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So you have bought a metal detector, now you need to go out and claim your new treasure. But before heading out consider these quick tips
1) Get Permission: If you plan on using private property for your metal detecting, you need to get permission from the owner. Most people will be accommodating if you show them the common courtesy of asking first. Don't be afraid of sharing your potential finds with the property owner.
2) Do your research first: This will separate you from the amateurs. Be sure to research the area you are searching. Know who may have frequented the area, is the area widely used now, when was the area widely used, items that could have been left behind by someone in the past. Have a map available and chart out your path.
3) Look at old maps of the area: An old map may have places marked off that new maps may not have. These can be little known and forgotten pieces of land that very few people will know about. Use this to your advantage.
4) Go out in the rain: Don't be afraid of a little water. Purchase a poncho and a cover for your metal detector and you will be ready to go. The rain will help bring items that are buried deeper closer to the surface and the water will loosen the soil, making the process of digging easier.
5) Avoid crowds by going out earlier or later: You can go treasure hunting while others are eating breakfast or eating dinner. This works like a charm if you are on vacation.
6) Use the city website: Almost every city has a web site and on the site is a wealth of information about parks and playgrounds. If you don't have an internet connection and/or computer, visit the library and use the computer there or visit the Department of recreation for the city.
7) Take your detector everywhere: You never know when you will find a little gem of a place to go hunting. On the same token be sure to mark down any places seen while traveling.
8) Know your historyKnowing the history of the area you want to search and of the city will be a tremendous help. Some questions worth asking are:
- Is your city the site of a battle? (i.e. Gettysburg)
- Was the area in question ever a tourist site or a resort
- Are there any abandoned marinas or ports?
9) Check near waterways: Water was and still is a used to transport things and rivers and streams were the highways in times past. Any place where people have passed through is a great place to look into. Also ask the older people in the area where and if there are any old swimming holes that people used to use. Remember, swimming pools are a luxury that did not always exist and not everyone could afford them.
10) Check your local woods People have always traveled through the woods and have even set up camp there. There is the potential to find incredible things. Also be on the look out for paths. Paths indicate traffic over time. One precaution is to be aware of the animals that may live in your local woods. Bears, snakes, wolves, wild cats, etc. are all animals that can be dangerous so be aware of your surroundings.
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