thoughts on night hunting the beach?

[gildeal]

well, with the recent full moon, and less people at the beach, thinking of heading down after dark to hunt the beach?
besides the obvious issues of drunkards, or perhaps a homeless persons to look out for, thinking of heading on down and giving it a go.
any opinions or advice? maybe some of your experiences at night hunting? thanks.....

 

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[FLauthor]

Don't hunt alone and carry a long handled scoop or shovel. If you are licensed for a concealed weapon, take it. These are tough times and you are out on the beach at night with a $600 to a $1200 metal detector. Hunt with a partner as well.
I will relate a story told to me by the late Claude Rainey. He was hunting Daytona Beach about 9 pm in front of the Boardwalk. Not a soul on the beach when he noticed a couple of guys leaning on the rail watching him. Claude kept an eye on them and grew nervous when the split up. One came down from the pier area and the other walked about a 100 yards to the north of him. The one from the pier approached him and asked for a light for his cigarette. Claude handed him his lighter and the guy lit his cigarette, thanked him and handed it back to him. The guy walked on down to where his buddy was standing still 100 yards away. Claude watched them out of the corner of his eye as the met, chatted and began walking back toward him. Claude thought to himself, Time to leave as he figured he was going to get robbed. He walked toward a resort where a lot of people were partying.
If you get attacked, I'd run into the surf where the footing isn't the best and start swinging that long handled scoop and screaming "FIRE, FIRE!". If there are people on the beach walking then hunt but if its deserted, carry a .45 Long Colt derringer or a .22 Magnum derringer and know how to use it. Think Safe, and be safe.

 

[biggmike]

Don't hunt alone and carry a long handled scoop or shovel. If you are licensed for a concealed weapon, take it. These are tough times and you are out on the beach at night with a $600 to a $1200 metal detector. Hunt with a partner as well.If there are people on the beach walking then hunt but if its deserted, carry a .45 Long Colt derringer or a .22 Magnum derringer and know how to use it. Think Safe, and be safe.

Great advice... Times are tough and there are some cowards out there that are looking for a opportunity to strike. There is safety in numbers. They are looking for an easy mark, not a brawl.

 

[diggummup]

The homeless use the beach as their bedroom at night down here. Also, the sharks feed at night so I wouldn't go in the water. I go about an hour before sunrise when I hunt. Most uptonogooders are peacefully sleeping by then.

 

[Sandman]

I'd rather have a gun and not need it than to need one and not have it.

 

[njnydigger]

While all the advice above is pretty good, IMO nobody can answer this question for you. YOU must decide for yourself

I've hunted the beach many times @ night and have NEVER had a problem. Matter of fact, I know MANY people like me who find hunting at night the most enjoyable time to detect.

H-O-W-E-V-E-R...

Again, only YOU can answer this question as there's too many variable at play, such as;

1. Is the area you'd like to hunt a reasonably safe one?

2. Is there foot traffic nearby even at night (within a few minutes)?

3. Would you be comfortable out there at night going it alone? Or would you be a 'nervous nancy'? Sad to say, but, the more fear you give off, the more appetizing you look to potential troublemakers. They can sense it

4. Do you have the appropriate gear? I wear a good quality (bright) headlamp on the beach at night. Not only is it PERFECT for seeing targets in the dark, but, it let's others know someone's on the beach & attracts attention. Just what the hooligans DON'T want

The list can go on forever, but, as you can see, there are quite a few reasons why you need to decide for yourself in reference to night hunting. My personal belief...

Most folks are ruled by fear. We think the worst. Try it and see what happens. Just be prepared in case something DOES go wrong.

Be safe & good luck!!!

 

[bigscoop]

I love hunting at night, but because of the sharks down here I don't go beyond ankle deep at night. I've never had any problems and I try to stay in the lighted areas of the beach, even if it's just lighting from one of the condo buildings. Problem is, I hardly ever get a chance to go!

 

[gildeal]

okay, thanks everyone, I am new to the Daytona beach area, and it does have a bit of a rough edge to it. however I am confident in my ability to defend myself within reason. I am a big guy, and am in good shape, but anything can happen to anyone. I am not particularly fearful, just cautious. so I am headed out, and will carry protection this time out, I'm sure it will be unnecessary, but as said, it is better to be with, than be without! thanks for the advice!

 

[jyt2017]

so true...

Don't hunt alone and carry a long handled scoop or shovel. If you are licensed for a concealed weapon, take it. These are tough times and you are out on the beach at night with a $600 to a $1200 metal detector. Hunt with a partner as well.If there are people on the beach walking then hunt but if its deserted, carry a .45 Long Colt derringer or a .22 Magnum derringer and know how to use it. Think Safe, and be safe.

Great advice... Times are tough and there are some cowards out there that are looking for a opportunity to strike. There is safety in numbers. They are looking for an easy mark, not a brawl.

 

[Aka Nameless]

Your flashlight is your worst enemy at night, asking for attention. I hunt a few hours before sunrise at the earliest, like someone else said, most of the drunks are asleep by 3-4. I don't even turn my flashlight on, moonlight is good enough most of the time. Scope out the scene before you get out of the car.

We are carrying around a pretty good defense weapon, I could do some damage with a water scoop... it's like carrying an axe/sledgehammer, depending on which side you hit with .

 

[Treasure finder]

Two thoughts
1. Carry Pepper Spray, legal in lots of places, doesn't leave bodies or blood like
bullets.
2. Don't get in trouble in the water with no one around for help.
Good luck, find lots of loot.
Rich