Beginning relic hunting

[cpjr44]

Good day all. I recevied a metal detector as a birthday gift and wondering if there are any groups or individuals how teach newbies how to use their device and where to go to find relics? Is there such a thing as a metal detecting "guide" ?

 

[UCVRelics]

Good day all. I recevied a metal detector as a birthday gift and wondering if there are any groups or individuals how teach newbies how to use their device and where to go to find relics? Is there such a thing as a metal detecting "guide" ?

As a relic hunter of 50 plus years I would be willing to guide you thru getting started. What type machine did you get and where do you live?

 

[cpjr44]

Thank you for the kind reply. Here is what I know about my devices, albeit, only from the box and owners manual. I don't believe either are high-end products, but

MineLab Equniox 600 (Park, Field, Beach) 6X Custom Search Profiles
Op Frequencies = 4, 5, 10, 15, Multi
Headphones included
WM 08 Compatible
Waterproof to 3 meters

I also received a MineLab "pointing wand" (Pro-Find Series 35)
Standard and Ferrous Tone ID
Adjustible sensitivity (5 levels)
Waterproof (3 meters)

I have the unit assembled but have not used it. I'd appreciate any information, advice, or guidance you can offer.

 

[oddballaffliction]

Posting where you live may be a big help. If I am not too far, I am happy to help.

 

[bobinwmass]

After a 20 year hiatus from metal detecting, last year I bought an Equinox 900. Before using it for the first time I watched a ton of videos on Youtube with hints on how to set up and use it. It made me very comfortable with it by the time I took it for the first spin in the field. I would suggest you do the same thing for your 600, looks like there are videos for that also. You may also want to check to see to if there are any metal detecting clubs in your area. The local one I joined near me is a great resource for hints and advice.

 

[redbob]

As a relic hunter of 50 plus years I would be willing to guide you thru getting started. What type machine did you get and where do you live?

You couldn't ask for a better advisor.

 

[cpjr44]

Posting where you live may be a big help. If I am not too far, I am happy to help.

I live in Central FL, but willing to travel to learn.

 

[cpjr44]

After a 20 year hiatus from metal detecting, last year I bought an Equinox 900. Before using it for the first time I watched a ton of videos on Youtube with hints on how to set up and use it. It made me very comfortable with it by the time I took it for the first spin in the field. I would suggest you do the same thing for your 600, looks like there are videos for that also. You may also want to check to see to if there are any metal detecting clubs in your area. The local one I joined near me is a great resource for hints and advice.

Great idea, thank you for the suggestions.

 

[James Brenner]

You will likely encounter folks who will frown upon your activities as a detectorist. Attached (I hope) is a fairly balanced summary of the different schools of thought - both pros and cons - and a couple of recommendations that will accommodate both the archaeologist and the collector.

 

[UCVRelics]

@bobinwmass is spot on and I will add. Learn how to use the discriminator as its your best friend and keeps you from digging items you don't need to dig. Once you have read the manual and viewed the vids, get a square nail, aluminum pull-tab a coin and a lead bullet and practice on them in the yard. You don't want to dig nails or pull-tabs.

There are place to Civil War hunt in central FL mostly on the St Johns river and research is the key to finding sites to hunt.