Question 1

Why do Arkansas State Parks only allow metal detecting from Labor Day to Memorial Day?

Accepted Answer

The reason behind this rule is that metal detecting is allowed only during the off season. Off season is the time of year when people are not using the beaches for summer activities. This keeps the metal detectorist and the tourists separated. This way, you can metal detect without disturbing other people, and the beaches will not be packed with people.

This makes it much more enjoyable for the detectorist. You will not have as many people to worry about when detecting, yet you will be able to find all the items people lost over the more popular summer months. Plus, it can get quite hot in the summer, and it can be miserable to metal detect in the extremely hot weather.

Try searching after rainstorms or after the snow melts in the springtime. These events can help move the soil around and uncover items that were buried deeper the previous year.

Question 2

How do I get permission to metal detect on private property in Arkansas?

Accepted Answer

This answer applies to private property in all areas. You will first need to identify who the landowner is. The land may be owned by an individual, a company, the state, or federal government. If it is state or federal land, you may be out of luck. But it never hurts to ask!

If a company owns the land, you simply need to ask the company if they will allow you access to the property. Explain why you want to enter their land and plead your case. The same for individually owned land. Ask the property owner if you may metal detect on their land.

The worst they can do is say no.

If they agree to let you, simply have them write their permission on paper, with a signature. This way, you are legally protected should they decide they really did not want you to detect their property. Always make sure you add into the agreement what will happen to the items you find. Will the property owner retain ownership of the item, or will you? These things should be hashed out between you and the landowner.

Question 3

How do I identify the items I find while metal detecting?

Accepted Answer

There are many ways to identify your finds. You can do a search online with certain keywords that match your item. You can take the item to a shop, whether it be a coin shop or an antique shop and see if they have any information about the item.

You can go to a local university and see if their historians know anything about the item, or to a local museum. You can also go to a local metal detecting club. The members may be able to help you identify your item and learn more about it. The more you can find out about the items you find, the better you can value them. If you plan to sell an item, you want as much information as you can find about that item.

Question 4

How do I clean the items I find while metal detecting?

Accepted Answer

For the most part, it is recommended that you do not clean the items you find, especially if they are of historical value. If the item is a coin, it can significantly alter the value of the coin if you clean it yourself, even if you use gentle cleaning techniques. You can have your coins professionally cleaned, but you still run the risk of damage to the surface of the coin. The same goes for artifacts and relics. Professionals should clean these only, as the risk of damaging them is high.

If you plan to keep the items for display in your own collection, you can always clean them carefully at home. This can be done using distilled water. If the item is still in need of cleaning after soaking in distilled water, you can use dish soap or even vinegar. Just be very careful when cleaning so you do not cause damage to the surface of the item. These items have been buried for many years and often the cleaning process can alter them significantly.

Question 5

What items do you recommend when metal detecting besides a metal detector?

Accepted Answer

There are several items you can take with you to make your metal detecting hunt more successful and easier. The first item is an excellent quality digging implement. Some areas restrict what type of digging instruments you can bring, so you must check prior to detecting. If you can use a shovel, make sure it is a decent quality shovel or hand trowel.

It is endlessly frustrating to be on a target and have your digger break. You will also want a finds pouch, which will keep all the items you find safe. I always take along a trash bag for the inevitable trash you will find. Pack out all trash you find to help keep the areas cleaner. If your metal detector runs on batteries, make sure you take some extra batteries in case it dies.

I always recommend taking water, also, even in the colder months. Dehydration is actually quite common in the wintertime, so stay hydrated! I also like to keep a log of the items I find and where they were found. This way, you can start to see patterns in your detecting areas.

Metal Detecting By State

Metal Detecting in Arkansas: Laws, Permits, and Finds

How to Go Metal Detecting in New Hampshire

Metal Detecting in Virginia: Laws, Tips, and Secrets

How to Go Metal Detecting in Texas to Find Valuable Treasure

Metal Detecting in North Dakota: Laws, Clubs, Where to Detect

Pin It on Pinterest