Suggestions needed - anything I might be missing?

[Pete in MI]

I am creating a list of things to take as equipment, things to look for for guesstamating where to look, etc. The following is what I have come up with. Anything I am missing or you think should be added/deleted from the list let me know.

Is there some kind of contract form already made for an owner and the diggers to fill out as an agreement so there is not legal hassles later? Where do I find such a form?

Here is the list so far:

Probe

Sifter

Small hand garden rake

Good gloves (leather)

Metal detector(s)

Cellphone for calling 911 in case of accident or cave in

GPS

Extra Batteries

FRS radios

Shovels - flat short handled; pointed spade; military folding shovel

Buckets to haul dirt out of deep holes and haul bottles out

Tarps

Rope(s)

Ladder(s)

Video Camera

Still Digital Camera

Insect spray

Sunscreen

Drinking water

Firearm if legal and warranted (bears or other predatory creatures or even snakes)


***********************************************************************

County property is located:

Owner's name:

Permission from owner in writing:

Any special requests of owner: (Share 50/50 or anything)

Type of property: (Residential, Farm with home

Layout of area:

What is visible?

Foundations?

Sidewalks?

Trees?

Bushes? (Particularly Lilac bushes)

Other structures?

Indentations in the ground?

Direction of wind most times?

Photo(s) of area:

Topographic map of area:

Satelite map of area:

GPS location:

Old pictures or story, other info about the site from history books, diary, etc.:

**********************************************************************************


I didn't put down personal clothing but guessing either good leather boots and maybe solid knee pads with the plastic caps to protect knees would be a good suggestion too
.
Thanks guys (and ladies) for your input. Even if the guy with the lead I mentioned wants to do the bottle digging in the privy himself, I certainly would love the opportunity to metal detect the rest of the property as well.

 

[Mike from MI "Iron Brigade"]

a small 3 tine hoe. Hand sized like 12" for scratching at the sides of the hole to find bottles, When you hear squeek! you found glass!
Saw or hand pruners for roots.
You will want a regular round point long handled shovel too.
If I think of more I will let you know.
Your list looks pretty good.

 

[Anonymous]

I like to carry my small flashlight with me. For emergency signals, or if the daylight slips away from me.

 

[Pete in MI]

a First Aid Kit. I am on blood thinners so getting cut could be a setback...my reason for great gloves and knee pads.

 

[Steve in Indianapolis]

[size=x-large]Turnbuckles and pieces of plywood to shore up the sides of the hole as you go down.

NEVER NEVER dig alone!! NEVER! ALWAYS HAVE AN OVER WATCH! ALWAYS!!

Always have a couple of trusted buds on alert in case that pit collapses on you because you will have precious time to be dug out!!

I had a very good friend that was trapped in a cave-in in San Diego. He was buried to the top of his chest. Head clear but he could not expand his chest enough to breathe!

Thank the Lord that he had two friends to quickly open the ground so that he could breathe. He did spend a few weeks in traction as the cave-in broke both his legs and his pelvis. This was before cell phones. That being said, make sure you have at least two working cell phones OUTSIDE of and AWAY from the hole so that your over watch can summon help..

Not trying to frighten ya Pete. Sounds as if you have this equipment thing covered. Dig good stuff!

Steve in Indianapolis [/size]

 

[Anonymous]

Hi Pete.....you mentioned drinking water but you didn't mention food.....You do need something to provide energy should you get very weak or tired and need to stay longer to finish digging certain items! I hope you don't dig a hole too deep, as it could be dangerous and you do need someone with you in case of an accident of some kind in which you couldn't get back to your car or truck! But other wise it looks like, to me, you have covered most of it...........sure hope you park close to where you want to dig....you would be too tired to even start after you hauled that stuff before you did any hunting! Prayers for safety and wellness and go get the goodies! God Bless! Betty

 

[Pete in MI]

and thanks for the prayer for safety and wellness to, Betty.

 

[Anonymous]

You are welcome Pete and it's better to have some food and not eat it then to be stranded and have none! I like your, "I Love Jesus"! God Bless! Betty