Grass strip reminder

[jim tn]

Many of us I know do hunt the grass strips between the sidewalk and street gutter, but I want to say that they do deserve the same careful searching as one does on the larger pieces of ground. By careful, I mean repeat efforts and from different directions. Most often, we search them length wise and while this perhaps gets the majority of coins and the occasional lost jewelry item, it doesn't get it all. Of late, I have been re-hunting these strips cross ways...from the sidewalk across the strip out to the gutter and have pulled numerous missed coins (4 silvers... 1 war nickel, 2 dimes and 1 quarter plus a few wheats) and 2 silver rings. I've been swinging my F 75 LTD and using the small 5" coil and paying close attention to getting the little coil along the sidewalk and gutter edges. Almost all my recoveries were on edge or co-located with some trash item and by searching cross ways allowed me to hit the coins and jewelry that were otherwise masked or were just a short chirp swinging from the other direction. I am also finding that searching shallow ditches that border some of my sites this way is paying off, as well. HH jim tn

 

[JeffNS]

Found a 1947 Canadian Silver quarter on one of those hot spots. Have to kind of play it neighborhood by neighborhood...many home owners consider this piece of real estate as their own...common space in my province. That being said...it is also law that home owners are responsible for maintaining this strip of grass. Common sense prevails...NEVER argue if a home owner asks you to leave...just politely move to another neighborhood. Great resource for sure....parade routes...military processions...people getting in and out of cars...fumbling with keys...public transit stops....think about it. These little oasis of grass in our urban centers have seen it all...throughout the ages. I'm reserving these areas for fall hunting...or after I've exhausted myself hunting the parks and beaches.

 

[jim tn]

The strips I've been hunting are now a park that was once several square blocks of military housing. The sidewalks, streets, some parking lots and a few foundations still remain. Ultimately, no home owners to deal with. Very seldom do I hunt neighborhood strips, for the reasons you mentioned. I do hunt those that border old schools, parks, old fairgrounds, and the like. HH jim tn

 

[jmaryt]

easements can be proverbial "glory" holes if you will!..i have found my share hunting them over the years!
often overlooked by experienced hunters "hell" bent on hunting other areas that 'look" more promising!
take the time to search out the "older" neighborhoods,and you WILL score coins and jewelry!.shhhhh!
keep this a secret will ya!..he! he! he!..

(h.h!)
j.t.

 

[Steve in Indianapolis]

[size=large]You are going to have to be a diplomat. Most homeowners are very protective of these areas.

I realize that unless there is a city ordinance to the contrary, you are within your rights to hunt these strips. But since the owners are responsible for maintaining these strips, they can make an issue....mainly calling the police.

I had a conversation with a police officer in front of the home of an irate homeowner some time ago. The gist of our conversation is yes, the strips are city property. However, if the police are called, it is their job to "maintain the peace." In order to "maintain the peace," the officer placates the homeowner by "asking" you to move on. If you don't want to, and say you don't want to, it then becomes an issue of refusing to obey a lawful order of a police officer and THAT is known as disorderly conduct however politely stated and said police can politely cuff and stuff you. SO! If you are accosted by a home owner, wish them a good day and LEAVE! Not just the front of their house but the entire street. There are other strips and it's not worth it to make an issue. You will lose.[/size]

 

[markg]

Very good reminder.

Many of us I know do hunt the grass strips between the sidewalk and street gutter, but I want to say that they do deserve the same careful searching as one does on the larger pieces of ground. By careful, I mean repeat efforts and from different directions. Most often, we search them length wise and while this perhaps gets the majority of coins and the occasional lost jewelry item, it doesn't get it all. Of late, I have been re-hunting these strips cross ways...from the sidewalk across the strip out to the gutter and have pulled numerous missed coins (4 silvers... 1 war nickel, 2 dimes and 1 quarter plus a few wheats) and 2 silver rings. I've been swinging my F 75 LTD and using the small 5" coil and paying close attention to getting the little coil along the sidewalk and gutter edges. Almost all my recoveries were on edge or co-located with some trash item and by searching cross ways allowed me to hit the coins and jewelry that were otherwise masked or were just a short chirp swinging from the other direction. I am also finding that searching shallow ditches that border some of my sites this way is paying off, as well. HH jim tn

 

[rick in mi]

Wow i just moved to an old town i will watch what iam doeing/sounds like alot of hassle.If I have a prob I will just move on.

