Metal detecting for treasure has become a popular hobby. As a result, hobbyist treasure hunters often “hunt out” easy to reach areas. This makes it harder for you to find good sites for metal detecting.
Here are some ideas for finding good metal detecting spots…
First, you can look for likely, small parks, playgrounds, walkways and benches near old places of business. But many of these places might have already been searched over by other treasure hunters (metal detectors have been around for awhile). There is always the chance that an area of the place may have been overlooked by the people before you. If it is a rather out-of-the-way- area, treasure hunters may have never been there at all.
By the way, one way to search an apparently “worked over” park or place of meeting is to scan around and through the bushes bordering the place (remember that the bushes were probably not there a long time ago). The reason to do this is that anyone who previously hunted the area may not have searched through the bushes thoroughly, giving you a chance to find some coins, or old utensils!
Historical records of all types could provide hints to the location of treasure. Records have even been made of full-blown “lost treasure” legends. Legends, of course, should be taken with a grain of salt. Don’t sell the farm on account of one unless you’re pretty sure! Many famous legends have been worked over pretty good, and proven to be either false or true. But there are still local stories and records. These are best found in the archives of your town or county seat.
It is a good idea to drive to areas where you found some info about, and see what it looks like. Imagine your surprise and dismay when you drive up to a fence and locked gate guarded by a No Trespassing sign. If you scout first you can then make an intelligent plan about how to get permission to hunt there. The first step to getting permission is to find out who owns the land that your “spot” is on. It may seem obvious, or it may not. You can go up to a house that is near the land, and ask who owns it. Or you can go to the county courthouse and check the land surveys (you could do this before-hand). Next, you really need to call or write the owner, don’t go to their home. Showing up at someone’s house could intimidate them; you want to give them plenty of room!
So, there are some ideas for finding good sites for metal detecting. Whether it is a prime untouched location or a seemingly “worked out” area with some hidden “honey holes”, good spots come in all shapes and sizes!
