A First For Me Last Sunday!

[Anonymous]

I was run off by a dog, and not a very big one at that.
I had just got to a spot that used to be an old school, and is now used by the county for office space. The finds are few, but always pennies and nickels from the 30's and 40's.
I had dug no more than 4 plugs when I looked back and saw 'Scruffy' digging where I had just filled my holes! I shooed him away, and he ran across the street.
The people over there have a fenced yard, and a couple of small dogs that don't bark, but let out a Gawdaful yapping like they are being killed. Just the kind of ruckus needed to ruin a quiet Sunday morning.
So, I had 2 problems. The mess on the lawn, and the neighbors thinking this mutt belonged to me, and calling everybody in the phone book to complain about my detecting and letting the dog run amuck.
I put the detector away, cleaned off the sidewalk, and left. What was the right thing to do? This is the type of thing that will get detecting banned, and I don't want that happening.
I understand certain areas don't allow you to cut plugs, and you can only use a screwdriver or like instrument. How can you get down to 6" with this? I really should learn to use this technique. Anybody practice this?

 

[Anonymous]

Maybe a giant screwdriver.

 

[Anonymous]

In Missouri the county parks will only allow you to dig with a screwdriver like instrument no wider than 1/4 inch.
I have dug a few coins this way but usually only an inch deep. I gave up and use my digging spade anyway. I haven't been stopped yet and actually leave very little if any tell tales that I was there.
I guess not all detectorist use the same common courtesy that you showed by leaving that area. Your concerns are admirable and I wouldn't change that one bit.
The other issue is ignorance. If these folks would observe a conscientious metal detectorist dig a six inch deep plug, recover the target, and then replace and step that plug back into the ground they would probably allow us into their parks with fewer restrictions. But I guess this is their way to discourage our presence.
Note: For traveling grasses like zoyia, etc. you would be better served to dig a U shaped plug and open it like a flap. This will ensure the grass will not turn brown since some of the life giving runners are still in place.
It's funny though since the city parks will let you do anything you want and they seem to be surviving okay.
HH,
Johnny B