Here is a link that is helpful State Statutes | NC DNCR Office of State Archaeology but basically, if it's your property the only thing you have to report is if you find a skeleton, if it's someone's else's property you have to ask permission, if it's public land and you find an artifact it's ok to keep it but they prefer you report it, just have to be aware. If you're working a construction site and find stuff in the dirt you can keep it as long as it's not a person's bones. What area/county will you be in?
I don't know much about that area but I'm sure there are artifacts there. I'm in the area of the well known (I think) Berry Site, Joara and all that, it's pretty cool though. Good luck and hope you can find some good spots to poke around!