In my many years of metal detecting it still amazes me to hear some of the assumptions or expectations new detectorists have when they get started so I’m going to debunk 10 metal detecting myths that you commonly hear over and over. They just aren’t true.
Myth 1: There Are No Metal Detecting Laws.
This metal detecting myth is false. In fact, each state, county, and so on can have their own laws about metal detecting. It is up to you know the laws for the area you are considering to metal detect. Don’t be one of those people who like to run against the grain and ask for forgiveness later. You won’t end up on the right side of the law and you will the ruin the chance for the next person who comes along who seeks permission the correct way. While most of us are responsible adults there are those who aren’t and they all give us a bad name in the end. Bottom line, know the laws and respect the laws.
Myth 2: It is Okay to Metal Detect National Parks and Battlefields.
This metal detecting myth is also completely false. Trying to detect at one of these locations could surely land you in jail. There isn’t much more to say about this myth. Don’t do it but if you do get permission make sure you have the permission well documented with a lists of names and phone numbers you can call when the police arrive because they will arrive.
Myth 3: Metal Detecting is Easy.
Some may argue and say that metal detecting is easy but for the vast majority of you it won’t be. Believe it or not, there is a lot of hard work that goes into metal detecting. Its not easy acquiring permissions, the gear isn’t cheap, and you have to know how to operate the equipment. The really hard part about metal detecting is finding something good. Most of the time, you will be digging up someone else’s trash. After digging 20 or more holes filled with cans, aluminium foil, soda can tabs etc., frustration will probably start to set in. Trust me, metal detecting is not easy but it is a fun and rewarding hobby.
Myth 4: Getting Metal Detecting Permissions is Easy.
No its not. In fact, it has become harder and harder over the years to acquire good metal detecting permissions. Due in part to the type of folks I mentioned in Myth 1. But its not easy to walk up to a strangers house and knock on their door. Its also not easy for someone in the house seeing some stranger approaching their house. I have five easy tips that can help you get metal detecting permissions the article is linked below.
Myth 5: A Previously Hunted/Pounded Site is Hunted Out.
This myth is 100% false. Will it be harder to find targets knowing that others have hunting that site for years? Absolutely, but technology is always getting better. I always return to an old permission when I have the chance to try out a new metal detector. I have always found something I missed. There is always something to find at the so called “hunted out” sites. You just might have to go slow and dig some of those signals others wouldn’t. A site is never hunted out.
Myth 6: Buying The Most Expensive Metal Detecting Will Help You Find More Treasure.
Again, this metal detecting myth is false. You will always encounter someone who thinks that the latest, most expensive machine on the market will find them more targets than the other person. You will never win arguments with those type of people so don’t even engage in their line of thinking. It all comes down to how well you know and how to operate your metal detector.
You should have a least 100 hours of time your machine before you you will really become comfortable with it. I’ve watched old timers with their simplistic machines smoke a group of guys with newer metal detectors. It all boils down to who knows how to operate their metal detector better and that just takes time to figure out.
Myth 7: The More Complicated The Metal Detector The Better.
To be brutally honest, some of you will not be comfortable with all that “techno” babble. Having more knobs and settings to configure is not something I would recommend. Those type of machines have their place and can definitely have the upper hand is certain circumstances but don’t go out and buy the most complicated machine if you aren’t capable of figuring out how to use it. There are plenty of great machines on the market that can be tuned on and with a couple of buttons getting pushed, you are off metal detecting.
Myth 8: I Need to Buy a Metal Detector That Goes The Deepest.
No you really don’t. Most targets are found from 3 inches to about 6-8 inches. Almost every metal detector on the market will find targets within that range. Yes, some machines will go deep but you really need to know why you want to dig something that deep. Are you hunting for civil war relics to include trash pits, hut sites, or maybe you are looking for a buried pile of gold that was hidden. Either way, unless you know for certain that you are looking for something deep, I wouldn’t go crazy and buy a metal detector know for going the deepest. You could end up spending thousands of dollars and it could end up being a waste of money.
Myth 9: Every Hole You Dig Will Be Something Good
This is myth is false. Metal detectors are exactly that. They detect metal. Some do a better job than others of trying to tell you what that target it below the coin but there is no machine on the market that is going to be able to tell you to dig or not to dig the target. In fact, most visual display indicators or VDI aren’t accurate. Sure they will give you a number and that number could be a ring, gold, silver, coin and so on but its really their best guess at what it is. The only way to determine what is below the target is use your handy dandy shovel or trowel and inspect the target yourself.
Myth 10: Most People Who Metal Detect wear black socks, sandals, are overweight, and old.
I know this is really extreme but I have had friends and family ask me if I was going to be that overweight guy on the beach dressed as described above looking for everyone’s lost coins. Its amazing to me that people think like this but this myth is obviously false. There are more folks metal detecting today both young and old than there ever has been. We all enjoy the hobby. Are some of us overweight? Sure. Do some of us wear black socks? Of course . But the majority of us are men, women, and kids who enjoy the outdoors and occasionally like play in the dirt and get rewarded for it once in awhile.
Are You Thinking About Getting Into Metal Detecting?
If you are please check out this section of my website: For Beginners. I wrote a series of articles specifically for beginners who are just getting started. The article below is the first one I recommend but there are others linked within the article itself. If you are thinking about getting into metal detecting you should really read this article and save yourself a lot of time, money, and frustration.
