When detecting metal, it’s important to choose a location that has a good likelihood of containing metal objects, and to follow all laws and regulations when hunting for metal. Here are a few tips for how and where to hunt when metal detecting:
- Research the area you will be searching: Before you start metal detecting, it can be helpful to research the area you will be searching. Look for information on the area’s history. Consider factors such as the type of metal present, the likelihood of finding metal objects, and any laws or regulations that apply to metal detecting in the area.
- Choose a location with a high likelihood of containing metal: Metal objects are more likely to be found in areas with a higher concentration of people, such as near beach access points or areas with a lot of foot traffic. These areas can be good places to start your search.
- Follow all laws and regulations: It’s important to follow all laws and regulations when metal detecting. In some areas, metal detecting may be restricted or prohibited in certain locations, such as on private property or in certain public areas. Before starting your hunt, research the laws and regulations where you will be searching and obtain any necessary permissions.
- Please respect the environment and the history of the area: When metal detecting, it’s important to respect the environment and the history of the area you are searching. Do not leave any holes or damage to the ground; be sure to dispose of any trash or debris.
- Use proper digging tools: When you locate a metal object with your metal detector, it’s important to use the right digging tools to carefully and respectfully remove it from the ground. A small trowel or digging tool is typically sufficient for this purpose.
Overall, metal detecting can be a rewarding and enjoyable hobby. Still, it’s important to choose a location with a good likelihood of containing metal objects, follow all laws and regulations, and respect the environment and the history of the area you are searching.
What Is Research?
Research is a process of systematic inquiry that entails collecting data; documentation of critical information; and analysis and interpretation of that data/information by suitable methodologies set by specific professional fields and academic disciplines.
Research is conducted to
- Evaluate the validity of a hypothesis or an interpretive framework.
- To assemble a body of substantive knowledge and findings to share them appropriately.
- To help generate questions for further inquiries.
Recommendations to conduct research and to help you find the best places to go metal detecting.
- Online.
- Library.
- Maps, Fire/Insurance, City/County Plats, etc.
- The Local Historical Society.
- Talking To Neighbors.
- Taking A Walk.
- Talking To Local Metal Detecting Club Members.
- Other Public Records.
- Drone service organizations.
If you are looking for a great metal detecting “near me” site, then you cannot go wrong with developing a list of your own to get started near you. You are bound to find something of value by searching one or more of the below locations.
Location, Location, Location. Choosing a place to WORK with your metal detector is especially important. It will dictate what you find and how much you will find. You will likely find lost jewelry, coins, and watches if you hunt on the beach.
If you visit the site of a Civil War battlefield or Western Frontier encampments, you are more likely to find flat buttons, bayonets, canteens, and shell casings. Accordingly, if you hunt at the site of a century-old privy pit, you may encounter antique bottles and jars. Veteran detectorists have a rule of thumb: search where many people have walked or congregated.
There are popular sites among relic hunters. They include beaches, parks, schoolyards, playgrounds, ball fields, bike or hiking trails, picnic areas, recreation areas, outdoor theaters, and Civic/Municipal properties – the bolder, the better!
Start With The History of Your Town
If you are sincerely interested in finding a prosperous hunting ground, do some upfront planning and research. Call this digging for information before the real digging begins. It is not difficult to find snippets about the background and history of your city or town.
You might learn the details of a historical artifact waiting to be found. Not everybody is aware, but most cities keep historical information on file at City or county libraries. Consider this fun research—it’s not like you have to write a report.
This information will help you find treasure; without it, you may be detecting aimlessly for hours.
When you visit the library, check for the section on local history. Ask the research librarian to direct you. Look for stories about celebrations, local businesses, sporting events, boarding houses, and the town industry.
This will also prove valuable if you can get your hands on old maps with crossroads and homestead markers or fire/ insurance maps. Here are some suggestions for good hunting locations that you can research at your local library:
- Abandoned houses
- Boarding houses, saloons, hotels
- Civil War battlefields and Frontier encampments
- Crime stories, unsolved robberies
- Discovery of ores (gold, copper, silver), Lost Cities
- Fires, floods, or disasters that destroyed cities/buildings/bridges/ferry
- Halls and meeting places for civic groups (i.e., Elks Club, VFW, AL)
- Local landmarks, points of interest, old Civic buildings (i.e., Court Houses & Fire Houses)
- New bridges and thoroughfares opened up a community (don’t forget the Ferry crossings)
- Wagon train and emigrant routes
- Social and church events
- Surveying expeditions
- Location of the old town dump(s)
Many years ago, privy pits (or old outhouses) were used as refuse disposal areas. Bottle diggers flock to these sites in search of artifacts, antique bottles, jars, and relics.
Also, keep an eye out for old highways, ball fields, town commons, fairgrounds, and railroads that have since closed. There are many detecting opportunities here.
