Im new and want to try this any tips please?

[how u do n]

I'm new and want to try this any tips please?

Hi guys.
I have been into metal detecting and coins for decades
but, I have always wanted to try this.
I live in western ny south of buffalo so, I know there are
lots of things to find.
There are tons of farmers fields and, I know people have found
lots of things.
I am unsure of how to do this and what I need to do this.
I know this sounds silly but, if you guys could give me
any tips I would really appreciate it.
thank you
hh
dan

 

[*Molly*]

Re: I'm new and want to try this any tips please?

Welcome to Artifacts Bluefin. I hunt creeks & plowed fields. Plowed fields near a water source is ideal. Just look for flakes of flint/rock, if you find lots, then you are in a good spot. I believe this is probably the best place for beginners to start, was for me.

Good luck, look forwards to seeing your finds.

Molly.

 

[The Grim Reaper]

Re: I'm new and want to try this any tips please?

First and foremost, always obtain permission before setting foot on anyone elses property. Twenty years ago you could get by with going into fields without asking, but nowadays people are more protective of their land.

Second, go to your local library and research your area for Indian sites or villages. Ask around and find out just where people are finding things, if they'll tell you, and try to stay close to those areas. Drive around to the farms in your area and ask the farmers if they ever find any artifacts on their land and try to get permission to look around. Here's a tip, having a young child with you can sometimes get you permission easier than being by yourself.

Third, after you find a plowed field and obtain permission wait for a good soaking rain or a very heavy downpour and then just go in and walk the field row by row about 8 to 10 feet apart on each pass. Concentrate on the high ridges as that will be were you will find most of the artifacts. You can find stuff in the low spots, just usually not as much. Also, look for spots close to a water source like a river, stream, or spring. A lot of sites and villages are located at the confluence of a stream or creek running into a larger river.

And last, to help save your back and to keep from bending over so much, get you an old broom handle and put a nail in the end of it so you can flip things out of the ground without bending over to see what it is. Also, when you first start, check every rock you see in the field until you finally get an eye for what to look for. If you find something you're not sure of, bring it home and clean it up and post the picture on here and I'm sure someone will be able to help you.

Good luck and Happy Hunting!!!!

 

[am-ark]

Re: I'm new and want to try this any tips please?

I usually find my best points near rivers and creeks. I do hunt some plowed fields, but my best finds actually come from areas that grass dont seem to grow naturally. Ive noticed that a lot of those areas seem to have been camp sites. I find more "whole" points in places like this. You may also want to walk dirt roads, and ATV trails that have no gravel on them. These seem to be very productive for me in southern Virginia. Hope this helps and good luck!

 

[Likely Guy]

Re: I'm new and want to try this any tips please?

Most of the local finds that I and others have made were made beachcombing on the lakeshores and riverbanks (low water of course).

This next part will probably drive you guys crazy but I have riverfront property and the oldtimers around here said that there were 3 or 4 keekwillie holes (semi-subterranean pit houses) on my front lawn that a previous owner filled in. Apparently they've never been excavated. I have found a few points and numerous shards though on my boat launch. A couple years ago a German tourist showed me a really nice pinkish quartz-like arrow head that she found there. I let her keep it as a souvenir from Canada. She was visibly quivering and couldn't believe it.

 

[how u do n]

Re: I'm new and want to try this any tips please?

wow cooooool guys thank you for the tips
I will try it this weekend and let you all know.
once again thank you
hh dan

 

[newnan man]

Re: I'm new and want to try this any tips please?

Don't do it! You will spend countless hours looking down, forsake neccessary chores and slow down at every field you drive by! Muddy boots in your trunk and cans of chips stashed all over your garage!
Good luck!

 

[jamey]

Re: I'm new and want to try this any tips please?

imo the best place to hunt is were they hunted,came upon a bank and there were four arrowheads in it,i think one would chase the animal out and others would try to kill it. jamey

 

[Tnmountains]

Re: I'm new and want to try this any tips please?

You have some expert advice from the previous post. One last thing you may want to try is google earth. You can locate water, bends in rivers streams into rivers as Molly said and plowed fields depending upon when the satelite pic was taken .Most times there are places near you to start with. I live in Chattanooga and you used to be able to walk the river downtown and pick up arrowheads and civil war bullets on the river banks. Not anymore though as it has all been turned into a park. Make sure you hunt legal areas as well. If its federal land the answer in the USA is no. Its just like metal detecting. You will have a blast. I love metal detecting and it goes hand in hand with ancient artifacts..
Good luck.
TnMountains