What is metal detecting? Most everyone has seen those crazy people on the beaches, in the parks, and in schoolyards wearing the headphones (that every once in a while make a funny beeping sound) and waving a funny looking device back and forth just above the surface of the ground. Yes, that is metal detecting. You probably wondered if they ever find anything of value, or do they mostly find junk, such as rusty nails and those infamous soda can pull tabs. If you ever try the hobby of metal detecting you will find out that, in fact, these treasure hunters, of sorts, do find items of value.

Metal detecting is a very rewarding hobby. It is a good form of exercise, the "finds" can be both valuable and exciting, and some people even make a living at it. Equipment costs to enter into the hobby can be kept to a minimal amount, or a person can go "off the deep end" and spend thousands of dollars if they want to purchase a top-of-the-line detector. There are many types of detectors available from many manufacturers throughout the United States. Selecting the right detector to start with can be rather difficult for newcomers to the hobby. It is recommended that someone just starting in the hobby should contact a club or organization. This gives a person the chance to meet with others who have experience using a metal detector and are very willing to help them learn about this exciting and rewarding hobby. Many Club members have an extra detector available, to lend to someone just starting, so that they can get a feel for whether they indeed will enjoy the hobby or not.

Anyway, back to what is metal detecting? In general, it is the use of an electronic machine consisting of a coil head (the part near the ground that is moved back and forth) that is connected to a type of indication device (located farther up on the handle) that detects variations in the ground that the detector is passed over. The coil head senses variations caused by changes in mineralization of the soil and differences due to metallic objects imbedded in the ground. It is, of course, the metal items, which could be old coins, metal relics, jewelry, and the proverbial pull tab or rusty nail, that the person at the other end of the detector is seeking. When the coil is passed over a metallic object in the ground, the electronic balance within the coil head is disturbed and a signal is sent to the indication device. This device, called the control box, varies in complexity from one detector to the next. It may have a meter or LCD display which gives an indication of what the detector can best determine that it just passed over. It may also include a speaker which gives out various tones or beeps that the operator learns to recognize as different types of target readings. Headphones are often used in place of the speaker to eliminate outside noises and allow the user to better hear the signals emanating from the control box. The control box typically has several controls-knobs, buttons, and switches that the operator must learn about so that the detector is "tuned properly" for the location that is being searched. It is this "learning how to adjust the detector to achieve it's maximum capabilities", that separates a metal detectorist who finds all the good stuff from those that don't ever find anything good. As in any hobby or sport that involves using a piece of equipment, the success comes when the individual excels in the knowledge of the use of the equipment.

The hobby of metal detecting does have a set of guidelines that must be followed. These guidelines, known as the “Code of Ethics" should be strictly followed and demonstrated. Newcomers to the hobby should learn about these ethics and follow them from the very beginning. The code of ethics is very straight forward and will keep you from potentially getting into any trouble while out metal detecting. Take a couple of minutes and read through the code of ethics provided at the end of this article.

So you have finally purchased a detector for yourself and now you can't wait to use it. Where do you go to hunt and what can you expect to find? One of the keys to being a successful and happy detectorist is learning how to find a hunt site that will produce the type of items you are interested in finding. It is very important to do some research to find these sites. Information can be found at your local library, from an historical society in your area, from old photos, old maps, newspaper clippings, talking with old people, and many other sources. Of course, you must determine if the area you plan to hunt has some historical background that would indicate that the type of item you are looking for may ever have been lost there. Old coins and jewelry can be found almost anywhere people have congregated in the large numbers in the past-such as fairs, picnics, swimming holes, and sporting events. Artifacts such as old keys, Civil War collectibles, and other personal type items are more likely to be found around old home sites or known battle fields. It is strongly noted here that:

YOU MUST HAVE PROPER PERMISSION TO HUNT PRIVATE PROPERTY AND ALL HISTORICAL SITES ARE OFF-LIMITS TO METAL DETECTING. SERIOUS FINES AND PENALTIES MAY BE INCURRED IF YOU ARE CAUGHT DETECTING FOR ARTIFACTS AT AN HISTORICAL SITE. DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT DOING IT!!
If you are not sure whether it is legal to detect a certain location, do not even attempt to do it until you have made sure it is legal and have received proper permission written permission is best) to do so.

There are many more details that could be provided here, but perhaps the best way to find out what metal detecting is all about is to actually try it. Get involved with a metal detecting club or at least someone you know that has done some metal detecting, and the treasure hunting bug is likely to bite you. Maybe it is that feeling that maybe the next target I dig will be a gold coin lost more than a hundred years ago or maybe it will be that wedding ring that a friend of yours lost and asked you to help find, or it may be just another pull tab, but most of all it is just the satisfaction of knowing that it is me that found it. Good luck if you try METAL DETECTING-I KNOW YOU WILL ENJOY IT!

 

DETECTING "CODE OF ETHICS"
I will respect private property and always ask permission from the owner before entering any lands.

I will do everything within my power to promote, protect, and restore the right and freedom of everyone to enjoy metal detecting as a recreation.

I will myself, practice and teach other detectorist proper no damaging target recovery and retrieval techniques.

I will report to the proper authorities any site found by accident that has the appearance of being archaeologically significant.

I will report any detectorist who deliberately does not practice responsible recovery and retrieval techniques on either public or private property.

I will leave a search location in better condition by picking up all trash encountered, and disposing of it properly.

I will offer my services freely to anyone publicly in need of help locating lost jewelry, family mementos, or other lost items and only accept charity if the individual or party of the lost item insists.

I will make an honest attempt to locate the owner of any item I find which may have monetary or sentimental value, and return that item to them.

I will be considerate of fellow detectorist and not invade private hunt sites without their knowledge and consent.
I will use thoughtfulness, consideration, and courtesy at all times.

I will do nothing to harm, destroy, or tamper with any property sign, structural facilities, equipment, abandoned structure, ghost town remains, natural resource, or form of wildlife.

I will not litter.

I will leave gates as found.

I will not contaminate wells, creeks, or any other water supplies.

I will fill all excavations so as not to pose a danger to people or livestock.

I will build fires in designated and/or safe places only.

I will appreciate and protect our heritage of natural resources, wildlife, and private property.