Becoming a member is easy, print out a membership form available on the website, come to a meeting and meet the group.
When are the meetings?
Meetings are held the 4th Tuesday of the month. The December meeting may change depending on when Christmas falls on.
Where do we meet?
We meet at the american Legion Hall, 2625 Ingalls Ave. Joliet IL, 60435
We meet at the american Legion Hall, 2625 Ingalls Ave. Joliet IL, 60435
Before metal detecting anywhere especially cities, towns or villages, check with the local park district or the police department and verify was the law is.
Always secure permission before hunting on any private property! We have permission form available as examples. Make sure you have a way of contacting the permission grantor or written permission available.
What kind of detector should I buy, I'm new to the hobby?
Ask yourself these questions: How often will I be detecting? If you are new to the hobby and it's just a casual interest for now, look at the lower priced detectors. The cost will be acceptable and you can learn how to use the machine and gain experience. Entry level detectors in this range will cost between $150 to $350. White's, Garrett, and Fisher have equipment that will get you into the hobby. If you think this is the hobby for you, then a mid range detector maybe what you want to look at. More capabilities are available in these units and this level definitely finds more targets. Price point on this level will be between $350 to $650. If you really catch the detecting bug then a mid level detector will become a great back up machine when you decide to move up to the "I'm really serious" detectors.
Now that I have a detector, what else will I need?
Metal detecting add-ons are tools fall into several items. A strudy digging tool like a good garden trowel or even better a digger that's designed for the landscaping industry. A probe which is a small diameter rod, usually made of brass to probe the soil to find a shallow target. A pouch or carpenters apron to put your finds and trash into. The best tool for detecting is a pin pointer. This tool is used to find the target in the hole. Once the detector finds the target and you open the hole to get at it, it often becomes a game of hide and seek and a pin pointer makes it easier to find an elusive target.
Where can I learn more about detecting?
There are many sources with the best one is to find a metal detecting club to join. There you can find people who can show you the ins and outs as well as take you to productive places to detect. The Internet is another good source of information and sometimes not so good info. YouTube is a great place to find videos about detecting and your particular machine.
Are there any special concerns about detecting?
Many detectorist like to hunt by themselves. It gives them the freedom to go when and where they want to. Some like hunt with a buddy and others like group or club hunts. Some go to relatively "safe" spots and some to areas where that maybe a bit sketchy. The best advice is to let someone know where you're going and approximately when you be back. Carry a first aid kit for those cuts and dings we get while detecting. For those excursions into the woods or fields, a compass, a whistle, a flashlight, a knife and some matches. As one recognizable motto goes, "Be Prepared".