On a serious note...........

[D&P-OR]

The future of this great hobby (to a large extent) depends on us---the detectorist(s).----Also, there are new people (newbies) coming into the hobby that sincerely want to learn and "do the right thing", some of them probably reading this post right now.--------Question--What are the (3 to 5) VERY MOST IMPORTANT things that you, as an experienced detectorist would tell these new people just starting out in detecting?------------Del

 

[Larry (IL)]

The brand or model of detector used is of little importance, start with one that you are comfortable using and can afford. Starting off with a "top of the line detector" does not guarantee success and often discourages a new user from pursuing the hobby. (complexity)

Learn the proper way to recover a target.

Use a good set of headphones.

If you are not sure where to hunt, ask and always ask for permission on private property.

Have fun.

.

 

[Craig]

When detecting in a park, never take a shovel with you !!!!! People panic when they see someone with a shovel and detector !!!! (Especially park employees)
Use a hand trowel (various models available)
Cut a proper plug when recovering a target and fill in your plug when your done, so it doesn't look like you have been there ! (Tamp plug down with your trowel and foot)

 

[MNCoinhunter]

1. Don't buy the most expensive detector because you heard it is better than all the rest. There are plenty of two or three hundred dollar detectors that work very well. And it is the appropriate price range for someone starting out.

2. Perseverance, persistance and patience are the key. Do not expect miracles when you are first starting out. You WILL dig lots of junk. So much that you will want to wrap your detector around a tree. Which would bring us back to my first piece of advice.

3. Metal detecting is (supposed to be) a LOW IMPACT hobby. Use the smallest digger possible and leave no trace of your activities. Do NOT bring a full size shovel to a park or anywhere else for that matter. Unless it is your own backyard, and even then it's not recommended.

4. Most of all.....have FUN. That is what it's all about. If you start getting angry about not finding anything, or jealous of someone else's good fortune, then it's not fun anymore.

 

[MNCoinhunter]

1. Don't buy the most expensive detector because you heard it is better than all the rest. There are plenty of two or three hundred dollar detectors that work very well. And it is the appropriate price range for someone starting out.

2. Perseverance, persistance and patience are the key. Do not expect miracles when you are first starting out. You WILL dig lots of junk. So much that you will want to wrap your detector around a tree. Which would bring us back to my first piece of advice.

3. Metal detecting is (supposed to be) a LOW IMPACT hobby. Use the smallest digger possible and leave no trace of your activities. Do NOT bring a full size shovel to a park or anywhere else for that matter. Unless it is your own backyard, and even then it's not recommended.

4. Most of all.....have FUN. That is what it's all about. If you start getting angry about not finding anything, or jealous of someone else's good fortune, then it's not fun anymore.

I wanted to add one more important thing.

5. Once you have gained confidence and mastered the basics of your detector, try to offer your skills to your community. In the form of a newspaper ad or a flyer, let folks know that you would be willing to help find lost items such as jewelry or even assist law enforcement, at NO COST. You will be surprised at the responses you may receive. This service you are offering may open doors to new hunting opportunities, and will put you on a level of trust with the "right people"....and it can only result in positive things for our beloved hobby.

 

[Elton]

Ask permission where ever that seems prudent.

Respect all properties you detect

Fill your holes, with the utmost attention to returning as near as possible to original condition

Fill your holes ( read # 3)

and last.but certainly not least............ Fill your holes. ( Read #3 again)

 

[BarberBill]

I agree with what's been posted, but would like to add - Always double check your hole/plug before moving on to the next target.
BB

 

[surfman]

#1. Take your time, read your manual and watch the DVD if you got one.

#2. Learn proper target recovery. Never carry a shovel unless in the woods. Leave grounds like you found them.

#3. Always remove any trash you find.

#4. Always get permission from land owner.

 

[Canewrap]

I'm with Elton on the idea of leaving the property the way you found it (no open holes, close gates behind you, leave no trash). I've been back to a number of sites over the years and never been refused my request to re-detect because I don't leave a mess (dirt around my holes), let alone not refill the hole. And, if the homeowner or landowner requests you stay away from an area, you better well comply. I'm running into more and more people that are hard to convince about my motives or that I will respect their property and I attribute that to the money hungry treasure hunters among us that will ruin it for everybody. The problem is most of these people are not the types that visit these forums, do research, or care about anything about what we love to do, all they want is money. How do we reach these people?

 

[Smudge]

#1 - Forget about getting permission to hunt on private property. It takes too long and they might say "no". Just go and hunt. And go armed. That way if the property owner shoots at you, you can shoot back.

