Welcome to the World of Dirt Fishing and TNet! TNGUNS is pretty spot on with the good advice. I'm from Middle GA as well and have not seen many folks from our area on the city/state. Not to say there are none on TNet, they just probably don't realize there is a state forum. I'm started MD'ng this year and started out practicing in my yard and to get to know my Fisher F2. I ventured out to a couple of local elementary school play grounds. Make sure you only go when school is out, though. Local city or county parks, camping areas or walking trails are good places to check. It may be helpful to do an internet search like Google for your city or nearby towns to see if there were any civil war battles or troops going through. You would be surprised to learn there may have been activity in your neck of the woods! Old homestead ruins are great to explore. I asked permission to dig around an old farm house near me and I am having a great time digging all sorts of stuff from horse shoes to model T parts! I'm digging up loads of rusty iron because I dig everything, dont want to miss that One Thing! Good Luck Cuz and Happy Digging!