DETECTORIST TIPS
- SITE IDENTIFICATION
The first thing that I do when I evaluate a new relic site is set to all metal and walk a pattern over the
field noting where iron objects are located such as nails or trash dumps. When I have determined
that the site has promise then I set the detector discrimination very high (coins or promising targets)
After digging some targets I attempt to date the site, for instance I recently researched a 100 year
hotel (which no longer stands) and I dug my first good signal to find a Mustang 250 cap pistol.
I know that these were around 50 years ago so I went to the library to date antique toys.
After locating the site I set the discriminator notches to ignore all except coins where I walk a pattern
to check for coins which also date the site. Having dug the coins I turn my attention to relics of the era
and set my detector to all metal. Having dug all, I write up the story for future reference or sale.
If the site looked good I will arrange the items for display at the club
- SCANNING FOR GOOD SITES
When I check out a new site like a beach the first thing that I want to know is has it been worked out.
The site might contain important finds like gold rings, so I try to determine the value of the site by scanning
a pattern searching for obvious objects like quarters which will be picked up by anyone searching the site.
If a site contains considerable coins that are over ten years old I will effectively take it apart foot by foot and search out small objects. IF the site has a scattering of new coins I will rate it as poor and spend time on more productive sites. I will return to the site later but I concentrate my time on the best of sites; They will not wait! Many hunters will work the same slow rate on all sites but they will miss the important ones.
