Personal Safety and Metal Detecting...?

[Ron from Michigan]

I have fire arms and an expired concealed permit.I don't plan on metal detecting in an area that requires me to carry a concealed weapon.There are too many safe places to hunt.I try to avoid confrontation as much as possible because there are a lot of stupid people just looking for trouble.I use to coach soccer a few years agne point I would make to the team,I would shove a player on the shoulder enough to knock them off balance and startle them the second shove an anger look and ask the player now what are you going to do! Right before the player retaliated I would answer the question for them.When this happens walk away you don't have anything to prove.I agree there are times you can't walk away and have no choice to protect yourself.Most of us know where the trouble places are and I choose to hunt at another location.By the way anyone want to go on a group hunt to Mexico,just kidding.

 

[marcomo]

In the worst areas of the inner cities, the unwritten rule followed by seniors and many law-abiding residents is get your business done in the morning because the gang-banger losers don't get up early.

Logically, that's also the best time for dirt fishing in iffy neighborhoods.

That's no guarantee of safety, of course. But your odds get way better.

 

[Elton]

n/t

 

[Ron from Michigan]

When I search at an iffy site a early hunt is the top of my list.Another factor that helps bad weather a rainy or drizzle day will keep most of these guys in doors watching TV.

 

[NH Bob]

I have several and a full back piece.

 

[marcomo]

Excellent point, Ron. Bad weather is a plus for keeping everyone but us crazy dirt fishers inside.

 

[Ron from Michigan]

n/t

 

[NH Bob]

The colors would run. What kind of mess would that be?
Memories
[attachment 120497 bk.JPG]

 

[Mike Hillis]

A friendly smile should be all you need for urban protection. If you was to happen to need more, your digger and screwdriver should be plenty. If you have to carry a firearm to hunt somewhere in the city then you have no business being there. If you are timid, find a buddy to hunt with. Your screwdriver or digger should be in your hand all the time.

Hunt as silently as possible. Use headphones and silent electronic probes if you can. Just using a metal detector attracts attention but the noise of it working draws even more attention.

Hunt the iffy area's early and be gone by 10:00 or save them for bad weather mornings. I love bad weather mornings.

Most important. If you get a bad feeling about a place, no matter where you are, listen to it and leave immediately. Turn the detector off, take the headphones off and leave like you're late for supper. This alone will probably save you a lot of heartache.

Lastly you are going to get the crap scared out of you ever so often just because you aren't going to see that dog come running up to you while you are kneeling down recovering a target, or that couple that's standing right there behind you watching what you are doing or wanting to ask a question, or that mom who doesn't want you around while her kids are playing, etc. After that happens a few times you'll learn to keep your eyes on everything around you just as much as you do on the ground.

When hunting in the boonies the risks double. Falling, wasps/bees, old wells, mine shafts, wild animals, getting lost, sudden bad weather are just as dangerous people of ill will.

HH

Mike

 

[jmaryt]

absolutely!..my point exactly!..lethal force should only be used if your life is being threatened,and you are in mortal danger!..heving a "piece" in plain view serves ONLY as a"pursuader" to let the 'bad" guys know you should not be "f*c*** with!..i only "show" the weapon when metal detecting for that reason only!.and yes!..i have a permit to carry!..i always have it with me so i am NOT intimidated in any way and can detect whenever and whereever i want,and isn't that the way it is supposed to be?

regards!
(h.h!)
j.t.

 

[alicearl]

Thanks for all the Feed Back. I agree with Echostar61 and pretty much everyone else. It all boils down to personal choice. Obviously if an area I really would like to hunt appears to be dangerous, its not worth a confrontation or my life just to find relics or coins, so I would steer clear and go some place else. Being ex-military (grand father, father and myself) and a firm believer in my right to carry for self defense, I guess I would still rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it. Obviously, pulling a handgun is absolutely the last resort and only in a life-threatening situation, it might never happen, but given today's society, I feel safer carrying a small caliber concealed.

 

[khouse]

Just got my conceal/carry certificate. Sent in for my license and waiting. Not only will I carry while coin hunting in the woods, I'll carry it mushroom hunting too. Why? For the past 5 years there has been Cougar sightings in my county. My wife and her mother saw 2 of them 1 mile from us. I would never shoot one just to say I did. But I'll feel better with it on me instead of the cat on me.

 

[jmaryt]

KOOL! ..aint NOBODY gonna f**k with you!...(hot damn!)

(h.h!)
j.t.

 

[jmaryt]

hot damn!..we goin' ta war!...

(h.h!)
j.t.

 

[jmaryt]

can't be too cautious!..these days!

(h.h!)
j.t.

 

[Beale]

I have never carried a gun, never will. That is my choice, as is the right to carry also. I do not hunt the "iffy" areas, just not worth it to me? I hunt early and am normally done by 12;00-1:00. I dunno do what you feel comfortable doing. If they want my MD they can have it, no issue at all. All of the above is IMHO, Beale.

 

[thejetman]

I live in Atlanta. I carry everywhere I go. I do have a concealed permit. It makes me feel ALOT safer going downtown. Most of the "iffy" areas are the oldest down here, unfortunately, they are takin over by drug dealers and crack heads. I carry a Ruger GP100 4inch .357 Mag on my hip. Loaded with 158grain Hornady Nosler tipped hollow points. Also, being former military, I have the training to back me up. My advice would be to know your weapon, what it can, and can't do. IMO, personal safety and protection against my life and my family is first and foremost.

 

[Heath]

Let me put my two cents in. Personal safety in metal detecting, hm mm, the things that I have found a problem in remote areas is stray dogs. I live in northern Minnesota and have detected for several years in remote out bush areas . I have a permit to carry but seldom pack a pistol, If I need personal protection then I carry a 357 mag. I don't recommend carrying one on to beaches or public areas. This can provoke a situation. In the bush, I seldom needed personal protection. But if you feel that personal protection is needed a small hand gun may be handy. My thought would be a good BEAR ATTACK REPELLENT, this will stop most situations in its tracks, or shoes. It is not recommended to be used on humans or so they say. It's easier to carry a can on the hip than dead weight in a holster under the jacket and makes less noise. The cost of a can or two is less than a gun and ammo and it can be purchased at most major outdoor rec. stores. This is not mace, it is more powerful repellent used on bigger predators. The spray pattern have a long reach and has a die so you and see where is in going, keep in mind of mother nature and wind which can affect the effectiveness in a situation.

The best this to do is avoid possible situations, be aware your surrounding, look around and remove the headphones and listen. If something doesn't seem right, move to another area or leave. There is always another day.

HH

 

[GRAY GHOST]

real lemon juice, when used in a small water pistol, is very effective, especially against animals like dogs or even feisty bulls. simply aim for the eyes. problem solved! just ask my ex - mailman. he's an expert at such tactics. hh!

 

[jimjimmyjames]

Concealed carry is not an option in my state, but I always have quick access to a handgun. The one thing I can tell anyone who chooses to carry a weapon is BE PREPARED TO USE IT. If you are in a situation that requires force, you can not hesitate. Pulling out a gun that you are afraid to use is more dangerous than being unarmed. Trust me on this, I have seen it first hand.