Metal Detecting Research & Finding Treasure Hot Spots.

Doing your metal detector research before you begin is critical to increasing the chances of finding treasure successfully. This is also a very fun part of this great hobby of ours.

Treasure Hot Spots are areas where the likelihood of finding treasure with a metal detector is high. These are not only specific locations like an old farm but also hot spots within the hot spots like near a well on the farm. These are usually areas where people have congregated for a long period of history or areas where people have passed through frequently over time.

How to do Metal Detecting Research in South Africa

• The first tip is to observe people and there habit as they go about there daily lives.  Observe where people stand about and chat, where children go to play or where taxis drop off people. This is the first step when training your mind to go where the treasure is located. Also known as common sense.
• Locating micro hot spots: an example of this is detecting under swings in play grounds as kids are very likely to loose coins or jewelery when upside down. Also look out for old paths, big trees that look old etc.
• Use your imagination: if you are in an area where people no longer visit, try to think of where they might have congregated. You can then do a quick sweep or “scout” with your detector in each area to test it out. Once you begin locating treasures and noting where you find them, finding hot spots will become second nature.
• Ask the old timers! Take some time to chat to the older people in your family or neighborhood. Insights from your grandparents about old places they used to visit, old parks, buildings and farms they remember. This is a wealth if information and they will love sharing this with you.
• Official records: Get hold of the records from your city or town, old maps and newspapers from the past. Libraries can help a lot with this sort of stuff.
• Newspapers: Reading the newspapers will tell you a lot about public congregations like company events and similar gatherings. Visiting these places to metal detect after the events are held will help you find modern treasures.
• The Internet: Many websites provide useful info about history and spots of interest.

Common Metal Detecting Hot Spots:

• Old military bases or training grounds. e.g. World War 1 Horse camp.
• Reunion grounds, Fair grounds that are either current or long forgotten.
• Settlers encampments from our rich South African past.
• Old battle sites.
• Ghost towns.
• Old farms
• Old swimming pools or sports grounds.
• Old house foundations in rural areas.
• Old parks in city centers.
• Beaches.

Essential metal detecting tips when seraching metal detecting hot spots:

Remember never to break the law when metal detecting. Do not trespass on anyones property without permission and never go onto any heritage sites. Understand the legal implications of the areas you are searching for treasure. Always cover your tracks, don’t leave holes and be sure to pick up litter in the areas you are searching. A good citizen is a lucky citizen. Now go out and do your Metal Detecting Research and get onto those hot spots now!