11
TARGET RETRIEVAL
Reprinted with permission from
DETECTORIST: A How-To Guide to Better
Metal Detecting
by
Robert H. Sickler
(http://www.rhsdesign.com/detectorist/)
plugs fail to realize the importance of
Illustration 7.7A
not doing so. Conical or funnel
With your eyes fixed on the ground,
shaped plugs that are completely
cut a three-sided square
removed from the ground never
approximately five inches long on
quite go back into the ground the
each side around the target center.
same way they came out. This is
The fourth uncut side will act as a
mostly due to a lack of attention by
hinge. This hinge is made so that the
the cutter. Even if you stomp on
plug can be returned to the hole
these plugs after they are returned
with the proper orientation.
to the ground, the blade action of
However, removing the plug entirely
larger mowers can literally suck them
from the ground will not necessarily
back out. Animals can also remove
kill the grass. Grass roots generally
plugs. Properly returned square plugs
grow downward toward moisture
that have been cut deep and steep
and not sideways. Even if you do
sided have the greatest resistance to
sever a few roots, the rest of the
removal.
grass in the plug should not die
because of it. Those detectorists who
Illustration 7.7B
scalp roots to remove dirt in search
of a poorly pinpointed coin, or a coin
After the plug has been cut, carefully
that is more shallow than originally
grasp the plug on two sides and pry
perceived, will kill the grass in the
upward on the third side with the
plug for sure.
flat of your knife blade or trowel.
Fold the plug back over on its hinge
Be certain you make these cuts
to a section of ground cloth. Remove
perpendicular to the ground and as
digging tools from the recovery area
deep as the knife blade will allow.
and scan the hole and plug to
Detectorists who cut shallow conical
determine which holds the target.
(continued on page 12)
