Treasure Hunting on Federal Property

[Travlinguy]

I'm doing some research for a paper for college and need to know what type of permission was required during the late 1950s to early 1960s to hunt buried treasure (gold) on a Federal Wildlife Preserve. Also, if it was even possible to get permission, what did the government require of a party that actually found old outlaw gold? I'm sure they wanted their share in income tax but did they also want a cut of the loot? I'm hoping that back then things weren't as onerous as they are now with Big Brother. Thanks in advance for any and all help

[southern gent]

In the 50's and 60's most treasure hunters did not report their finds. Government was and has not been very good to treasure hunters. Chances are, any findings on federal land in those days went unnoticed. Not as many rangers back then. Good luck. Chris