Generally , folks have fences , post No Tresspassing signs around their property , or otherwise have made some effort to demarcate the boundary . However , in a lot of places there are no signs or the boundary is difficult to assess . The burden will always be on you , the ethical rockhound , to positively identify localities that are kosher to hunt at . Make every effort to secure the landowner ' s permission most are very understanding , especially if you ' re willing to offer some cash or a cut of the finds , and if there ' s ever any doubt about ownership , don ' t dig ! Poachers give the rockhounding community a bad name , and make it harder for ethical folks to get access to cool sites . Best advice is to go out with a local or a club .