Foraging / Arrowheads
Arrowheads & artifacts.
This one surprises people, and the penalties are real: collecting arrowheads or any artifact on public land is illegal in Texas.
On private land
On ordinary private land, the landowner controls the archeological site and artifacts. Get clear permission before entering, surface collecting, or digging. Designated State Antiquities Landmarks and cemeteries have added protections.
Graves are protected everywhere
Human graves and burials are protected on public and private land. If you uncover possible human remains, stop work, leave the area alone, and contact local law enforcement.
Metal detecting: Metal detecting is prohibited in state parks without a permit and is restricted on many other public lands. On private land, get the owner's permission and stop if you uncover a grave or protected site. Beach rules vary by the city, county, state park, or federal unit managing that stretch.
Keep going
Official sources
The Antiquities Code of Texas (Historical Commission) protects artifacts on state land. The federal ARPA protects them on federal land. Human graves are protected everywhere under Texas cemetery law.
- Data vintage:
- Artifact rules as reviewed July 2026
- Last reviewed:
- July 10, 2026
- Texas Historical Commission - Artifact Collecting - The Antiquities Code, in plain terms
- THC - Antiquities Code of Texas
- THC - Cemetery Laws
Before you act: This is a serious legal area, not a gray zone. On public land, never collect. Report finds to the agency. For details, contact the Texas Historical Commission. How to use Texas Porch carefully.
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