#2 - If you don't find gold your first time out, your detector is inferior and defective and you need to trade up immediately.

#3 - If you dig any trash of any kind, your detector is inferior and defective and you need to trade up immediately.

#4 - Digging a large hole makes target retrieval so much easier. Use the biggest shovel you can find.

#5 - Don't worry about filling your holes. Time and the elements will do that for you.

#6 - Reading manuals is for sissies. Just learn your detector as you go.

#7 - If you think any of the above is true, please find a different hobby.

 

[D&P-OR]

I LIKE YOU Smudge!! (and your sense of humor)-----Your #7 looks like A REAL GOOD ONE! --------BTW, you guys are giving SUCH GOOD advice, I hope this thread is read by A LOT of new people (ones that take heed & want to learn).------Keep 'em coming & thanks for your response.------------Del

 

[fowlercharles]

Hi to all you Newbies, and welcome to the "bestest and the mostest fun hobby in the world." Fun,and Good Friends you will learn, sooner or later, (hopefully sooner) will be of more value than anything you are likely to ever dig, so always keep that in mind, and you will come to enjoy detecting more and more.Of all the post, one thing I did not see mentioned was the one choice you newbies "sooner or later" will face is whether or not to dig in a cemetery.With or with out permission, it is a foolish, foolish thing to do for any reason..Many will say it is ok, so long as you respect this that and bla, bla, bla.Foolish, and unnecessary,for any reason, is what it is, simpily because there are still people in the world that appear from out of "nowhere", that "shoot first, and ask no questions". Dead men don't talk and are allowed no opportunity to reason with, or explain anything to anyone. Those that think choosing the chance of being left dead in a cemetery is a good way to end a "fun"day of digging need to consider another hobby, or about going to a shrink. Not to hang any dark thoughts on any of you new folks, but I know of what I speak, and you need to hear it, and heed. HH, Charlie .

 

[Cajuncoinhunter]

Lots of good advice above. I'll just add my .02 cents worth :

1. There is no such saying as "this place is hunted out" but you can only find what you pass your coil over.
2. Don't make "buying every coil offered on the market" your new 2nd hobby !
3. Always bring along extra batteries for your equipment; also mosquito spary never hurts.

CCH

 

[HuntinDog]

Hi all,
A few of my pet peeves.

Make a clean hole and never leave it open!!
If you dig it up, Pick it up! never leave any trash!
Always get permission! take the time to find someone to ask. It may take days.

Follow the basics...
Go slow.
Take your time, be patient.
overlap your swings.
recheck the holes.
research for new places to hunt.
For the Newbie..
Tot Lots are a great place to learn how your machine works and what different targets sound like.
Remember If you dig it , Pick it up. There's a lot of foil in those tot lots. If you pick it up you won't have to detect it again next time.
and above all be safe and have FUN out there.

HH

 

[silverman]

#1. Respect the land. Learn the proper way to recover targets.(NEVER use a shovel except in farm fields) Leave the area better than you found it.

#2. Always get permission to hunt.

#3. If a Police Officer asks what you are doing, don't be a smart @%^. Just be polite, and tell them your intentions. (Too many posts I've heard complaining about Police Officers asking them what they are doing.) It is their job to know what is going on.

#4. Have fun, and take your children/grandchildren whenever you can.

 

[dewcon4414]

NEVER trade a detector until its paid for its self. Then you know it and you know if you are ready to upgrade. CLEAN your equipment.... like anything elce preventive maintenance will increase value on resale and ensure it runs properly. READ READ READ these kind of posts. Dont expect anyone to share all their hunting spots. Even in clubs you wont get a lot of help so you will have to do research. Pay it forward.... once you learn be willing to share what you have learned.

Dew

 

[jacknh]

Hey you guys and gals. I still consider myself a newby. I just want to say you offer alot of great advice and I hope other newbies read and heed.Thank you so much for pounding it home... HH Jack

 

[Uncle Willy]

Learn how to use your detector properly and stop digging humoungus holes to retrieve a coin that is less than an inch in diameter. I was in a park a few years back where some Yahoo had dug holes two feet in diameter to recover coins. Leave your shovel at home.

Bill

 

[Furious T]

1. Be patient.
2. Be considerate.
3. Be tidy.
4. Be patient
5. Be patient.

 

[Sven]

Leave the ground you disturbed in the same or better condition than before you dug a target.
Dig a hole as small as possible.
Learn how to pinpoint.
Respect other peoples property, ask for permission.