SEARCH TACTICS

🌲 Forest searching

The forest is history's archive. The ground hasn't been plowed for centuries.

• **Pros:** Finds come out in near-perfect condition
• **Tactics:** Old paths, huge trees (landmarks), clearings
• **Gear:** A sniper coil — to maneuver between roots

🏖️ Beach searching

• **Golden rule:** Dig everything non-ferrous plus questionable iron. Gold sounds quiet
• **Locations:** The surf line, spots where people wade in
• **Timing:** After a storm or early in the morning
• **Winter:** February–March on beaches is ideal — no tourists, and the snow is melting

🚜 Field searching (test pits)

• **House pits:** Lots of pottery and brick — a house once stood here. Remove soil in layers
• **Plow lines:** The plow scatters hoards. Look for the core (center) of the scatter
• **Technique:** Cut a 15×15 cm square plug, not a hole. A sieve is your second pair of eyes