H Desert Digger
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I've had park personnel come by and ask me in a joking manner, if I have found their diamond ring...
HDD
Can't believe this just happened...
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I've had park personnel come by and ask me in a joking manner, if I have found their diamond ring...
HDD
Dragonfire
Elite Member
sunday sunday sunday while all the busy bee's are reading that extra thick paper early in the morning is when I would start ..but i don't really find much in the fields as I do on the side lines and behind the benches
ohiochris
Elite Member
You can sneak in when nobody is around , but when somebody does happen to see you what they usually get so upset about is the lack of respect for others , atleast in their mind thats what it is. You may be technically legal until someone puts a stop to it but when they see you out there doing what they see as tearing up the maintained and cared for sports field and possibly putting someone at risk you are just confirming the negative rap metal detectorists have gotten over the years. Keep it up and watch as good opportunities slowly become off limits and you have nowhere to hunt. Its irresponsible to hunt sports fields when you know thats a hot button for a lot of people and bound to attract negative attention. But the choice is yours.
Better to dont and wish you did than to do and wish you didnt
Better to dont and wish you did than to do and wish you didnt
Chris R
Elite Member
A really good ballplayer I knew stepped in a hole and ruined his knee. It happened on a ball field. He was signed with the St. Louis Cardinals. His career was over before it began. No one knows why or how that hole got there. It was really deep to.
Dragonfire
Elite Member
must have been a Golfer
PhilB
Elite Member
Just because you can doesn't mean you should. I never dig on ball fields during the season. No matter how well you replace a plug, it can be dislodged pretty easily until the roots of the grass grow back into the surrounding soil. In my area the football and baseball fields are only used a few months a year. I have plenty of other areas to detect while the fields are being used. If an organization is actually paying 5 grand to rent the ball fields I can guarantee you'll be on the losing end if they complain about you. I would steer clear of the fields during the season but that is just me. I hope things work out for you.
Ice Scratcher
Elite Member
- Joined
- Oct 13, 2012
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- 18,347
Your a minor....
Call the police yourself and tell them you're just a "kid" and a strange adult man approached you and you feel threatened!
Gotta know how to turn them tables yo!
<*)))>{
Call the police yourself and tell them you're just a "kid" and a strange adult man approached you and you feel threatened!
Gotta know how to turn them tables yo!
<*)))>{
High Tone Drifter
Elite Member
Your a minor....
Call the police yourself and tell them you're just a "kid" and a strange adult man approached you and you feel threatened!
Gotta know how to turn them tables yo!
<*)))>{
+1
007tallguy
Elite Member
Silverfishin
Elite Member
Your a minor....
Call the police yourself and tell them you're just a "kid" and a strange adult man approached you and you feel threatened!
Gotta know how to turn them tables yo!
<*)))>{
Nice
I agree with those who say don't detect on playing fields during the season. The plugs are easily dislodged for at least a couple months afterwards. I would even say that during the offseason, don't dig plugs, just use a screwdriver and "pop" out the targets.
LordOfTheZincs
Elite Member
I hunt baseball fields a lot and kinda made it a rule when I started that I wouldn't hit the actual field part during the season. I hit the sidelines, high traffic areas, concession stands etc. this time of year. The sports complex on my little island is huge though, it has 3 baseball fields, 2 soccer fields, a football field and includes the grade school which has a playground area as big as a baseball field. So far there, (2yrs) I have gotten the typical "find anything?" and the "did you lose something?" things of that nature. But I have been there many times when the coaches/players are there doing practice and have even detected during some games with no problems but I stayed my distance, leaving an empty field in between me and the game. That way if any parents, coaches, whoever, have a problem with me then they have to intentionally walk across an empty field to confront me. I ran into the custodian of the school there one weekend as I was combing around and he asked me if the fiber optic cable went out again?! Yep, and all these coins are getting in the way of finding it! That was my thought but instead I told him it was my hobby and usually only find modern coins and trash but it got me out in the fresh air for a little exercise. (I need that after prison! ) J/K but that popped in my head too! 
But, I digress, don't let that dipsh** push you outta there. You're 16 and it sounds like he was kinda being an a**hole. Good thing it wasn't me when I was 16, I woulda ended up tying him up in a knot on the ground and thumping on him a bit. 
You handled it well, try a different approach, if he gets lippy again call the cops and tell em some dude is harassing you and you want to file a complaint. Let them come talk to you, even if it is 3 hrs later. They will have to find the guy and talk to him, with your help of course, hell you know when he will be there right? 
