How to Use a Metal Detector: Where to Hunt?
Metal Detecting has quickly jumped ranks when it comes to hobbyists, and there are a great many reasons for that. First and foremost is because of the things you will find, and there are many things that have been lost over the centuries. Second is the history that you learn, whether it be your hometown or about somewhere else. Thirdly, it allows you some peaceful time to have to yourself to relax and acquire riches.
First of all, if you haven't picked a detector yet, here is a good place to start.
How to use a metal detector: Start the Search
First, you may be there wondering if there are any places on this earth that have not been searched? You read the stories and you see the photos of thousands of people getting permission to search private property, and you truly wonder is there anywhere I can go? But, when you really think about it and you put a little imagination into your thinking you come to realize there are still plenty of places, and they are right in front of you!
Now you may chuckle, or be cynical about this (I was at first ), but put it to the test and I bet you'll prove the notion correct. I have categorized the United States into three categories: Country, Suburbia, and Metropolis. All three categories have a wide variety of places to search.
How to use a metal detector: Country
First we will start with the country. The Country areas definitely are not a place where many may not live, but history in its own ways have touched them in a sense. Two things that stick out to me most of all is old trails, and old town get togethers.
Now old trails of course are extremely hard to find, for times have past and they have all been but practically erased from the scheme of things being replaced by roads or highways. In order to find out where old trails are and how to use a metal detector, find the old archives at your local library, or go to a historical society to find out. Detecting old trails will yield you many great finds including old coins and relics, and some caches.
Moving on we come now to old town get togethers. Get togethers!?! Who has heard of such a thing in this day and age? It may be history to us, but back in the older days it was common practice. One of my favorite places to search are fields and old barns in Pennsylvania Dutch Country when I'm in the area. The amish come together to meet and associate, to build things, and many other things. I have found some particularly interesting antiques from searching these areas, and some old coins as well. Old churches in the country provide great yield as well.
How to use a metal detector: Suburbia
Now we approach Suburbia. The hunting grounds here are endless! In this area I have found almost all that I have in my collections. I will give you a list of places and some key hints to yield you the best treasures. The key aspect to searching is: Where have People Been? That is how to use a metal detector. An area of land may be hundreds of years old, but if there was no one on it, then it proves worthless.
Your own Yard: You will be surprised at the things you will find.
Dirt next to a driveway: Many coins have been lost here.
Under porches: Many things can be acquired thanks to the children.
Outhouses and trails to it: I know, i know. It may be a nasty thought, but all chemicals decompose over the course of time and is quite harmless.
Around storm cellars and basement steps: You will find a bit of rusty nails and screws probably, but their are a bit of good yields here.
Under clotheslines: Can you imagine all the coins that have been dropped from pockets over times history?
Around big old trees: This is a great place for children to play and relax away from the sun. It's also a wonderful place to find their lost items.
Parks whether big or small: I have found many wonderful coins here for the one near me used to be an old farm co op. I have found dozens of silver dimes, as well as some silver half dollars. And this place has been searched numerous times!
Old Drive in theatres: all I have to say is you will love the yields here.
Old railroad depots: It will be hard searching this area because of all the iron ore, but through hard work and knowing how to use your machine you will find some great old coins.
Old churches: My oldest coins have been found here. At the same church I found nickels from the mid 1800's and up. Dimes from that era as well. And a few older quarters. Make sure you do get permission though, because some places do get a little touchy.
Construction sites: I'm a construction worker and you find some wonderful things when the bulldozers do a lot of the grunt work.
Ballparks: You not only find new, but old coins well.
Schools: You will not only find coins, but jewelry as well.
How to use a metal detector: Metropolis
Metropolis is a good place, but it can be restrictive as well. Since a lot of it is houses and sidewalks and buildings, it really doesn't prove a good place to go unfortunately.At least not for me that is. Some places to go are:
1. Grass in betweeen the sidewalk and street.
2.Small yards
3. Old Inns and Taverns
4.Parks
5. Construction sites
How to use a metal detector: In Conclusion
These are just a few suggestions to move you in the right direction to bring you riches and treasures. Just remember these two key things when hunting: Have a little imagination and go where the people have been. Do these two things and you're on your way to some serious metal detecting.