So what is metal detecting? Metal detecting, also known as treasure hunting or relic hunting, is the recreational activity of searching for items such as coins, jewelry, and other valuable objects by using a metal detector.
It’s an exciting hobby that can be enjoyed almost anywhere in the world! You don’t need to travel far to find treasures; you just need your trusty metal detector. There are many different types of detectors available on the market today but one thing they all have in common is their ability to detect metals buried underground.
The most popular type of detector used by beginners is called a “handheld” model which consists of headphones and a search coil attached to a handlebar with an adjustable armrest. This allows you to swing it around like a pendulum while walking slowly over the ground looking for targets. These models are lightweight and easy-to-use making them great for kids too!
They come in various price ranges so there’s something out there for everyone no matter what your budget may be. If you’re interested in learning more about this fun activity then check out our website where we have tons of articles covering everything from how much does it cost, what do I need before I start, how do I get started, etc…
We hope that after reading some articles here on our site you’ll want to give it a try yourself and start digging up those old rusty relics from long ago.
You will need to purchase a metal detector and some accessories before you start your search for treasure, but how much does it all cost, and what’s involved? Read on and we will tell you….
Is metal detecting worth it?
To be a metal detecting enthusiast is to be passionate about treasure hunting and being out in the fresh air. However, there are many considerations for beginning detectorists to think about before they start their hobby, including how much it costs to set up as a metal detectorist.
I remember my first metal detecting trip. I was so excited that I had to stop the car every few minutes and get back out with my detector to see if it worked properly. The thrill of finding your first piece is something you will never forget!
So, how much does it cost to set up as a metal detectorist?
Metal detecting is very rewarding. It can be a fun hobby or an interesting and fascinating way to earn money. Your first step should be to get the right gear for your needs, then you need somewhere private and safe to search, so find out what land is available in your area.
When we look at what equipment we need to get started. This depends on whether you already have some equipment or not, but here’s a quick breakdown:
- A good quality metal detector
- Digging Tools
- Protective gear, like gloves and boots, to protect yourself from the environment
- A permit or license if necessary
- Metal detecting insurance
- Permission from landowners before searching their property
- A Bag or container to hold found items and tools
Now as you get deeper into detecting, this list will expand, but this will be sufficient to get you started.
Where to go metal detecting?
Many people have made great finds when out detecting and searching for treasure. However, not everyone knows where to go metal detecting or what the best places are for that matter. There is a wide range of land available across the world for you to visit including deserts, beaches, mountains, and more.
And because metal detecting is a hobby enjoyed by many people across the world, there are hundreds of metal detecting clubs that have formed because of this. Although it can be tempting to go out on your own, joining a club will allow you to meet like-minded enthusiasts who may have more experience than yourself.
They’ll also let you join them at events such as rallies where you can learn from other detectorists and try different types of equipment before buying them for yourself.
The problem with metal detecting is that there are so many places to go, but not enough time in the day to search them all.
We could give you a comprehensive list of every place we could think of where you can metal detect, including parks, beaches, forests, cemeteries, and more! But it all comes down to your environment and where you want to go with your detector.
A great place to begin your search is online. Here you can take your time to decide which locations would be best for your next hunt. This will save you hours upon hours searching through maps trying to figure out where exactly the best places are located.
There are many places where you can go metal detecting. You could try the beach, which has lots of buried treasures for you to find, where people have lost these items recently, or some long-lost treasure has been washed up by the tide!
Or maybe there’s an old farm nearby with some cool stuff in it just waiting for you to find it? Maybe there’s even something interesting at the local park! Wherever you decide to go metal detecting, it will be exciting, fun, and could be profitable!
Is metal detecting profitable?
The question of whether you can make money from metal detecting is relatively simple. It depends on the amount of time that you are willing to put in and your ability to dig up coins, jewelry, or relics.
To make money from your hobby can take time and patience but it can be done. Just like anything else in life, there are always ups and downs when it comes to metal detecting. When searching for the treasure it’s best not to think every day will end up being a jackpot day because that just isn’t the way things work. And most of the time you will come up empty. But one day that machine could discover that piece of history that could change your life.
There are many things to consider when deciding if metal detecting is profitable for you. The first thing is how much time do you have available to conduct your hobby? The more time you spend detecting the greater chance you have of finding valuable items.
Then, how much money are you willing to spend on equipment? This can easily become an important factor, as detectorists often pay thousands of dollars on machines and accessories every year. If you decide to prospect for gold nuggets, then it is wise to invest in a detector that has been specifically designed for that task. Here’s our article on the best detectors for silver and gold.
What are the health benefits of metal detecting?
Metal detectors are used by people looking to find lost treasure, gold, and silver. It is also used for recreational purposes such as finding coins in the ground or even locating a ring that fell off your finger. But the great things about this hobby don’t stop there. What about the health benefits?
The health benefits of metal detecting include exercise, fresh air, and sunshine which can help prevent depression. This hobby is very relaxing because it takes you away from everyday life and into nature where there are no distractions. You will be able to enjoy the beautiful scenery while exercising at the same time!
Is metal detecting legal?
Metal detecting is a hobby enjoyed by many people in the United States. However, it is still widely misunderstood and oftentimes confused with looting or grave robbing.
The truth of the matter is that metal detecting in itself isn’t illegal, but there are certain circumstances where you might run into legal issues if you decide to pursue this hobby.
We have an article that covers the laws and how they relate to each state and find out which states require you to have a permit. Click HERE to read up on where you will be detecting so that you can avoid any trouble when practicing your favorite pastime.
The action of metal detecting in 34 states in the USA requires you to obtain a permit, and 16 states have a total ban of recreational metal detecting on state property. The 34 states that do allow you to detect, have additional rules within state park boundaries, so you must check and if necessary contact the park ranger and obtain the necessary permits.
It is worth checking out whatever area you plan to take your metal detector to and obtain the necessary permission before you even set foot onto the land. You can find a comprehensive article HERE
Again you will be able to find this information online, or a local metal detecting club will be able to advise you. Always get permission before detecting, as nearly all of the land in the country is owned by someone.
Final Thoughts
There are many reasons why people enjoy metal detecting, including its historical significance, educational value (especially when used in schools), ability to be done both on land or underwater, low cost of entry into the hobby compared with other things like golf or fishing, and also the exercise benefits.
What is metal detecting? Well, It can also be used as an effective tool for conducting scientific research about past human cultures through archaeological recovery. Some enthusiasts even participate in competitive events known as treasure hunts where they compete against each other by finding valuable items from pre-determined sites within a limited amount of time.