Hobbies And Interests
Things You'll Need
Instructions
Practice with your detector. The best way to learn to search is by practicing with different materials in your backyard. On a table or bench that is free of metal, place items such as a gold ring, something made of silver, an iron nail, aluminum foil and a beer cap. Wave your detector over each object to learn what sound your detector makes when it detects that type of metal. This will minimize digging up trash while you search a good location.
Search the beach. Find out when there is a low tide and search right before sunrise or sunset if possible to avoid crowds. Low tide areas are good spots to look for dropped jewelry or objects the tide has brought in.
Metal detect in public parks. Some public parks have been around for a long time and are good areas to search for coins and other relics. Make sure you email or call a city park official to learn about any regulations on metal detecting.
Locate historic maps online to search for relics. The University of Texas at Austin has a historic map database that can be searched for free by the public. Compare the historic map of a city to a recent map of the city. This will give you areas to search like beaches, parks and other areas that were used by the public long ago. Make sure if your area of interest is privately-owned that you ask permission from the land owner to use your metal detector.