Should I detect this area?

[Rawkfist]

I live near an old trail that runs through the woods. The trail is on the map as far back as 1931 probably older but havent looked at any other site other than Historicalaerials. I know that part of the trail bypasses an old Native American site right near a small walking bridge that runs over a small creek. This is in the middle of the woods. The site was investigated by some archeologist from a near by college I believe. Pottery and flint knives and things were found at the site. Not sure what else since I dont know if there is some sort of report on it. In any event, the trial is old, not sure how old but old. My question is should i do the trail and concentrate on the bridge area? Start at the bridge and work from there? Should I do the creek a bit? I imagine that the trail was used by Native Americans years ago and then later by hunters, travelers etc. I think the stream provided clean water so maybe people dropped things in the stream as the bent down to get water etc. Thoughts please?
Thanks in advance.

I imagine I'll find buckshot but...

 

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[Charlie P. (NY)]

Sure. Detect everywhere.

Are you looking for anything specific? Coins or relics?

If your coil & shaft are waterproof it may pay to search on either side of the bridge in the water out for 10 or 15 feet to either side of the span if it's not too deep. Things fall or get tossed off bridges.

There are trails all over the hill behind my house and I have found some interesting things. I go there when the fields are so grown up I can't swing the detector. Usually nice and cool.

The local Onondaga, Oneida (Iroquois), Mohawk & Delaware Nations were long into trade items with Colonists in this region and I keep my hopes up that someday I might come across a piece of trade silver. But as a group they were not metallic relic producers. Perhaps around a larger settlement?

 

[Professor of Engineering]

Hello,

Welcome to the forum!

If the archeologists have completed their work and you have permission by the owner to search, I say go and enjoy the hunt!

Regards,

 

[bigfoot1]

paths of travel,any type can be productive.choke areas like the bridge will naturall concentrate drops.people huck all kinds of things off bridges for all kinds of reasons...hunt the water and both sides.

 

[CincinnatiKid]

I firmly disagree.
Stay off said site. Just cause archeologists have disregarded site doesn't mean it's not sacred to Native Americans. Now or 150yrs ago.
Peace ✌

 

[GaRebel1861]

I'd check it, as long as I had permission. Good luck!

 

[watercolor]

For years, woods were always my favorite "go to" place to detect.

I always seemed to have had the best luck in old-growth areas that were close to creeks & streams. These areas always produced
recoveries from turn-of-the-century picnic outings & campers. As Charlie P & Bigfoot1 mentioned, choke areas along the creek & trail
are always a must and should not be overlooked.

If you come across areas along the creek that are very shallow, these areas might likely have been used for crossings before the footbridge you mentioned was built.
These types of areas are usually older and are excellent for relics and hopefully, old coin drops. If the water's 12" deep or less, you might be able to swing your coil
close to the bank of the creek. . . just don't slip or drop the control box of your detector in the water.

Good luck!

 

[CincinnatiKid]

If the Native Americans initiated site, why should "WE"? Disturb site further...
Peace ✌

 

[BigWaveDave]

If the Native Americans initiated site, why should "WE"? Disturb site further...
Peace ✌

Nothing in OP says that it is a sacred site...don't overthink it..... I say hunt, just do so with ethical practices.

 

[FragFox]

The archeologist being involved could be a bad sign.

 

[sponge]

You very well might find some trade silver. Dont know what trade silver is but I would like to find some. Good luck

sent from a sending device.

 

[Charlie P. (NY)]

Trade silver was given as gifts or in trade for pelts. Who says we stole the country?

 

[CincinnatiKid]

Do what you feel is right.
Peace ✌

 

[releventchair]

View attachment 1102973


View attachment 1102974

Trade silver was given as gifts or in trade for pelts. Who says we stole the country?

Wheels, weeping hearts and kissing otters . Nice. Good to see some one still burnin black powder too. Waaugh!

 

[Charlie P. (NY)]

I'm still using what the folks here like to find! We call it "Experimental Archaeology" on the Muzzleloadingforum.com



An original J.W. Hawksley flask I use for bunny hunting (spring is a replacement).

 

[ARC]

Charlie... are you into trade items ?
you would REALLY like my trade collection

 

[Charlie P. (NY)]

Those silver trade pieces aren't mine - just an image (The last group of accoutrements is me/mine).

But if you'd like to show I'll look!

 

[ivan salis]

best areas are near water sources typically --water was vital --any fording spot or old bridge area is good to look at - typical villages were on high spots on a river (to avoid flooding when it rained) with a nearby a flat field area (to grow crops) along side of a creek for water . be forewarned --ANY BURIAL SITES ARE STRICTLY OFF LIMITS , NOT JUST BY LAW --BUT HUMAN DECENCY --THE CURSES PLACED UPON THOSE WHO DEFILE THE INDAIN BURIAL SITES ARE NOT A JOKE...NEVER EVER DISTURB ONE KNOWINGLY

 

[BigWaveDave]

I know...ya ever read Pet Semetary?

 

[ARC]

I do not have a lot of "trade" items...
But the few items I have I am very fortunate to own.
And I have one extremely rare axe in museum quality condition...
Actually I take that back...
Its better than what museums have. heh