Stealth Detecting

  While I am fairly new at this I have come to realize how important it is to be precise, clean and neat.  Especially in a place like a public park where people have jobs maintaining the property.  While detecting today I found clear evidence of someone before me with big, sloppy holes and often finding a coin in a plug which indicates they probably did not have a pin-pointer and a poor detector.  I also found trash in the plugs, big trash like a can that was just buried back up.  I became paranoid that a grounds keeper might show up and accuse me of scarring the landscape so I left.  I never hit a single public area to hard all at once and let the ground recover after a few rains before returning with some different settings.

  Another thing that is all to clear is that we are ambassadors for the sport and you will be seen by curious people who will ask questions and how I conduct myself reflects on all of us.  

  I favor the strategy of staying off the radar by not leaving evidence I was even there and while impossible there are things that make it better for everyone.

  Invest in the best metal detector you can afford.  This will cut down on digging up trash and leaving a hole.

  Go during times of low traffic.  In general the less attention you draw to yourself the better.

  Look professional .  If you look sharp and decked out people assume you are a pro.

  Be a teacher.  When people approach you get them interested and show them what the detector can do.

  Get a good pin-pointer like the Garrett AT Pro.  This greatly minimizes digging and leaving a scar.

  Resist the temptation to go where you know you don't belong.  Yes the old graveyard is tempting but don't be a dummy.

  I am sure I missed a few important things but the bottom line for me is to try your best to leave no trace you were even there, out of sight, out of mind.

  I hope this helps anyone.

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  • Good article.  Other simple advise for a park detecting is to use a screwdriver to pry out shallow targets.  After pinpointing, I use a probe into the grass & soil, to see if I can tap the target to confirm its location and depth - then try a slot screwdriver lever it out. 

    If I have to dig a hole, I cut the grass on 3 sides and fold it back.  Any dirt removed is onto a cloth or into cup.  After I have retrieved the target, I pour the dirt back into the hole and fold the grass back.  One good stomp on the spot with my foot and nobody would have a clue I had been there.  I prefer to work when the ground is lightly damp, so the grass has a chance to recover.  I have noticed where somebody has cut a full plug, that the lawnmower will sometimes pull it up or it will dry out and die before the roots regain their hold ... and that is something I try to avoid. 

    Greig

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