Metal Detecting Security - Defend Yourself

Our country is becoming more dangerous every day, and regardless of your politics, it probably affects you and your hobby more disproportionally (big word there) than most people. The reason being, of course, you are out and about a lot, and more exposed to those interested in doing you dirty, or doing you in. The common citizen's biggest security threat is themselves; head down and locked 85 to 95 percent of the time, head stuck in their little plastic screens. Situational awareness is out the window. A large gorilla with a ball bat could easily sneak up on them. Metal detectorists have a similar problem; head down and locked attentive to their VDI panel, their sweeping coil, or on their knees, head down and digging the target, and not paying attention to the world around them. This may be their last mistake. 

As a treasure hunter you drag around thousands of dollars' worth of expensive, high-tech equipment. And nobody notices anything "expensive" more than a criminal. And for some reason I have not been able to fathom, Florida recently invited every criminal, thug and Ne'er-do-well to join us here in paradise so chances are good this will get worse before it gets better. I can relate a true story from several years ago. A woman went for a late afternoon water hunt at a public beach that had been cleared after a sudden thunderstorm. Very few people anywhere, but she still waded out and was hip-deep metal detecting. She was water hunting intently, then suddenly noticed some guy pacing her on the beach. No one else for miles. He yelled a few things at her, but the waves drowned out his speech. She was getting nervous, and started wading back to her car, but the man kept pace with her, as she struggled against the current with her gear. 

1.59-ounce pressurized pepper spray

She was getting desperate, and cold, and it was getting dark. The guy stood stock still and just stared at her. Her phone was back in the car, a quarter mile away, while the man just silently glared at her, glancing left and right once in a while. Suddenly a grumbling noise came bouncing up the deserted, darkening beach, the bright headlights illuminating the sand. The man quickly jogged away as the beach patrol pulled up with two lifeguards aboard. They asked her if she was okay and loaded her and her gear aboard. They took her back to the parking lot and her car. She told them about the man, and they looked for him on the way back, but he must have raced up one of the beach access points, because he was nowhere to be seen. She was safe and sound and LUCKY because who knows what might have happened if the lifeguards had not arrived? 

Lesson one, don't hunt a deserted beach alone, especially at night. Unless you have a buddy with you. And carry your cellphone in a waterproof case on a lanyard. And even with a buddy, have lethal or non-lethal defensive weapons with you for protection if you feel you may need them. Unlike most of the states in the Union, who do their level best to make it illegal to defend yourself, Florida allows citizens to legally carry, concealed or unconcealed, a pepper spray or pepper jell as long it does not exceed 2 oz. You can pick one up for around $14 or so. Learn how to use it online, many videos show you how. And PRACTICE using it on a target, as most will shoot 15 to 20 feet. 

My ex-policeman friend says draw a face on a paper plate, stick on a post or a fence and practice spraying a chemical-loaded figure 8 across the eyes, nose and mouth. Do it again, if necessary, especially in the mouth!  Another handy deterrent is an eight-ounce portable air horn. It fits in your pocket and will actually hurt your ears when you press the button! And that's with it pointing AWAY from you! Imagine the effect in FRONT of the horn? And it will get quick attention. You can pick one of these little noisemakers for about $7 at any sporting goods store. Recently, Florida passed a law allowing anyone (with certain exceptions) to carry a concealed firearm without a permit. Of course, it's a good idea to get a CCW permit anyway, take firearm training, go to a range to practice and know what you are doing and what the law is.

An air horn will blow the ears off of an attacker and get attention real quick.

Last but not least is set up a routine while you are hunting, by making it a habit to keep your situational awareness updated frequently by keeping you head on a swivel. If a situation seems to be developing, or you see something sketchy, LEAVE IMMEDIATELY!  It would be, in my opinion, in your best interest to remove yourself from any situation that may force you to use deterrents of any kind. Being thrown in jail for unprovoked assault is not going to be pleasant. These same practices will work also in parks and fields unless there is a posted sign restricting these types of deterrents. You must comply with all laws and regulations when using these devices, and this is simply information on devices useful for defending yourself in metal detecting situations. I am not a lawyer, and it is your responsibility to use this information legally and responsibly! Stay safe and stay aware!