Here’s What You Need to Know About Getting Started With Metal Detecting

When you think of metal detecting, chances are you’ll conjure up images of someone walking up and down the beach with a metal detector.

13:10 31 October 2020

However, you may not realize that there’s so much more to the metal detecting hobby than meets the eye.

 

For starters, everyone has a different reason for metal detecting, and contrary to popular belief, it’s not always in hopes for financial gain. Some hobbyists are history enthusiasts who are hoping to get their hands on an ancient piece of history while others simply enjoy coin collecting.

 

Many people that go coin collecting aren’t doing so for financial gain; they’d rather hold onto the prizes they collect than exchange them for a few dollars. But regardless of your intentions, it’s clear that metal detecting can be a great (and potentially lucrative) hobby. With that in mind, here are some tips for getting started:

 

Getting Started

 

If you’re just getting started with metal detecting, there are a few pieces of equipment you’ll need. How you choose to equip yourself will determine how productive your hunts are. If you aren’t sure whether you’ll like the hobby, consider beginning with a starter metal detector, which you can purchase at a metal detector superstore.

 

Every hobby costs money. If you find that you’re enjoying metal detecting, you can purchase additional accessories like headphones, coils, and pinpointers. An entry level detector could cost anywhere between $150 and $400, depending on what you choose. High-level detectors cost upwards of $10,000.

 

One of the biggest mistakes that detecting newbies make is buying a cheap detector from a department store like Walmart. These detectors are very low quality and detract from the hunting experience. Always do your research and stick to reliable brands like Fisher, Teknetics, Garrett, and Minelab.

 

Where to Start Metal Detecting

 

The best place to start metal detecting is in your own backyard. If you don’t have a backyard, try detecting at a friend or family member’s place. Starting on this small scale can help you learn the ropes and get a feel for the machine you’ve chosen. As you learn the ropes, you can play around with the settings and see what works best.

 

Once you’ve gotten the hang of it, there are certain hotspots popular for metal detecting. This includes beaches, woods, public parks, public schools, and private property. Typically, private property offers the best potential for hunts, but of course, it comes with a few more hurdles. It’s crucial that you understand how important it is to get permission for private property. Although it can be unnerving to knock on someone’s door, it’s a must. Convey to them that you fully intend to leave the property just as you found it, and explain how you intend to do that.

 

Researching Potential Sites

 

Conducting your own research prior to a hunt is a great way to optimize your experience. There are several different ways you can approach the research process. Looking at old maps of potential areas is a great starting point. For instance, using an online tool like Historic Aerials allows you to compare old town maps to current town maps.

 

Comparing current landscapes to older landscapes makes it easy to identify changes that could help you. For example, you might find that a house that was once on a specific lot is no longer there, or that an old shed that took up space has been removed. Lastly, you can visit a local library to find microfilms and old periodicals that might be of use to you. Old newspapers, state treasure guides, and local history books are all viable options as well.

 

Best Practices for Detection

 

There are several best practices that will make your hunts even more seamless. Although seemingly simple, these tips will make hunting easier. One tip is to make an effort to hunt after the rain because it makes the ground conductive. If something is hidden deep below the ground, it will be easier to get.

 

You should also avoid high-traffic times, especially when you’re in a public place. Otherwise, you could end up attracting a larger crowd, getting distracted, and might even end up spending more time answering questions than you do metal detecting. Lastly, you should always slightly overlap your sweeps so that you don’t miss any potential targets.