Relic Hunting with a Metal Detector
Relic Hunting with a Metal Detector: Complete Guide
Master the art of historical treasure hunting with proven strategies, expert equipment recommendations, and field-tested techniques
Introduction
Coinshooting and relic hunting are probably the two most popular categories of metal detecting, and the two with the most overlap. If you're hunting for old coins, you will find a bunch of relics, and if you're relic hunting, you're likely to find a few coins eventually. Many of the techniques used in coin hunting serve you well in relic hunting, except that you won't be discriminating out iron.
Relic hunting represents the most historically-oriented branch of metal detecting, where enthusiasts uncover tangible connections to the past. Whether you're seeking Civil War artifacts, pioneer tools, or colonial-era treasures, this pursuit combines adventure, history, and the thrill of discovery. Just as collectors value historic gold coins for their historical significance beyond precious metal content, relic hunters prize artifacts for their stories and cultural importance.
Table of Contents
- Understanding what qualifies as historical relics
- Research strategies for finding productive sites
- Legal considerations and obtaining permissions
- Advanced fieldwork and detection techniques
- Different types of historical sites to target
- Best metal detectors for relic hunting
- Essential tools and equipment for relic hunters
- Safety protocols and best practices
Understanding what qualifies as historical relics
"Relics" can describe anything from old tools, old toys, horse tack, household items, and hand-forged nails. War relics include old swords, bullets, and uniform buttons. These artifacts provide tangible connections to past civilizations and ways of life, making them invaluable for understanding history.
Household Items
- Cast iron cooking implements and utensils
- Hand-forged nails and hardware
- Buttons, buckles, and clothing fasteners
- Pottery shards and glass fragments
Agricultural Relics
- Horse tack and harness hardware
- Farm tools and implements
- Horseshoes and ox shoes
- Plow points and cultivator teeth
Military Artifacts
- Uniform buttons and insignia
- Bullets, shell casings, and projectiles
- Bayonets and weapon components
- Camp equipment and personal items
Personal Effects
- Jewelry and decorative items
- Coins and tokens
- Children's toys and marbles
- Religious medallions and crosses
Historical Value Assessment
Just as numismatists evaluate coins for both intrinsic precious metal value and historical significance, relic hunters must consider artifacts within their historical context. Understanding the periods and cultures that inhabited your hunting areas enhances both the discovery process and the appreciation of your finds.
Research strategies for finding productive sites
Relic hunting takes a bit of "History Detective"-style work, as well as some good old-fashioned fieldwork to find places that aren't hunted out. That shouldn't discourage you, since hunting old historical stuff is what got you into relic hunting in the first place!
Research Is Job One
Hit the local historical society and library for books about the early history of your area. Old photos, maps, and stories from old-timers can put you on the track of good sites to hunt. Plat maps and deeds from the early history of your county, and old aerial photos to spot ruins or depressions of old roads are also good resources.
Historical Sources
- Local historical societies and archives
- County courthouse deed records
- Old photographs and postcards
- Oral histories from longtime residents
- Newspaper archives and obituaries
Mapping Resources
- Historical plat maps and property deeds
- Old topographical surveys
- Aerial photography archives
- Sanborn fire insurance maps
- Military survey maps and battle plans
Digital Tools
- Google Earth historical imagery
- GIS databases and land records
- Online archaeological databases
- Historical weather and geological data
- GPS coordinate mapping systems
Professional Research Approach
Once you have the location of an old site narrowed down to a general area, old topographical maps are an invaluable resource. One relic hunter used an old topographical map to find the location of an 18th century Indian trading post on the Ohio River. The creek where the trading post was built had disappeared, but he found where the dry creek bed met the river by using an old topographical map.
Legal considerations and obtaining permissions
Ignorance is no excuse if you're caught somewhere metal detecting is not allowed. You risk seizure of your machine, fines, and even jail time. Trespassing on private property to hunt relics can get you shot!
Public Land Regulations
Some public areas require a metal detecting license, some do not, and some are completely off-limits. Research local, state, and federal regulations before detecting.
Private Property Protocols
Always obtain written permission from landowners before detecting. Offer to split any finds with them if they refuse permission at first.
Archaeological Protections
Understand laws protecting archaeological sites and Native American artifacts. Some finds may require reporting to authorities.
Documentation Practices
Keep detailed records of permissions, locations, and finds. This protects you legally and aids historical research.
