Thanks for watching! I just checked out your channel (I subbed too!) and I'm looking forward to watching more of your videos. It's very cool to see colonial relics; we don't have many finds here in the Pacific Northwest that are that old. To me anything before 1900 counts as "old"...

Thx watched your crayfish video. That was awesome!

Thanks Aaron! Parks are a great place to detect, especially when you're starting out. If you're not sure about the rules for detecting just give the city's parks department a call. They're usually happy to help, and grateful you took the time to check with them first. In larger cities, they'll sometimes issue you a permit (whenever I've done this they've waived the fee so the permit was free). In smaller towns they often don't have a permit system and you might just have to discuss it with someone over the phone. My advice on this: When calling, never use the word "dig"! Explain that you'll be very careful to cut a small plug, retrieve the item, and replace the plug (like a divot in golf) so that it will not damage the sod and it will look like it did before you got there. For extra points, mention that you'll take out any trash you find. Once they realize that you're not going to cause any damage (and, in fact, you'll actually be helping remove trash), they'll likely give you the go-ahead. Oh, and be sure to follow up and actually do this! Cut neat plugs and take care to replace them nicely. When you find trash like shredded aluminum can bits, take them with you. If anyone approaches you with concerns, you can show them these bits of sharp metal you've removed which has made the park safer for pets and barefoot kids. Hey, you're doing them a favor (and maybe finding a few coins and rings, of course...). Good luck and happy hunting!

Western Eclectic Thank you, excellent advice! I was turned down by a nearby town because of the “digging” aspect. I did compare it to replacing a divot on a golf course but they still said no. I need to push the “collecting trash” angle though. My home town never responded to my email, so I’ll probably just go for it.

@@BlacktailShadow You're right: In my experience people not familiar with detecting assume you'll be digging huge deep holes with a full-size shovel and damaging the lawn. It can be hard to help them understand that this isn't at all what you'll be doing. I tend to call instead of email; it's a little easier to convince someone over the phone and you can answer their questions right away. Having said that, if you can't find anything that expressly prohibits metal detecting at the park, you're probably OK to just go for it. If anyone approaches you, you can explain that 1) you've already checked the park rules and feel you're OK to detect, 2) you're being extra careful not to do any damage, 3) you're removing trash (especially those dangerous sharp pieces of scrap metal!), and 4) this is just a hobby for you, not for making money, and by allowing you to enjoy the park in this way they're doing something nice for you too. You'll be a good ambassador for the hobby, and will make it more likely all of us will get more permissions in the future.

I can't comment directly on the other two detectors as I haven't personally used either of them, but from what I've heard they are both very good. So far I've been happy with the Patriot. One thing to keep in mind: They all detect metal! As long as you're using a modern detector, the biggest thing is to get out there and put in the time swinging the coil. I found some great finds with my $91 Tracker IV, and enough clad to cover the cost of the detector. I believe that taking the initiative to do some research and to get out and knock on doors for permissions is way more important to good hunting than having the fanciest detector with a ton of features. With that said, having good equipment is definitely a plus and I don't think you'll go wrong with any of the detectors you listed. Good luck!

Thanks! And I totally agree: I always love to find silver coins (who doesn't?), but I'm still happy if I come home with a decent amount of clad. It's just fun to get out there and dig some coins, even if they're modern.