Metal Detecting Digging Rules
Some general rules and permission information!
Proper Target Recovery
We ask that all of our members repair holes and collect the trash left by less experienced detectorists.
To retrieve underground targets a neat horseshoe-shaped flap of turf is cut, flipped back and replaced in an acceptable manner.
A small drop cloth is used for all excavated dirt.
After the target is recovered, all excavated dirt is replaced and the flap of turf is replaced and set with the foot until level with the surrounding turf to leave no trace of digging activity.
All trash targets found while digging is to be carried out with you and disposed of properly.
Collecting surface trash is voluntary but really helps the area look neat. It is also a means of “giving back” by caring for the environment.
Good videos to watch (from YouTube.com):
Proper Digging Techniques and Target Recovery
Task Force USA YouTube video. Target Recovery 101 YouTube video uploaded by chicagoron61
Proper target recovery is the cardinal rule and strict responsibility of every detectorist!!
Always fill holes and carry trash targets out.
Permissions
If you are interested in an area that may contain relics, you cannot just wander onto private property and start detecting. Police will soon arrive.
Instead, you have to knock on some doors and present yourself well. You might just get permission to hunt some private property.
Permission to hunt private property comes with the responsibility of procuring an agreement between the landowner and yourself. The following examples contain a variety of permission forms and liability waivers. Extracting information from each will guide you in creating your own.
Examples of permissions forms:
From the “Metal Detector For Coin Collecting” website. (Click Here)
From the “Tidewater Coin & Relic Club” website.(Click Here)
From the “Stone Mountain Treasure Hunters” website. (Click Here)
White’s Electronics website Permission Certificate (Click here)