Oregon (U.S.)  —   Whether you hunt wild game or treasure, it’s not only common sense, but just plain good manners to ask for permission to use someone’s land.

When it comes to your own land, you expect your rights, like hunting for treasure, are on a firm foundation. Of course, there’s some common sense reason here too. You can’t expect to dig a tunnel to China…

If you’re an Oregonian, you have to hope your common sense leads you to read state law first.

Why? An Oregon statute makes it illegal for anyone to dig up any artifacts older than 75 years old without an archaeological permit.

That’s not just for someone else’s land. It applies even to your own private property. Stupid? Ignorant? Infringing on one’s rights?

Well, maybe not. Maybe everyone’s common sense needs to be adjusted in this area.

The permit is actually free and its intent is to preserve history. The state doesn’t want just anyone searching for specific historical treasures. Their fear is someone will end up injuring, destroying or altering an archaeological site.

For an interesting article and real-world example, visit Oregon’s Mail Tribune and read, Treasure hunt: Digging for trouble.