I'm new to the forum and to metal detecting in general and I am finding that women (especially; but not exclusively) have issues with going out alone. Because of the nature of the 'sport', we are often times alone in places we have never been before. Add to that that we are wearing headphones and cannot hear someone approaching us. Here are some things that I do to be a little more self assured.

Pay close attention when you get to a site. What cars are parked there? Is there anyone in them? If not, do you see a person somewhere? Is anyone walking around the area? Does anything or anyone seem out of place?

Have a plan. If someone approaches me; what will I do? Most of the time people approaching you are just curious, but be ready in case they have other intentions. What do I have to use as a weapon? Am I willing to use it? What does threatening behavior look like to me? This is important to think through. Predators look for people that seem ill-prepared. Catching someone off guard is what makes them successful.

If I am going to an area that I know little about, I do a little research first. Almost all states and local governments have sex offender registries that will tell you where they live and what their crime was; also how many offenses they have committed. Area crime reports list burglaries, muggings, robberies, assaults and other crimes that a person should be aware of in a given area. Check your local police departments web site or go to the station near your chosen site and check. Some towns even publish this info in the local paper.

As an ex Parole Officer I know that not all bad guys look like bad guys. Having had a large sex offender case load for a while, I also know that the really bad guys sometimes look just like your sweet old neighbor-- and sometimes it is. But also be aware that not all "Sex Offenders" are dangerous-generally speaking. Some have been convicted of ridiculous crimes and pegged sex offender by a semi-broken system. For instance, I have had several offenders that were 17 years old at the time of their crime. The crime-- their girlfriend was 16 and her parents found out that they were having consensual sex. Mom freaked out and the guy is tagged for life.

crimereports.com is an interactive site where you can get local information about recent crimes in your area. This site is linked to local police reports and are only as good as the people entering the info. Some small towns do not participate or do a poor job of getting the information entered. But they also have less violent crime overall, so they don't see it as important as others might. State Sex Offender registries can be found usually by checking your county Sheriff's Office website or use your search engine to find local registries. Understand that these are all based on REPORTED crimes. Nothing beats awareness of your surroundings and trusting your instincts.

This is suppose to be fun; Don't let paranoia ruin your hobby. It takes me about 10 minutes to check an area before I go. I am mostly focused on my next great find and getting some exercise; not on if I'm going to get mugged. My theory is when it ceases to be fun, it ceases to be.

Really good post! Thanks for sharing.

One thing I do is when detecting, I make sure I face the road/parking lot, etc. at all times.
It takes a little longer, because I usually work in rows, so I detect down to the end, walk back to starting point, and start over...as opposed to just turning around.
It doesn't always work, but if there are one or two directions from which people would come, I can keep an eye on it.

Great input. I will keep all of your suggestions in mind. I've recently switched over to a Bluetooth wireless earpiece instead of my headphones to help me stay aware of what's around me. With my old headset I'd find myself forgetting to keep track of anything except the beeps. The Bluetooth may not cut it with the serious guys (I'm probably not as able to hear the faint sounds), but I've found as many coins with it as I did with the headphones, I feel much more aware of other noises, and I feel less encumbered in case I need to run.

Good post, I agree we have to be a little careful out there these days. Things I do to keep safe..

When I go anywhere but my own neck of the woods, I go with my husband or a friend. I do mostly small town/rural hunting, so falls, injuries, snake bites, are all possibilities. Most of the time it's just smarter for me to have a buddy along.

I don't hunt in known high crime areas, ever. Pretty self-explanatory. I do pay attention to who and what is around me when I'm out there alone more than I probably do when with someone else.

When I do hunt alone, I stay in areas where there are people around usually withing hollering range. (think parks, lakes, etc.) I carry my cell phone fully charged, and my truck keys, and keep my truck (always locked!) in view as much as possible. (I can call for help if I break my leg, or hit the truck panic button if I think I need to get attention from others in the area.)

I also think ahead about what I'd do if someone grabbed or tried to grab me (pretty unlikely) or my detector (which is probably more likely) ... I was a cop for a long time, and part of surviving that job was visualizing
"what if" scenarios.

If somebody actually put hands on me, I'm afraid they'd get a trowel or my elbow in the face/neck or whacked across knees, shins, or chin with my detector. If you have a plan and think it through ahead of time, if, God forbid, anything ever happens, you have about a 100% better chance of getting yourself out of it than if you just don't think about it at all.

With that said, I don't obsess or worry about it, I'm just prepared mentally to do what it takes to have fun but always come home safe. Hope this helps you do the same!

Great input. Thanks!

Within the past year, I have gotten a lesche digger. They are a bit expensive but they are the greatest little steel shovels about 2-3 feet tall - with sharp narrow head to cut a perfect plug and the size and weight of a small baseball bat. It would be a good weapon if needed against an aggressor....

Oh, and I usually take my Lab with me.
He's completely harmless, but no one knows that

Here's what I came up with:
stun gun
pepper spray
concealed weapon (if legal)
dog
another person
camera (take photos of your surrounding, people, cars/license plates)
-If going alone: Tell someone exactly where you're going and when you'll be back, if possible. And if you're not back by a certain time to call you. Keep your cell phone with you fully charged. GPS if you've got it.

Great tips! I live in a fairly remote area but that doesn't mean there are not people around. I agree it's a little intimidating to be alone. I don't wear my headphones in those areas because no one is generally near me to hear so I'm very aware of the surrounding and noises. I also take my 80 pound Pit Bull with me, he's a big baby, but very intimidating.

Great posts ladies! I was excited to find a group of female MDers, but see it's been a long time since a new posting. Hope some of you are still active. H.H.!