Tips for a Successful Metal Detecting 2022

You’ve done your research, found a place you think will hold treasure, and even gotten permission to hunt. What do you do once you get out there? How do you make sure you have Successful Metal Detecting? We have a few tips just for you!

Bring The Right Accessories

Before you even leave to go you should gather your metal detecting accessories in one place. Digging tools so you can dig anything you find. A large shovel will allow you to dig larger and deeper plugs. A hand trowel is great for shallow targets and to get closer to it after pinpointing.

Whether you’re hunting for gold, coins and jewelry, or relics, a pinpointer is necessary for fast recovery. When you dig a plug the pinpointer will give you a better idea of where the target is located.

A finds pouch to store anything you dig up. One that is sectioned is ideal so you can keep treasure separate from trash but one to hold everything you find will do. Gloves protect your hands from sharp finds and to keep them cleaner.

Swing Properly

When you swing your detector be sure to keep your coil close to the ground. Check out this video on proper swing technique.having a plan helps you be efficient while you detect.

Setting up a grid that you will hunt is the best way to cover all ground. Pick one way to go and follow that line back and forth across the land until you cover the whole area then detect against that grain. This is important because targets could have more area exposed one way than the other.

Pace Yourself & Dig Everything

Becoming fatigued while metal detecting is a very real possibility. Even with a light detector if you spend a whole day out your muscles will be sore. This is especially true when you are starting out. To help with getting worn out too quickly take breaks regularly. It gives your muscles a chance to rest.

When just starting out, knowing what sounds and signals mean can be hard. Knowing what they all mean takes time and with experience. Once you have a firm grasp on signals then you can be more selective of what you dig.

Stay Safe While Metal Detecting

Even the most scenic areas can have hidden dangers. Watch out for snakes, especially in warmer climates. Snakes tend to hide in brush piles and firewood. Wasps, hornets, bobcats, bears, you name it… they’re all out there. Be aware of your surroundings at all times.

Watch out for swift currents when you’re detecting in or around water in order to stay safe while metal detecting. Avoid getting heat stroke by drinking lots of water and staying in the shade, and dress in layers during the cooler months. If you metal detect in the woods, you’ll encounter thorns and other potentially painful things, so be careful.

Unfortunately, you may also encounter needles as you dig. Your gloves should protect you from that danger as well. Avoid touching anything that could be connected to drug use, including old bottles and hoses.

Metal Detector Finds

Relic hunters often detect old battlefields, which means there are lots of old artillery shells, bullets and other unsafe metal detector finds. The shells could still be live, so dig carefully. The same can be said of old grenades and even bombs. In Europe, people find grenades and bombs more often than in the U.S., but you never know where the military may have tested weapons.

If you register a large chunk of iron with your metal detector, don’t hit it with a shovel. If you do see that you’ve uncovered a grenade or weapon, stop digging immediately and contact the authorities. Do not dig it up. They’ll be able to properly dispose of it so that you can stay safe while metal detecting.

Dig slowly and methodically as you detect to avoid setting off any accidental explosions in battlefields.

Sharp edges on old pieces of metal can pose a danger, too, so be sure to wear your gloves.

Encountering Other People While Metal Detecting

Always be aware of other people as you’re metal detecting, especially if you’re detecting alone. Have a way to contact someone quickly in case of emergency, and bring something with you to protect yourself.

To avoid unnecessary confrontation with land owners, always be sure to ask permission before you metal detect on private land. It’s important to know the laws before you start detecting.

Metal detecting is an exciting hobby. You’ll find all kinds of things you can brag about to your friends. From Civil War relics to valuable coins and jewelry — not to mention finding gold — your finds can sometimes cover the cost of your detector. Metal detecting is something that the intellectually curious and adventure seekers flock to. Take a few precautions to stay safe while metal detecting.

The most important thing in all situations is to be aware of your surroundings in order to stay safe while metal detecting. Observe other people, listen and watch for wild animals, and go slow. Don’t mess with any weapons, whether they’re historic or recent. Always contact the authorities and let them deal with it.