With plentiful bays and rivers, and valleys, Massachusetts is a beautiful place to take a treasure hunting adventure. With rich agriculture and plenty of sandy areas, you’ll not be disappointed by the wealth of spaces you have to hunt. But what else should you know about the state of Massachusetts before you plan your hunting holiday?
We’ve compiled a list of what we think you need to know to get your next adventure started right away. So let’s get started, shall we?
Regulations That Detectorists Need to Follow
Massachusetts, like most places, has specific laws and regulations in place for those who are hoping to go metal detecting in Massachusetts. It is important that before you visit you know these laws and regulations so you won’t run into any fines or the possibility of arrests.
The regulations consist of different aspects of the Archeological Resources Preservation Act and the National Historic Preservation Act. Anyone who has an interest in detecting needs to follow the regulations below:
- If you are using a metal detector to dig up artifacts in Massachusetts, then you shall not dig up objects that are ancient (artifacts that are more than 100 years old).
- To use a metal detector on private property, you will need to have written consent from the property owner.
- To use metal detectors on public property such as the State National Parks, you will require written consent from a supervisor who is in charge of that particular area.
- Massachusetts encourages people to use metal detectors on beaches and trailer parks if they get written consent by a government official who is in charge of that particular area.
Interesting Places to Find Artifacts
Massachusetts has a vast history when it comes to historical artifacts. From remarkable landmarks to architecturally beautiful buildings, there is a vast infrastructure that is known to attract thousands of tourists each year. If you have an interest in archaeology, you can visit the below-given landmarks and try your luck:
- The Old Burying Point Cemetery – one of the most ancient sepulcher grounds that is present in Massachusetts
- Gallows Hill
- Saint Mary’s Cemetery
- Dungeon Rock Cave in Lynn
- Blue Rock at Cape Poge
- Deer Island
- Woods near Dalton
- Grounds of the Houghton Mansion in North Adams
- The Hoosac Tunnel – a 19th-century railroad tunnel, also known as the Bloody Pit
- The Grounds of the Colonial Inn (only with written consent)
- The disserted Belchertown State School
- The grounds of the Houghton Mansion
The Best Metal Detector to Use for Varying Soil
There are three primary kinds of soils in Massachusetts:
- Hinckley-Merrimach – Urban Land
- Canton-Charlton-Hollis
- Newport-Urban Land
The most typical soil that you can find in Massachusetts is the Hinckley-Merrimac Urban Land. This is a washed-out soil and is common in urban areas, mainstream gorges, and along the seaside area of Massachusetts.
The best metal detector for the soil in Massachusetts is the Minelab Equinox 800. This device is a top-notch detector, which supports a multi-frequency mode. It makes this machine an extremely productive and balanced tool.
The multi-frequency method helps to eliminate the need to scan the same position several times with various frequencies and reduces your fear of missing out on an extraordinary find. This machine is waterproof and submersible up to 10 feet.
The Minelab Equinox 800 can differentiate between rubbish and iron metals, and is also able to discover small and large items that are on different depths.
Using Metal Detectors on Beaches
Massachusetts boasts numerous options for individuals who love to beach comb, with 100 beaches to choose from. Some of the most popular beaches in Massachusetts are:
- Chatham Lighthouse Beach
- Crane Beach in Ipswich
- Joseph Sylvia State Beach
- Madaket Beach in Nantucket
- Horseneck Beach State Reservation
- Mayo Beach
- Mayflower Beach
- Marconi Beach
- Revere Beach
- Menemsha Beach
- Spectacle Island Beach
- Coast Guard Beach at Cape Cod
- Aquinnah Public Beach
Detecting Clubs
There are several clubs that you can be a part of, and enjoy your hobby as a group activity. Some of the most known clubs are:
- Gateway Treasure Hunter’s Club
- Silver City Treasure Seekers
- C.H.T. – Worcester County Treasure Hunters
- T.H.A.- Massachusetts Treasure Hunting Association
- Colonial Treasure Hunters Association
- Massachusetts Organization for Research & Recovery
- New England Treasure Finder’s Association
- P.P.A Shutesbury Chapter
What Else Can You Find?
Some of the few objects that you may end up finding if you’re lucky are:
- Ancient coins which include: gold and silver coins
- Priceless jewelry
- Gemstones were used for religious purposes in the Ancient Times
Metal Detectors and Massachusetts Forests
Using the Hinckley-Merrimac-Urban Land, individuals can locate and dig up ancient artifacts in the Massachusetts forests as long as they have written consent by the local government. Just a few of the woods that are ideal for using the Hinckley-Merrimac-Urban Land are:
- Barnstable
- Beartown
- Berkley
- Brimfield
- Chester-Blandford
- Erving
- Gilbert Hills
- Georgetown-Rowley
- Harold Parker
- Ludlow
- Manuel F. Correll
- Myles Standish
- October Mountain
- Pittsfield
- Shawme-Crowell
Where Can You Find Equipment?
There are only a hand-full of stores that sell metal detectors and other relevant equipment in Massachusetts:
- Detector Electronics Corporation
- Millivision Technologies
- A.J.P. Metal Detectors
- Treasure Quest Supply
- T.C. Metal Detectors
Final Thoughts
Massachusetts is a large playground for anyone willing and eager to go treasure hunting. The laws are relatively simple, and it is legal to conduct your search in most places. As long as you pay attention and do your research, the land will work to your benefit and provide you with days of hunting enjoyment.