 

[tvr]

Grass strips are great hunting. For rick in mi, I'd say make friends along the the way; one block at a time ... and see what other hunting leads turn up too.

 

[rick in mi]

Good point tvr.Never know maybe they will let me in their backyard!!!!!!

 

[gmanlight]

I have read one way streets, drivers side door can be productive,

 

[rick in mi]

Very good point gmanlight, i just took a swing through town in my truck and was thinking the very same thing. Here parking is on one side only,lucky enough though its on the side with no power lines!!But as you mentioned it will alwats be the pass. side,except on oneway streets...hhmmm

 

[marcomo]

Agree with Indy Steve 100%!

Sidewalk strips can be very fruitful, but if someone has a problem with you being there explain quickly and nicely that the reason you didn't ask first is that it's city property...apologize profusely anyway...and get out of Dodge. Totally out of their sight. Remember also that in many older areas parking is generally on the street, and if someone quickly sees you out of the corner of their eye by their car they may mistake you for someone tampering with their vehicle.

Like Steve said, regardless of legality, you will lose any arguments.

 

[jmaryt]

yes!..all this is true unfortunately!..attribute it to the times we live in!

(h.h!)
j.t.

 

[jim tn]

There have been very few times in my 38 year's of detecting that I felt comfortable about hunting blvd. strips in residential neighborhoods. We have the right to hunt them, but to me, under the circumstances of just driving into a neighborhood and began to hunt, it's just not worth the hassle. If one thinks about it, almost every school and park, just to mention two, has grass strips around them on their side of the street that are truly public domain. These along, allow for a good bit of hunting space. Anyway...HH jim tn

 

[jmaryt]

generally the easements i hunt are in "older" neighborhoods,and as such
the strips,for the most part are run down,and unkempt.this alleviates much of the 'stress"
associated with encountering "irate" individuals concerned about "well kept" areas,
i HAVE encountered "some" strips over the years that WERE taken care of,and i adjust my attitude,AND actions accordingly!
by this i mean, i would move on to avoid possible altercations!..in my view,they are still worth pursuing.

(h.h!)
j.t.

 

[rick in mi]

I have to agree with jim tn,I tried yesterday walked down the road swinging...........man every body was starring at me,it was very uncomfortable.I quit will look for something more public if you will!!!!!

 

[jim tn]

I pulled 2 silver Rosies from the blvds on the side of one of our old city parks this morning. While swinging away, people were walking by on their morning stroll or walking their dogs. A few did stop and ask me what I was finding. Most, though, paid me very little attention and continued on their way. Actually, in that kind of hunting grass strip setting, I think people are more "forgiving" of one's digging then when they see me digging "neat" holes out in the park. I have been hassled numerous times over the year's by someone accusing me of "killing the grass, bugs, insects and plants and digging manhole cover size holes." Which, of course, I don't. This very seldom has happened for some reason when I'm hunting grass strips bordering public places. By the same token, I certainly don't be-grudge anyone hunting neighborhood strips. It just isn't my cup of tea. HH jim tn

 

[jmaryt]

they think you are nuts!..probably!..i get that 'thousand yard" stare too!
it doesn't bother me any more,but if they say something to me,i just politely "move on!

(h.h!)
j.t.

 

[Flintstone]

Hay guys, if it bouthers you that much just get a note pad and pin, and act like you are looking for gas lines. When you find something dig it, then stand up and act like you are marking the line.

 

[jmaryt]

kool!..have to keep that in mind!....no reflection on them personally,but sometimes i wish
they would just take care of their own affairs ,and ignore us!..after thirty years,or so,it's gettin' kinda "old!"

(h.h!)
j.t.