Treasure hunting with metal detectors is one of the most unique activities you can do as a hobby. Although it’s mainly a solo act, you can still have social interactions after the fact. We see a lot of them – these treasure hunters, on the beach and in parks, combing the area in search of treasures from old coins to bottle caps, that were buried in time and long forgotten. Did you know you can even look for hidden easter eggs in video games?
As kids, most of us were fascinated by looking for treasures. And since you found yourself here as an adult, it seems that fascination has not faded away entirely from you. Mostly, treasure hunting with metal detectors is a way for people to get away from the world while being immersed in a purposeful activity. However, there are organized events wherein participants compete in different modes of competition that involves searching for something.
To learn more about models of detectors, accessories, and other stuff, you will need to visit some trusted websites specialized on metal detectors, like Detect History to find detailed metal detector reviews and comparative analysis of the devices.
Here are some hunt activities many enthusiasts engage in:
1. Time Trial
There are variations of this game, but it mainly involves a pre-seeded token with participants race to look for it. Or there’ll be a number of items hidden and those who find the most number, wins. The tokens can be something of value that the finder can keep.
2. Seeded Gold
There will be gold or tokens with a set value seeded around an area. The participants will find and collect them and at the end of the activity, they’ll gather what they found with a perfect metal detector and share it.
3. Historical Relics
To commemorate a significant event in history some organizers use historical mementos and seed them for the participants to find. This is a good activity because, at the end of the event, the tokens they’ll find will each have a story relating to the event itself.
4. Theme Hunt
It is just like an Easter Egg Hunt, but tokens or egg-shaped tokens instead of real eggs. But you can organize this with a theme in line with the occasion. You can have tokens that are pre-seeded corresponding to certain points if it’s under the theme.
Even if you don’t participate in these events, there are still some things that you’d need to know and secure before you begin looking for buried treasures.
Location
The usual place to start looking for buried trinkets are your local beaches, parks, and forests. It is best to use public properties to avoid any complications with the owner unless you have permission. You can use apps like Google Earth to check for irregular or curios formations in the grass, this usually indicates old settlements. You can also ask if there were significant events that happened in that particular area.
Gear Up
You just can’t find anything if you don’t have the right equipment, so make sure to have these tools before you set out treasure hunting:
1. Metal Detector – This is one of the main tools for your search. Depending on the location, there are different types of the best metal detectors that will suit the environment or use. Be sure to use the top rated metal detectors for your treasure hunt. You can familiarize yourself with the different types by reading reviews in magazines or online.
2. Scoop / Trowel / Shovel – Unless you want to do the digging with your hands, you’ll need these tools to prod the land for your potential find. Use the appropriate tool for every soil you’re on as well as the depth of the hole you want to dig.
3. Bag and Pouch – You need to have the right bag to put your metal detector in to protect it when unused. The pouch is for the things you find on your search. Most enthusiasts have a dedicated bag for their trinkets, it just fits your ensemble.
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Extra Rechargeable Batteries – If you’re going to be in a remote area for your hunt, it pays to have extra batteries for your metal detector and your other devices.
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Pan and Gold Snifter – If you’re looking for gold, these are some of the things you’ll need to help you.
Provisions
You might not think much about it, but spending long hours walking around will really work an appetite. Be sure to bring snacks on your trip or hunt. Also, make sure you dispose of your trash properly or bring them with you until you find you find a bin in a nearby town.
Permission
Even if it’s a public area you might need to get a permit to search for treasure. More importantly, if you plan to do your search in a private property, make sure to ask the owner’s permission. They might also want to discuss splitting the find with them.
Most of the things you’d find in the hunt you won’t sell. Maybe its value can’t be measured or accurately appraised in a pawnshop. Because the thrill of finding it on the hunt just adds more value to it that no can really put a price on. Most of these people just collect them and if they find something noteworthy, they’ll research it, in order to have something to show and tell people.