Also, when they come to talk to you , they will let you know at that point if you are doing anything wrong. Myself, I'm glad you're out doing your thing man. Much better alternative than prison. (so I hear anyways 
) GL HH
EDIT: Holy cra* this ended up looong!
Yep, and all these coins are getting in the way of finding it! That was my thought but instead I told him it was my hobby and usually only find modern coins and trash but it got me out in the fresh air for a little exercise. (I need that after prison! ) J/K but that popped in my head too! But, I digress, don't let that dipsh** push you outta there. You're 16 and it sounds like he was kinda being an a**hole. Good thing it wasn't me when I was 16, I woulda ended up tying him up in a knot on the ground and thumping on him a bit. You handled it well, try a different approach, if he gets lippy again call the cops and tell em some dude is harassing you and you want to file a complaint. Let them come talk to you, even if it is 3 hrs later. They will have to find the guy and talk to him, with your help of course, hell you know when he will be there right? Also, when they come to talk to you , they will let you know at that point if you are doing anything wrong. Myself, I'm glad you're out doing your thing man. Much better alternative than prison. (so I hear anyways ) GL HHEDIT: Holy cra* this ended up looong!
detectingpro
Senior Member
Your a minor....
Call the police yourself and tell them you're just a "kid" and a strange adult man approached you and you feel threatened!
Gotta know how to turn them tables yo!
<*)))>{
I will do this, if I go back.
I restrict my detecting of ballfields to the off-season. Use every opportunity to your advantage!
Don't be afraid of having the authorities called on you, if you feel that you're correct. Never know who will answer the call
Great thing about America, you have the right to be wrong. If no one's ox is being gored, then even if wrong, you will just be informed of your wrongness, and will have learned something.
Don't be afraid of having the authorities called on you, if you feel that you're correct. Never know who will answer the call
Great thing about America, you have the right to be wrong. If no one's ox is being gored, then even if wrong, you will just be informed of your wrongness, and will have learned something.
Tom_in_CA
Elite Member
- Joined
- Dec 23, 2013
- Messages
- 20,772
Chris, everything you're saying "rolls off the tongue", I know. And at first glance, who can dispute being "respectful" ? Who would want to "sneak around" ? who would want to be in a position later, of wishing they'd done something differently ? Who wants "negative attention" ? Who would want places "put off limits" ?
But IMHO, the devil is in the details.
Well I'm glad you admit it's "in their minds". And yes, my heart bleeds for them and their misconceptions too. But if the day ever comes where we are to appease all folks around us, that's the day you might as well hang it up. I mean, sure, use common sense, of course. But no, an occasional fluke can not rule our lives. Example: I even had a lady say my detector bothered her dog once [I think she thought it emitted a sound or frequency that only dogs hear ?
]
And while I know this particular spot involved a sports field (as opposed to other type park turf), sure. But everything you're saying, unfortunately, could equally be said of any part of the park, or a beach, etc....
So, as you can see, from the multitude of replies here: Sometimes it IS best to just choose better times. And avoid those lone kill-joys. Rather than simply cease detecting.
But IMHO, the devil is in the details.
Well I'm glad you admit it's "in their minds". And yes, my heart bleeds for them and their misconceptions too. But if the day ever comes where we are to appease all folks around us, that's the day you might as well hang it up. I mean, sure, use common sense, of course. But no, an occasional fluke can not rule our lives. Example: I even had a lady say my detector bothered her dog once [I think she thought it emitted a sound or frequency that only dogs hear ?
] And while I know this particular spot involved a sports field (as opposed to other type park turf), sure. But everything you're saying, unfortunately, could equally be said of any part of the park, or a beach, etc....
So, as you can see, from the multitude of replies here: Sometimes it IS best to just choose better times. And avoid those lone kill-joys. Rather than simply cease detecting.
mountain digger
Elite Member
Your a minor....
Call the police yourself and tell them you're just a "kid" and a strange adult man approached you and you feel threatened!
Gotta know how to turn them tables yo!
<*)))>{
I will do this, if I go back.
After having read the entire thread, I'll say you've gotten input...some good, some bad, and some otherwise. But since you've decided on using this, might I suggest that you offer to rent him your metal detector for $100/day or a longer term special rate of $500/week before you call the authorities to file your complaint. Tell him if the season is 2 months long, for a mere $4000 he can have his way. Will be a lot cheaper on him in the long term and you won't even really care that he's a 'spoiled adult brat'.
