West Jersey Detecting
Gold Member
As a serious metal detecting enthusiast, I constantly monitor many metal detecting forums. This time of year I constantly see topics titled such things as "My Final Hunt of the Season". While I understand that the northern regions of the US and Canada my already be under a blanket of snow, I do not understand why others are throwing in the towel so soon. As far as I am concerned, the season is still in full swing.
Although I detect year round, my season gets into full swing in September. July and August are typically too hot. With average temperatures near 90 degrees, heat stroke is a potential threat. Additionally the ground can become as hard as concrete during summer months making digging nearly impossible.
There are many more reasons I avoid detecting in the summer months. The insect population begins to peak in my region in late May or early June. Mosquitoes can be a nuisance, but may also transmit dangerous diseases. Snakes are another enemy of metal detecting. Although I do not fear snakes, the risk of stepping on a sleeping rattlesnake is very real in Southern New Jersey. Another nasty pest is the deer tick. One bite from one of these nearly invisible parasites can transmit Lyme's Disease, which if left untreated, can be fatal. Poison Ivy, while not dangerous, is another threat to one's well being. Inevitably I get a nasty case of it every spring.
Other vegetative matter can hinder summer detecting as well. The thorny underbrush can wreak havoc on equipment, clothing and skin. Thick growth hinders coil movement, and adds inches to the coil height, adversely impacting depth.
Winter metal detecting, on the other hand, can provide hours of uninterrupted enjoyment. Gone are the pests and plant growth. Gone are the hikers and the geocachers. Gone are the curious onlookers.
Yes, it is cold this time of year, especially during the early morning hours when I usually detect. Of course it is important to be properly dressed. A hat and gloves are a must. Wearing layers insures that I am as warm as possible.
As long as the ground is not frozen, I will keep digging.
Although I detect year round, my season gets into full swing in September. July and August are typically too hot. With average temperatures near 90 degrees, heat stroke is a potential threat. Additionally the ground can become as hard as concrete during summer months making digging nearly impossible.
There are many more reasons I avoid detecting in the summer months. The insect population begins to peak in my region in late May or early June. Mosquitoes can be a nuisance, but may also transmit dangerous diseases. Snakes are another enemy of metal detecting. Although I do not fear snakes, the risk of stepping on a sleeping rattlesnake is very real in Southern New Jersey. Another nasty pest is the deer tick. One bite from one of these nearly invisible parasites can transmit Lyme's Disease, which if left untreated, can be fatal. Poison Ivy, while not dangerous, is another threat to one's well being. Inevitably I get a nasty case of it every spring.
Other vegetative matter can hinder summer detecting as well. The thorny underbrush can wreak havoc on equipment, clothing and skin. Thick growth hinders coil movement, and adds inches to the coil height, adversely impacting depth.
Winter metal detecting, on the other hand, can provide hours of uninterrupted enjoyment. Gone are the pests and plant growth. Gone are the hikers and the geocachers. Gone are the curious onlookers.
Yes, it is cold this time of year, especially during the early morning hours when I usually detect. Of course it is important to be properly dressed. A hat and gloves are a must. Wearing layers insures that I am as warm as possible.
As long as the ground is not frozen, I will keep digging.
The perfect mediteranean climate. Year round hunting. When the ground is too wet and the rain too stiff for land hunting, that usually just signals that it's beach erosion season, so we gear up with water-proof gear and hit the beach 
