What can we (as individuals) do to "better" the metal detecting hobby?

[D&P-OR]

It seems it might be a very good time to get a post/thread going on this subject as there are many new people coming into the hobby & joining our forum here.----It can serve as a "reminder" to us old timers also, hopefully everyone can benefit from it.-----I have my own ideas and I get rather outspoken at times due to my passion for this great hobby, sooo I'm going to keep my mouth shut (typing fingers off the keyboard)--as long as I can anyway! ------Let's hear from you guys (new people and old timers)-----what are the MOST IMPORTANT things we can do as detectorist individuals in giving this great hobby a positive image and protecting the "longevity" of the hobby??-----Everybody join in---we're all in this game together and want the best for it for YEARS to come-----right??------------Del

 

[Larry (IL)]

There are several things I do:

First I know the local police by name and they know me. They know that our MD'ing club is available to help them when needed to recover evidence and they know I am willing to help new detectorists learn the proper way to recover targets. A good relationship with the local police, park rangers and anyone else who can ruin your day will go a long way.

When hunting, don't dress in cameo or really shabby dirty clothes and when approached, be friendly, say Hi and answer peoples questions. I have lost count how many times that has lead to another good hunting spot for the asking and sometimes they will offer to let you hunt their property or find a lost item for them. A lot of people are interested in our hobby and are very curious with what we find.

Get as much good publicity as you can. Local papers are very interested in "good news" returned rings and belongings are at the top of the list. Write the story yourself in the third party and make a few quotes and the paper eats that up because they don't have to do anything except edit and insert in the paper.

Probably most important is use good recovery technique an keep public image in mind at all times. Public image controls everything from where we can hunt to who our next president will be.

 

[Elton]

Show the utmost respect for every ones Property. City, State, Private, all of it.... Never knowingly trespass.
Never just assume you have a "GOD GIVEN" right to detect a spot because it is there and "You" want to detect it.. It just isn't right to think that.

#2. Never damage any property site you detect.

There is more, but that will keep you out of trouble..also stop one from giving the Hobby a Black Eye..

[size=x-large]USE COMMON SENSE !!!![/size]

 

[fowlercharles]

Hi Del, I think you are right on target for such an important subject.In my shortest ?? opinion, I suggest that we all, old and new simply be "good neighbors". When we think on that for only a minute we will begin to gain enough insite to benefit the hobby a great deal. I may be wrong in some thoughts I have about Detector Manufacturers, but for years I have felt they have been more than a little slack in their support or involvement in instructing their customers in the value of being that"good neighbor", and the consequences of "not being", before and after they have that new detector in hand.Some do more, some less, but overal it should have been more of a joint effort I would think. They show us how to/not to dig a hole, but there is much more involved than that. The Mfgs. should have years ago put more emphasis on the being a "good neighbor" theme (Campaign) than what they have, if for nothing else but for the sake of their business.That alone would make it easier for those of us with some experience to approch lesser experienced folks when we saw a need.Like I said, I may be totally wrong in those thoughts and in no way would it be right for me to "pass the buck" so quickly and not encourage others, new and old to take part every chance to befriend and inform every digger/non digger we come in contact with, and do our best at being that "good neighbor". Laws and restrictions are tight enough as it is on us now and with the added lunacy on our TV screens lately, we are already seeing the results of that, and it's not good. HH, Charlie

 

[JB(MS)]

I'm old, arthritic, scruffy, sometimes stagger and almost fall when getting up from digging, when weather allows I wear faded blue jean shorts and usually need a haircut. I'm definitely not a poster boy fashion wise for our hobby, but after 42 years of detecting almost everyone in this area knows who I am and that I'm always available at no charge to look for lost items including property markers, water and gas lines and anything else made of metal. The schools have my name and number in case a student loses a ring, keys or other objects a detector can find, so do the county and city law enforcement officials and the park and rec department, and except for older coins the money I find is used for charitable purposes. I typed this three times and deleted it because it looks like I'm blowing off, and hesitate in posting it now, but I don't detect just to see how much money and/or rings and jewelry I can find. Helping others has always been far more rewarding than using what I find for personal gain, and I believe it's one of the reasons my wife and I have done as well financially as we have.

 

[TheOtherLeggoHead]

Quit carrying around shovels.

 

[D&P-OR]

JB-------You are not "blowing off"--nor does it (even remotely) sound like it.----You sir are a fine credit to this hobby & I for one could/should take lessons from you.---It sounds like you have (deservedly) earned a fine reputation in the area(s) you detect, also, I love your ethics!-------There have thus far been excellent responses from the other posters also--ALL OF THEM REALLY, REALLY IMPORTANT RESPONSES!----------OK, I promised I would keep my fingers off the key board, I'm outta here---keep 'em coming!-----------Del

I'm old, arthritic, scruffy, sometimes stagger and almost fall when getting up from digging, when weather allows I wear faded blue jean shorts and usually need a haircut. I'm definitely not a poster boy fashion wise for our hobby, but after 42 years of detecting almost everyone in this area knows who I am and that I'm always available at no charge to look for lost items including property markers, water and gas lines and anything else made of metal. The schools have my name and number in case a student loses a ring, keys or other objects a detector can find, so do the county and city law enforcement officials and the park and rec department, and except for older coins the money I find is used for charitable purposes. I typed this three times and deleted it because it looks like I'm blowing off, and hesitate in posting it now, but I don't detect just to see how much money and/or rings and jewelry I can find. Helping others has always been far more rewarding than using what I find for personal gain, and I believe it's one of the reasons my wife and I have done as well financially as we have.

 

[Critterhunter]

Quit carrying around shovels.

Couldn't have said it any better. You do not have a "right" to dig with what you want on public land when public perception is everything. Read my signature file...

 

[DirtAngler]

Some of you guys put too much emphasis on the tool instead of the end result. While perception is a problem, the real problem is leaving unsightly holes,not taking trash with you, and not using common sense and respect.

 

[Jason in Enid]

Some of you guys put too much emphasis on the tool instead of the end result. While perception is a problem, the real problem is leaving unsightly holes,not taking trash with you, and not using common sense and respect.

You are partly right. Leaving unsightly dig spots is the fastest way to get detecting banned in a spot. The problem is that when people SEE a big digging tool (AKA shovel) being used in a public area such as a park, then they assume you are leaving unsightly holes everywhere. Those same people are the ones who will call the parks dept every day until the hobby is banned. They are busy-bodies with more time than common sense. These are the same people who call 911 every time someone is grilling in thier yard. They can't be bothered to stop and see if thier suspicion is correct, just complain until something happens.

 

[Hank68]

Always ask permission, and fill in the holes neatly.

 

[TerraDigger]

When people ask me if I found anything..even if its a smart*** comment, or have questions....I am very personable with them. Have nice conversations...some last 30 minutes or longer. And sometimes, at the end of it all, I get an unsolicited invite to do their property. My best advice. Never treat a inquisitive person like they are bothering you....even if they are cutting into your detecting time. We are the Ambassadors of our hobby. Don't believe me? 2 weeks ago I struck up a long conversation with a guy I thought was just a scruffy looking regular grounds maintainence person. Its a really choice area with high potential. Turns out he is the head groundskeeper. He gave me carte blanche for the whole area instead of the tiny side area I was working. It pays to be pleasant....in more than just detecting

 

[ryaan21]

I always haul out any trash I find, and even some that is laying on top of the ground that I eyeball. I dress in shorts and a hooded sweatshirt, not grubby, but they work for what I need. I always make sure my holes are filled and not visible before I leave an area. I will rake the grass up around and on a plug with my hand so even a "depression" of grass isnt seen.

When it comes to the public, if they have questions I will answer them. I am polite and kind. If someone is being a jerk I will ignore them. I have to eat crap sandwiches every day at work, I refuse to eat them during my downtime.

Being in this hobby is fun. Its fun way to get out of the house and get a little workout in.

 

[edjcox]

Leave the hobby and take up whittlin...

That way there will be fewer detecting and lots of stuff left in the ground for me to find...

I can't be trusted with a whittlin knife.. so I'm stuck detecting.....

 

[togamac]

Great post D&P! There are some great replies here too.
I'm old but relatively new to the hobby - first used a metal detector in 1960 at EOD school in Md.
I agree that we should be striving to become known as hobbiest who help people and are good for the environment. I never completely empty my trash pouch after a hunt. When approached by someone who asks, "Having any luck?", I show them what I've found and I show them my trash collection, especially the bottle cap with the broken glass still attached to it.
I also agree with not wearing Camo. We're out there doing good stuff for the community; why hide? I like the look of a construction worker's safety vest myself. I think it'd be great if we all could agree on a piece of attire that would immediately identify us as a responsible metal detector users.
Happy hunting, Mac

 

[togamac]

Hello Critter,
I like your comment about carrying shovels. As a newbie, I took a small shovel I had in the shed, sharpened the edges, and put it in my car with my detector bag. On one hunt, I took it out and was using it but felt like a criminal. I found myself trying to hide it because I knew it didn't look right!
Long story short, that was the last time for the shovel. I still carry it in the car but will only use it on private property with the property owner's permission to use it.
HH, Mac