I think metal detecting is becoming a dying hobby ....

[JimmyCT]

When I started detecting in 2006, parks and schoolyards were loaded with quarters.
My thoughts were at the older schools, once silver coin finds decreased, folks moved on or quit, then all the clad built up years afterwards.
My buddy digs quite a few zinc penny signals along with low numbers which could be a gold ring and he has found 9 class rings over the years, but in the 20 years I have been detecting with him, I think he has only found two class rings and I have only found one.
We both have found other gold rings, but not very often…..it takes much more patience when detecting inland.
Using the 800 a couple years ago, I dug all nickel signals that year and found 423 nickels and not one piece of gold.
Like you, I am concerned with Lyme disease along with other diseases you can catch from ticks, so I only venture into the woods when it is cold.
Have you ever thought of trying some rivers up your way that have alot of activity during the summer?
I decided to try one down my way a couple years ago and have done quite well there finding over 200 quarters and even an old 1700’s large cent.
It has gotten to the point that I look for areas where others have overlooked or figure nothing is there in public places and have done quite well at times.
While you are out scouting for places to detect, keep an eye out for gravel parking lots…..I found one down my way a few years ago and it was loaded with coins and mostly quarters surprisingly….some were just laying on top of the gravel, but not easy to see.

Mostly quarters huh?
Maybe you adjust your detector to only pick up quarters

 

[fwcrawford]

Mostly quarters huh?
Maybe you adjust your detector to only pick up quarters

Maybe…..

 

[Ism]

I don't think detecting is close to dead, but it may depend on the individual detectorist site preference. Public sites are on life support IMO as replenishment is almost non-existent.
Price of precious metals has reduced the losses at beaches and sports fields to a trickle. Most of new drops turn out to be costume jewelry or metals like titanium or tungsten carbide.
Private property is rife with opportunities, but that takes research and face to face contact which I've found to be the best way to get approval. But the potential for gold jewelry or coin find is rare.
City tear outs (like sidewalks and roads) also require constant research as the window of opportunity are small. I have only hunted a couple of those opportunities and haven't been very lucky.
That's my perspective on the subject.