You seem to have pretty good judgment ... so continue to use it and life will be great!
I will do this, if I go back.
It shouldn't be IF you go back but WHEN you go back. I would have personally stayed and told him to call the authorities now. BUT that is me and lots on here know where I stand.
I like that country song. Something about you have to stand for something or you'll fall for anything.
No one walks in your shoes though. Do what you feel comfortable with. Enjoy the hobby.
Do this! And when confronted apologize and show them how you remove the targets without digging a hole or damaging the turf. Baseball cleats do a lot more damage to the turf than a screwdriver! If they still insist that you leave, it's up to you but the best bet is to leave until they're not there and then go back.
99% of good targets on a sports field are going to be less than 3" deep and most are right on the surface. Skip any deep signals and most of the time skip any signals that can't be picked up with your pinpointer. When I hit a target I lift my coil 4-5" off the ground, if it's gone then I skip it. Yeah, you might miss out on a good target or two, but it's rare and less digging means more targets and a better chance of hitting good drops.
1981Eagle
Full Member
Or ... just smile, slightly shake your head and in perfect English, and without any fake accent say, "I'm sorry, I don't speak any English."
When they point out that you said that in English, then you say (again in perfect English without a fake accent), "Yes - many people are confused by that - the only thing I know how to say in English is that I don't speak English" End with "Very Sorry." and turn and walk away.
I've done that to people I'd rather not speak with and it typically leaves them either slightly scratching their heads, or smiling.
When they point out that you said that in English, then you say (again in perfect English without a fake accent), "Yes - many people are confused by that - the only thing I know how to say in English is that I don't speak English" End with "Very Sorry." and turn and walk away.
I've done that to people I'd rather not speak with and it typically leaves them either slightly scratching their heads, or smiling.
Chipk
Elite Member
Had the exact same situation.
Was hunting a local football field ( off season) and the groundskeeper tries to run me off. I didn't argue, just asked for his boss's number and I called him. I carefully explained what I was doing and why ( looking for a lost Scouts ring). I offered to come to his office or meet him so I could show him what I was doing. He agreed to let me continue and I gave him my number if there was any problems.
On two occasions the groundskeeper tried to run me off and I referred him to his boss. I never heard any more but I try and go there on the weekends or evenings when he's not likely to be there.
Another time I was hunting another field when a man approached me. He was the President of the Little League and people were calling him to report I was digging massive holes in the fields. First I introduced myself and shook his hand. I showed him the contents of my full trash pouch with all the nasties inside. (HINT: NEVER start with an empty pouch. Keep a couple of sharp ugly finds inside in case you are approached at the beginning of a hunt!!) and the small handful of coins I had found. He looked puzzled and admitted he didn't see anything wrong with what I was doing. I then pointed to the field I had been in and asked him how many holes did he see. He admitted he couldn't see any I escorted him into the field and he was searching for one. He pointed out a couple of spots and I showed him they were mower tire tracks or armadillo digs. I pointed down at his feet and showed where one of my holes was located. He laughed and told me not to worry and left.
Was hunting a local football field ( off season) and the groundskeeper tries to run me off. I didn't argue, just asked for his boss's number and I called him. I carefully explained what I was doing and why ( looking for a lost Scouts ring). I offered to come to his office or meet him so I could show him what I was doing. He agreed to let me continue and I gave him my number if there was any problems.
On two occasions the groundskeeper tried to run me off and I referred him to his boss. I never heard any more but I try and go there on the weekends or evenings when he's not likely to be there.
Another time I was hunting another field when a man approached me. He was the President of the Little League and people were calling him to report I was digging massive holes in the fields. First I introduced myself and shook his hand. I showed him the contents of my full trash pouch with all the nasties inside. (HINT: NEVER start with an empty pouch. Keep a couple of sharp ugly finds inside in case you are approached at the beginning of a hunt!!) and the small handful of coins I had found. He looked puzzled and admitted he didn't see anything wrong with what I was doing. I then pointed to the field I had been in and asked him how many holes did he see. He admitted he couldn't see any I escorted him into the field and he was searching for one. He pointed out a couple of spots and I showed him they were mower tire tracks or armadillo digs. I pointed down at his feet and showed where one of my holes was located. He laughed and told me not to worry and left.
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