Detecting Etiquette Question

[JoeR]

I always take time to talk to anyone that approaches me, but I don't consider MDing a social activity so I don't make any attempt to talk to anyone. If I see someone MDing in a particular area I will go someplace else. If I am at the beach I will just move down the beach a bit.

I think you'll find the same cross section of society among metal detector it's as you will find anyplace else. Some folks will be happy to talk to you. Some might not. You'll never know unless you try.
Joe

 

[Captain Silver]

Dirt digging in the parks around here is a social thing, especially on weekends...post up a good hunt and you'll have company the next day I enjoy seeing friends and also meeting other diggers, talk for a bit and see who's running what and how it's set up. Beach hunting can be another story...people there sometimes have that gold fever and don't want you near them

 

[CoiltoSoil]

I rarely see anyone detecting the parks when I am, Only once have I run into people detecting parks while I was there and that was about 18 years ago lol, now the beach is another story, but I rarely hunt beaches. I try to avoid places with crowds as I don't feel like people bothering me when I detect, I don't mind the occasional conversation but some people can be pushy, as can their kids. Like I said I don't mind talking but I'm not letting anyone try my $1500 dollar detector, a question which sometimes comes up.

 

[screndname]

i always say hi and introduce myself then give them plenty of room.

 

[ohiochris]

Ive walked over and talked to a few , some are friendly and willing to talk and some are not , they just keep hunting and act like I am not there even though I know they see me....that can be awkward. Usually when someone is actively swinging the coil and they see someone else heading their way they naturally think you may be trying to move in on their personal space.....of course there are people who actually do that and they will come right up and hunt next to or in front of you and get all in your way , so I dont blame someone for thinking the worst of the situation. Best thing to do is wave , then wait until they stop or take a break , then go over and say hello. That way you arent disturbing anybody and you have a moment to chat.

 

[LordOfTheZincs]

If I ever walk up to another MDer to chat and they ignore me like I'm some kinda leper, I'm gonna jamb my pinpointer so far up their.....
Well, let's just say that would be rude of them........

 

[corij]

was on a big beach one stormy morning detecting and way in the distance saw a guy walkin my way into a headwind . eventually he caught up to me but then realized i wasnt who the old friend he thought i was . proceeded to tell me he was local ,this beach was cluttered with aluminium ,no coins anywhere

i then showed him a few coins id already found in my pocket and he went on his way .

 

[crusader234]

If I spot another detectorist, Ill make a beeline to them and be all smiles and chat. Then Im off doing my own thing. I cant not say hello.

 

[hoser]

I think I have only come across one other person detecting maybe twice. Both times we spoke for a short time, and then I moved away from where they were hunting so as to not interfere with their hunting. Never had a problem.

 

[GA1dad]

I try to always shake a hand and introduce myself.

Recently I saw two guys hunting an area in my home town. I wasn't detecting, but decided to stop and say Hi. We chatted for a bit and exchanged phone numbers, and I soon left, continuing with my errands. About two hours later I received a phone call from one of them celebrating a silver find. Since I was just moments away, I swung by and viewed the find. You never know what a handshake could lead to.