MA/RI Newbie

[Homerun04]

Hello. I am brand spanking new to MD'ing. It was something I always wanted to do, so my wonderful wife and two daughters decided to buy me my very first metal detector for my birthday last week. I have already been out three times and found some clad (I have lurked this site for the past week and assume that means loose change...?).

Anyway, any advice would be greatly appreciated. I have a Bounty Hunter Discovery 3300 unit. I assume "spot burning" is something of a no-no.....kinda like striped bass fisherman not giving away their secret holes. So I am not looking for specific locations as much as general advice on best places to look, how to MD, when to MD, etc.

Are there general things that novices should know? Thank again, and hopefully as time goes on I can add some insights into this very helpful board.

[jrdavis119]

Welcome aboard.....you have joined a really great hobby and a fantastic forum to learn and share with.
To try and answer some of your ??.....might depend on if you are just coinshooting or MDing in general. Some prefer the tot lots/playgrounds and parks, chances are good to find coins and sometimes jewelry there. Others prefer beaches or woods. In general, anywhere that people have been is a good place to hunt. I like finding coins of course but I really enjoy relics and researching the history of them. The main thing is to have a good time and always follow the MD'ers Code....especially to get permission if needed and leave the grounds as good or better than you found them. Finally, play with your detector and get accustomed to how it works and the tones/signals that it gives you. There is an old adage, "experience is the best teacher" and if this holds true anywhere, it's here.
Living in MA, you have an area to hunt that is loaded with history and therefore, lots of goodies to find!!
Best of luck and Happy Hunting!!!!!

[simonthesearcher]

Hello Homerun and welcome.

[FelixtheCat]

Welcome and good luck! I also have a 3300 and you will be very happy with it! I suggest that you go to tot lots to learn your machine in the nice easy sand. I started off there 6 months ago and really I am still having fun doing them with my 8 yr old son.

[Homerun04]

Thanks for the advice and welcomes....I can't wait to find something.....

[PocketChange]

Hi Homerun,

Where abouts do you live? I too am from the MA/RI area, Attleboro. I too have the 3300 as one of my detectors.
Maybe we can get out together sometime.
For starters, read and reread the instructions, do the air tests so you know the tone that your machine will make for each coin, pulltab. etc. Then start in your backyard.

HH
PocketChange

[Homerun04]

PocketChange -
I live in Blackstone. It is over by Uxbridge and Bellingham. I have been down to the beaches in RI twice already and found a ton of things. Mainly coins, pull tabs, bottle caps, and lots of trash. i did find a stainless steel watch band on my very first hunt. Talk about exciting.

I am thinking of other locations a little closer to where I live. My problem is I am having a toughtime thinking of locations that I can search that are either not privately owned, or where there isn't a ton of people. I also ant to go somewhere where I think I'll have a decent chance to find something - say an old fair ground or something. Any hints on what to think about when looking for a location?

Are thee any clubs in this part of MA...??

Thanks....

[mxtswinger]

Welcome to the forum HR! Sounds like you are off to a good start. If there are a ton of people then try to go when they aren't there, like 6 am Sun morn. or at night. Check to see if the grass strip between the streets and sidewalks is owned by the city. If so, hit it. Watch for old house demolitions, sidewalk tearouts, park resodding etc. Join your historical society for local leads , but don't mention detecting . Look at old city maps, older topo maps/aerial photos.

Read lots of old posts on forums. Dig every signal until you learn your machine well. Best of luck!

Kevin

[marmotte]

hi homerun hongkong fooey all the way dont think feel sounds like your of to a great start have fun man

[Treasurekidd]

Hi Homerun, and welcome aboard! This forum is a great place to start for a beginner, you'll find a lot of help here. I'm from RI myself, so if you ever get down this way, let me know!

[Homerun04]

TreasureKidd - thanks. I have been down to the RI beaches each night for the past few days, and plan to do mostly beach hunting.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[PocketChange]

Hey Homerun,

You have a lot of history right in your backyard, Relics and old coins are definite possibilities for you. I am familiar with Blackstone and it's surrounding towns in the valley.

A couple of places I would try.

The footpaths and woods along the Blackstone Gorge.
Tupper park
Cold Spring park in Woonsocket.
Millville Lock and the nearby towpaths.
The old Quaker Drive-In off River road in Uxbridge - (It's been a while since I've been out there - I know a lock and storage facility is on some of the site - I also heard they are building a big BJ's distribution center in that area, so this area might not be available any longer.)

If You have MS Word - send me your email addy and I will send you a very informative Treasure Hunting article on Mendon.

HH
PocketChange

[Homerun04]

PocketChange - that would be awesome....!!

I can't see your email addres as it is hidden.....go to my profile and you should see my email address there.

Thanks for all your help. Driving down the the RI beaches was getting old fast......

[OkieDigger]

Welcome to the forum!