If you’ve never considered metal detecting as a hobby, we’re here to convince you that it’s an ideal hobby, in fact. (Especially if you’re a history nerd!) Let’s not waste a minute more and dig right into this. 

(image via: istock)

Why Metal Detect? 

Metal detecting keeps your body and your brain busy. Not only is metal detecting a great reason to get up, get outside, and move around, but it’s good exercise for your brain too; you’ll problem solve, you’ll get creative, and you’ll learn new things. 

If you’re metal detecting, you’re moving around a lot, but the really cool thing is that you won’t often go to the same spot, so you’ll be on the lookout for new places to go all the time.

Metal detecting is an interesting way to learn about your own backyard, sometimes literally. But whether you’re actually detecting in your backyard or just around your town, you’re bound to learn something you never knew before. 

Metal Detecting Tips

(image via: unsplash)

Are you ready to nab a metal detector and start digging? We get it. Before you head out, here are a few tips to get you started. 

First things first, don’t get easily discouraged. Allow yourself to be a beginner and keep in mind that you’ll learn so much as you go. (More than we could ever go over!) 

Don’t abandon iffy signals. Trust us on this one, if you have time to dig, dig. Worst case scenario, now you know there is nothing for you there. 

If you’re a beginner, start metal detecting in your own yard for practice; this will give you the opportunity to get comfortable with every aspect of metal detecting. 

Always hunt after a good rain. If you have time after a nice shower, get out there! Soggy grounds are a lot easier to dig into and after a good rain, your metal detector has a better chance at finding treasure buried way down deep. 

Sweet over the dirt you dig out of a hole. There’s nothing more frustrating than losing your signal, but sometimes this happens because you’ve already dug it up and didn’t even realize it, so just real quickly in between digs, go over each pile of dirt.

Take your time scanning. Most of us have probably seen people metal detecting in a movie or on TV and they appear to be swinging the metal detector back and forth, but when you’re metal detecting in real life, you’ll want to take your time. 

If you’re able to, metal detecting at the beach is ideal. Why? Because sand. 

Make sure to take a little pouch with you on your metal detecting excursions so you can keep your findings together.