Legal Consequences
To avoid misunderstandings, try to get permission in writing from landowners before detecting on private property. Just as investors research regulations before purchasing precious metals, relic hunters must understand and comply with all applicable laws governing their activities.
Advanced fieldwork and detection techniques
Now that you have an area pinpointed on a map, it's time to get out there and find it! With so many smartphones having GPS and navigation apps, getting to a promising area can be as simple as using Google Earth to determine GPS coordinates and loading them into your phone.
Boots on the Ground
Don't just rely on your phone, though. Bring a map, or a printout of a digital map, and something to write notes on it with. A pocket notebook with your research notes wouldn't hurt, either. Carefully go over the location you're scouting.
Site Reconnaissance
- Look for flat spots in uneven ground indicating building sites
- Search for pottery, glass, or brick concentrations
- Identify depressions that may have been cellars
- Examine very old trees for settlement indicators
Systematic Coverage
- Work trails leading to/from water sources
- Grid out large areas methodically
- Use flags to mark finds and reveal patterns
- Work fields from edges inward diagonally
Detection Strategy
- Sweep with minimal or no discrimination
- Make slow, overlapping passes
- Double-scan holes before refilling
- Check around stone walls and foundations
Documentation Methods
- GPS coordinate recording for significant finds
- Photography of artifacts in context
- Detailed field notes and sketches
- Site condition and weather recording
Professional Field Practice
When working a field, use small flags to mark your finds to gain a picture of the layout of the old settlement. Your local home improvement store will sell packs of those little wire stake flags used by utility companies. (Remember to remove all flags and FILL ALL HOLES, even in empty fields, before you leave.)
Different types of historical sites to target
Different historical periods and settlement types require specialized approaches and knowledge. Understanding the characteristics of various site types improves your success rate and historical interpretation skills.
Early Settlement Sites
Look for stone walls, foundations, depressions, old springs or wells, and trash pits downhill from habitation areas. Gardens are good spots to look for coin hoards, as wives often buried their "egg money" in jars while tending gardens.
- Stone walls and foundations
- Sunken roads and wagon ruts
- Water sources and river fords
- Garden areas and root cellars
Military & War Sites
Since many battlefields are protected as national parks, hunt adjoining private lands where battles may have spilled over. Research winter camps, staging areas, and march routes between major battles.
- Skirmish and encampment sites
- March routes and river crossings
- Winter quarters and staging areas
- Supply lines and depot locations
Ghost Towns & Mining Sites
Western ghost towns, abandoned railroad spurs, and stagecoach stops offer rich hunting. Pioneer wagon trails are productive as settlers discarded items to lighten overloaded wagons.
- Mining camps and boom towns
- Railroad construction sites
- Stagecoach routes and stops
- Pioneer wagon train routes
Look for fire rings near campsites and resting spots. If research shows that a column went X miles when marching from one point toward another, find out which roads existed back then that would have been big enough to move troops, then go that same X miles and look for likely spots where the soldiers would have rested. Check along stone walls, sunken lanes, water sources such as creeks and springs, and old river fords where troops may have crossed.
Best metal detectors for relic hunting
You can get by with a standard metal detector when relic hunting. Many great finds have been made with a sub-$200 detector. However, the dedicated relic hunter is going to want something tuned especially for hunting relics. This means a good adjustable ground balance, deep depth, and a sensitivity to pick the good targets out of the large amount of trash you will encounter.
| Category | Recommended Models | Key Features | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level | Bounty Hunter Tracker IV, Garrett Ace 250, Tesoro Compadre | Basic discrimination, good sensitivity, easy operation | Under $300 |
| Mid-Range | Garrett AT Pro, Tesoro Vaquero, Whites MXT | Ground balance, deeper penetration, better target ID | $300-$800 |
| Professional | Minelab E-Trac, Tesoro Tejon, XP Deus | Advanced discrimination, maximum depth, multi-frequency | $800+ |
Tesoro Advantage in Relic Hunting
You may notice more Tesoro metal detectors listed in this guide than in others. While most Tesoros do not have a fancy video screen, they have a reputation for sensitivity and going deeper than some of their competition. The downside is that you have to learn the tones for different types of targets. Any of the machines listed would make a good entry-level relic hunter.
Investment Considerations
Just as precious metals investors often start with smaller positions before tracking gold market performance and making larger investments, relic hunters should consider starting with proven entry-level models before investing in professional-grade equipment. Your experience and local conditions will guide equipment upgrades.
