Metal detecting in rural areas can be like opening a time capsule, offering glimpses into the past through historical artifacts hidden beneath the soil. However, finding these treasures requires more than just patience; it demands technique and know-how. Here are the top five metal detecting techniques to increase your chances of uncovering historical artifacts in rural landscapes.

1. Research and Preparation

Before setting out with your metal detector, thorough research is paramount to success. Understanding the history of the area you plan to explore can significantly increase your chances of finding valuable artifacts.

Research Tips:

Reading more:

  • Historical Maps: Utilize historical maps to identify old homesteads, trails, and settlements that are no longer visible. Sites such as old schools, churches, and meeting places are prime locations for finds.
  • Local Histories: Delve into local library archives or historical societies for books and records that describe significant events, gatherings, or markets. Such activities could have resulted in lost items.
  • Lidar and Aerial Photographs: Modern technology like Lidar and aerial photographs can reveal depressions, mounds, or other alterations to the landscape that indicate human activity.

2. Ground Balancing and Sensitivity Setting

Rural areas often present challenging soil conditions, including high mineralization, which can affect the performance of your metal detector. Properly balancing your detector to the ground and adjusting the sensitivity are crucial steps.

Technique Application:

  • Ground Balancing: Many detectors have automatic or manual ground balancing features to mitigate the effects of mineralization. Learn how your specific model handles ground balancing for optimal performance.
  • Sensitivity Settings: While higher sensitivity increases the depth of detection, it can also lead to false signals in highly mineralized soils. Adjust sensitivity according to soil conditions, starting high and decreasing as necessary to reduce chatter.

3. Grid Searching for Systematic Coverage

Ensuring that you cover an area thoroughly is essential when searching for artifacts. Using a grid search technique ensures systematic coverage and reduces the chance of missing potential finds.

Implementing Grid Searching:

Reading more:

  • Define Your Area: Use natural landmarks or set up temporary markers to define the search area.
  • Methodical Movement: Start at one corner and walk straight lines back and forth across the area, overlapping each path slightly to ensure complete coverage.
  • Document Your Search: Keeping a log of searched areas can be helpful, especially if you're investigating a large site over multiple days.

4. Target Identification and Discrimination

Learning to distinguish between different types of signals can save time and effort by avoiding unnecessary digging. Most modern metal detectors have target identification (ID) features that give clues about the composition of the detected object.

Techniques for Target ID:

  • Understand ID Numbers: Familiarize yourself with your detector's target ID numbers or sounds for various metals. Practice with known objects to get a feel for how different items register.
  • Use Discrimination Wisely: While discrimination modes can help filter out unwanted targets like iron, use them sparingly. Many historical artifacts, especially those made from non‑precious metals, might be inadvertently ignored.

5. Careful Excavation and Preservation

Digging up and handling potential artifacts with care is crucial not only for preserving history but also for respecting the land you're searching on.

Excavation Best Practices:

Reading more:

  • Proper Tools: Use a trowel designed for metal detecting, and consider using a pinpointer for precise location finding, minimizing the need for larger holes.
  • Mindful Digging: Cut a plug of soil that can be easily replaced, keeping the excavation site as undisturbed as possible.
  • Artifact Handling: Wear gloves when handling found items, especially if they appear delicate or historically significant. This protects both the artifact and your hands.

Finding historical artifacts in rural areas is an exciting endeavor that connects us with the past. By employing these metal detecting techniques---research and preparation, ground balancing, grid searching, target identification, and careful excavation---you enhance your chances of making significant discoveries while respecting the history and integrity of the sites you explore. Happy hunting!

Similar Articles: