission details for every relic hunt.
Preserves in-situ find photos with metadata for historical catalog and legal documentation.
Tracks hours per grid section to optimize coverage on multi-day fieldwork.
Records permission expiration and seasonal access windows for private hunt properties.
Artifact Legal Categories
| Category | Typical Rule | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Surface coin on private land | Often OK with permission | Keep with log |
| Civil War battlefield | Often prohibited | Do not detect |
| Human remains | Always illegal to disturb | Stop and report |
| Native American items | NAGPRA may apply | Consult authorities |
Overlap passes in a grid pattern — random wandering leaves large areas unsearched.
Note depth, signal ID, and GPS for every good find — context drives historical value.
Leave ground as you found it — unfilled holes get detectorists banned from sites.