Essential tools and equipment for relic hunters
Relic hunters sometimes require heavier duty digging implements than coin shooters, due to hunting in areas where the dirt has been packed down. Also, since many relics are larger than a coin, they can be spotted much deeper than coins are.
Digging Tools
- Heavy-gauge metal shovel for deep targets
- All-metal construction to prevent handle breaks
- Quality digger like Fiskars or Japanese "hori hori"
- Serrated edge for cutting roots and sod
The last thing you want is for a digging tool to bend or break while out on a remote dig.
Detection Accessories
- Pinpointer for precise target location
- Multiple coils for different conditions
- Headphones for better audio discrimination
- Extra batteries and charging equipment
Popular pinpointer brands include Garrett Pro-Pointer, Detectorpro Pistol Probe, and Whites TRX.
Field Equipment
- Finds pouch or backpack for large relics
- GPS device and detailed maps
- Camera for documenting finds in context
- Field notebook and writing materials
Many relics may be too large to fit in pockets and require dedicated storage.
Safety & Comfort
- Sturdy gloves for protection during digging
- Good boots for uneven terrain
- First aid kit and emergency supplies
- Water, snacks, and weather protection
Jeans protect from briars and poison ivy common in historical sites.
Ask fellow detectorists if they've ever stuck a find in their pocket and found it was missing when they got home, and most of them confess it has happened to them. Many of the relics you dig are going to need a lot of cleaning when you get home, and may have sharp edges. They may also simply be too big to fit in a pocket. Bayonets, axe heads, and receivers to old rifles are just a few of the items you could find, and make you wish you had a backpack.
Safety protocols and best practices
Relic hunting involves unique safety considerations beyond typical metal detecting activities. Historical sites may contain hazardous materials, unstable structures, and potentially dangerous artifacts.
Critical Safety Warning
DO NOT DIG EXPLOSIVES. Sure, it's exciting to find an old cannonball, artillery shell, or old cartridges, but they will blow up and kill you. Every few months, news circulates of an expert relic hunter that brought home one too many cannon balls and blew up his garage and himself trying to clean it. Don't do it, no matter how good you think you are. Call the bomb squad.
Explosive Ordinance
- Never handle suspected unexploded ordinance
- Mark location and contact authorities immediately
- Assume all military projectiles are live
- Stay away from suspected explosive devices
Site Hazards
- Watch for unstable foundations and walls
- Be aware of old wells and cellars
- Test ground stability before walking
- Avoid hunting alone in remote areas
Environmental Safety
- Check weather conditions before trips
- Carry emergency communication devices
- Know first aid for cuts and injuries
- Be aware of wildlife and plant hazards
Ethical Practices
- Fill all holes completely before leaving
- Remove trash and foreign objects
- Respect private property and permissions
- Report significant archaeological finds
Professional Relic Hunting Tips
- Turn discrimination down as low as tolerable
- Make slow sweeps allowing detector recovery time
- Grid out areas systematically for complete coverage
- Double-scan holes before refilling them
- Ground-balance against ruins and scan behind bricks
No matter which metal detector you use to hunt relics, these "best practices" will maximize your finds while maintaining safety and ethical standards.
Conclusion
Relic hunting is the most historically-oriented branch of metal detecting, and can be very rewarding for those who appreciate tangible connections to the past. Success requires combining thorough historical research, proper equipment, legal compliance, and systematic field techniques.
Just as serious collectors research the historical significance of precious metals and rare coins, dedicated relic hunters invest time in understanding the historical context of their finds. This knowledge transforms simple metal objects into windows to past civilizations and ways of life.
Whether you're seeking Civil War artifacts, pioneer tools, or colonial-era treasures, remember that each find represents a story waiting to be told. The real reward comes not just from the discovery itself, but from the historical knowledge gained and preserved for future generations.
It is up to each of us to preserve and protect our sport for ourselves and others, and present a positive view of metal detecting to the public. By following ethical practices, obtaining proper permissions, and prioritizing safety, we ensure that future generations can continue to uncover and learn from these precious links to our shared heritage.
Have fun, hunt safely, and preserve history!
Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only. Always research and comply with local, state, and federal laws regarding metal detecting and artifact recovery. Obtain proper permissions before detecting on any property. Safety should always be your top priority when relic hunting.