4
Where to Use Your Detector:
In the beginning, many believe the beach is the best environment to start with to help get your feet
wet in the hobby! One reason is that this environment is generally cleaner and not cluttered to the
point where you may be overloaded and confused with too many signals. It is also recommended that
you dig and explore just about everything your detector finds here until you learn the different types
of signals and sounds. This will help you quickly become familiar with your metal detector and as a
result, more proficient in the hobby.
Once you begin to identify and tell the difference between various sounds and signals, you can
begin turning your discrimination settings for more selective and efficient searching, becoming more
productive and effective in your hunting skills.
With the right tuning and discrimination, you will soon learn how to avoid things like pull tabs,
foil, nails and other unwanted junk. And remember, always cover your holes in respect for the
environment and for others, so there is no risk of anyone tripping or falling in the path you may have
left behind.
Unknown to many, a great time to go hunting is right after a heavy rainfall when the ground is
soaked. This is mainly because wet ground is a much better conductor than dry ground, so you have
a greater chance of detecting more objects, more deeply than in dry conditions.
If you ever need ideas for locations to prospect or where the best areas may be when you’re
traveling, you will find that the internet, local libraries, hobby periodicals and many maps can be
useful resources. Even old pictures, books and postcards can provide great tips for finding significant
places, historic buildings or parks.
If you would prefer not to go alone, would like to meet other people who share your interests in the
hobby, or if you’re simply eager to learn some new tips and techniques, you may want to join a metal
detecting or treasure hunter club. It’s generally easier to hunt with a group than by yourself. The
internet, yellow pages and/or your local hobby shop can usually provide some help and directions in
this area.
Here are some places you might try searching:
• around old houses, especially near large trees where people may have sat to rest
• playgrounds in parks; or around schools
• along the grassy areas next to sidewalks
• under grandstands
• sites where annual fairs, carnivals or circuses set up
• along beaches, or in grassy or sandy areas near swimming pools
• old homes or settlements
• old ghost towns and abandoned communities
• local areas where historic events such as battles occurred
• your own front or back yard
Tips to Remember:
1. Respect Others! Always ask permission of the property owner before searching. Found objects
are usually property of the landowner unless you come to a different agreement. It is a good idea
to check current local, regional or national laws. If a find is of significant monetary or historic
value you should report it to local authorities as ownership might automatically revert to the
government, who may pay a “finders fee”.
2. Respect the Environment and be Thoughtful! It’s generally wise to take an extra bag along for any
trash you dig up. It is also good practice to remove and properly discard these findings instead of
Summary of Contents for Treasure Tracker
Page 1: ......
