Brother in Arms... turf war

[chavo60]

Im new to the hobby but highly addicted. I got home from work yesterday around 7:30pm. By the time i changed into my gear and got out to the neighborhood tot lot the sun was coming down. I was happy to see another person MDing in the same lot. I wasnt sure if I should leave or stick around.

I stuck around but kept my distance. I started by the baseball field which is about 50 yards away and worked myself back closer to the lot. I found some clad and would notice the gentleman, an elderly man, looking at me every time i got down on my knees to dig. I was hoping he would spark a conversation.... he did but not the way i was hoping.

He approached me and asked if I had found anything worth keeping. I opened my pouch and pulled out mostly clad and one 1/2 dollar coin. He then told me the coin was his.... i smiled. He said, "im serious, i was here first and that would of been mine if you didnt show up."... I didnt want to be disrespectful but felt I had to defend my find. I said, "im sorry i can leave if you like me to but i found this coin by the baseball field away from where you were hunting."

He walked away and I drove home... it was too dark to stick around anyway....

What do you all suggest I do next time?... i felt bad for hunting in the same area but he could have easily skipped the coin even if i wasnt there. Should i have given it to him?

Thanks guys....