Relic Recovery Techniques

[turtlefoot13]

I have a question concerning relic recoveries. I have gotten pretty good at cutting a plug or half circle, putting the dirt on plastic, recovering the item and then refilling the hole with dirt and the plug. Here is my question: I am hunting in a rancher's pasture that has given up some nice 19th century logging relics and I have found a target that is about two feet long (or longer) and gives a solid signal for 6" across. How do I recover something of that size without damaging his pasture (or leaving signs of a hole)? I, in no way, want to damage the reputation of this hobby and would like your opinions. Would I do better to just leave it there and forget about it? Thanks in advance for your help.

Doug

 

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[scratcher]

If it is sod, it is really easy especially if it is a little damp. Use a shovel or spade, cut sraight down to a level below the roots in a square or circle around the target. Pry up the sod, flip it and then dig any remaining dirt out onto something if you want to be really neat. Replace the dirt then sod, pound it in level with your foot and you are good to go. Should be no evidence. I think more people make the mistake of digging too small a hole and tearing up the sod. A bigger straight edged cut disappears much better... If not thick root mass, good luck.......

 

[turtlefoot13]

Scratcher,

Thanks for the tips. I will give it a try and see how things go.

Doug

 

[rjw4law]

I use a shovel, a knife, and a 7 in one tool....just depends on how deep I think it is.