You are viewing this forums as a guest which limits you to read only status.
Only registered members may post stories, questions, classifieds, reply to other posts, contact other members using built in messaging and use many other features found on these forums.
Why not register and join us today? It's free! (We don't share your email addresses with anyone.) We keep email addresses of our users to protect them and others from bad people posting things they shouldn't.
Elton, I haven't got to hunt all summer because it has been so dry here. I could go out and dig plugs but the results would be spots of dead grass everywhere I had dug.
I'd rather not hunt than destroy someones property with dead plugs, so until we get enough rain to keep the grass from turning brown i'm stuck reading about everyones treasure hunting trips on here.
Dug two plugs in a grass ballfield last sunday, bone dry so i left. Also looked in the field some A&&hole did a bunch of donuts on the playing field with there car.
Elton, I feel it depends on the location. I have one spot in particular that for nearly 3 decades has just been vacant small fields and mowed every couple of weeks or so. Nothing happens today on these spots, so digging is not a problem for old coin hunting. I do occasionally hunt some well trodden soccer fields when its dry, but if I can't pop a coin or possible jewelry piece with a mid size screw driver, I don't dig the target. These are sites that in many places no longer have grass growing. I do stay away from parks, school yards and the like when it is dry. HH jim tn
It is never worth hunting in dry conditions, leaving dead spots, and potentially losing hunting spots because of it. Hope the rest of the metal detecting community feels the same.
I will not dig plugs in this weather. Too dry and it will kill the grass. I have been hunting dirt piles from leftover construction projects all summer. HH. Matt
Unfortunately I see many posts yet where people are digging where it is very dry. Some say the grass is already dead so it isn't hurting it anymore. Actually, the grass in these conditions is in a dormant state and not dead. Digging in these conditions will kill the grass as the ground can't hold a plug and thus roots will surely die. Too many newbies just worrying about what they can get at the moment without considering the consequences. JMHO.
Yep, no digging for me either under these circumstances, I'll stab with a screwdriver, or sweep offroad or beaches...On the outside chance I happened across a great deep signal in a mowed sports field or park, I MIGHT cut about a 5" slit through the sod to gain access to it...it would have to be a signal for a half dollar, solid and tight at over 6" deep though...most likely I'd just make a mental note of the location and come back in the Fall.
Mud
I have limited areas to detect. All public places. When hot and dry like it is here.......... I pass on detecting and doing possible damage.
There will be other days when digging will do no harm to the area. [size=large]Just my opinion[/size].
It really pleases me so many people think on the same level.. When dry NO Digging !! Good job all..
The concensus seems to be not to dig plugs in public areas that are used, or maybe even showpieces for the town/city, when it is dry. I agree, and although it might be a pain at the time not being able to dig, it can be very frustrating also when you are pretty sure something good is there, yet you cant get at it because of its location/depth. If everybody had the same conscientious outlook as the forum members on this post, our hobby would be pretty much guaranteed to go on for another lifetime, at least. HH
As stated in the past in these forums by many members now is the time to get creative and search very different types of sites. I for one would like to literally get my feet wet and do some water/shoreline detecting. Good luck everyone and HH. Matt
No matter what the digging style is the bottom line is MD do no harm! It is important to revisit some of the places you hunt and see if you are leaving damaged spots. I learned humility this way, thinking I was going by the book. I was horrified the see a week later I was in need of some schoolin'! I firmly expect that revisiting 99% of my excavations 48 hours later one would be unable to find where I removed my target. That is my goal. I do live in a very optimal climate, so I don't have the challenges many or most hunters face. Monthly average temperature here varies from a low (Dec & Jan) of 63 to a high (Sep) of 74 so while it may get hot or cool it doesn't stay that way long.
Tom
