How To Use a Metal Detector To Uncover Hidden Bounty

Search online or at the library for locations like popular recreation sites and areas where historical events occurred to up your chances of uncovering something great.

Start in one corner of the area you’re searching. Hold the detector in front of you and walk slowly and deliberately in a straight line to the other end of the area, keeping the detector’s coils at a consistent distance from the ground and parallel to it. Make a methodical back and forth sweep of the area, like mowing a lawn.

When you pick up a signal, run the detector over a 2 square foot area around where the signal occurred. Listen for where the signal is loudest and gently drive a probe into the ground until you feel the object.

Dig up your find with a spade, being careful not to damage it during excavation. Then, refill the hole and tamp down the dirt. If you think you’ve found something worth keeping, store it in your backpack. If it’s trash, put it in your trash bag for proper disposal later.

Take potentially valuable finds to an antique or coin dealer to assess their worth.

Practice. Stay alert, enjoy your time in the great outdoors, and keep your fingers crossed for the next big find!