filling holes

[randy]

There is discussion on another thread that certain rules are being proposed because dectorists fail to fill their holes. I have no opinion on the reason for those rules, as one poster mentioned, it is 100% speculation. But I do want to talk about holes in general.

We all fill our holes, don't we? I think we actually do.

But we always seem to be claiming that _other_ dectorists don't fill theirs. Anyone reading this want to admit to being the "other dectorist"? I didn't think so, since we all fill our holes, don't we?

But, we've seen unfilled holes, haven't we? I know I have. I've even seen my old holes unfilled. What is happening here?

I dunno, but I feel like speculating. The way I detect a site is to grid it out meticulously, marking my progress over the site using kml files (Google Earth). This allows me to know where I've been and haven't been when I go back to work the site further.

When I go back, if I walk over where I have been, I see _my_ old holes unfilled! But I fill them, right? Of course I do. I'm not that "other guy", am I?

I don't think I am. I think my holes are being unfilled. Specifically, I think they are being unfilled by animals, such as rabbits, groundhogs, or even dogs. In another hobby, we have a problem of animals smelling the tiniest amount of food scent, and them disturbing the site because of the food odor. The animals in question have an incredible sense of smell.

Are animals unfilling my holes? They might be. I know I wear gloves when detecting and eat without the gloves on, so the food smell transferrence seems unlikely. But _something_ is happening. What is happening?

Anyone else had a similar experience or have any speculations on the question?

I know I make the effort to hard back the dirt back in with my heel, and then get the plug flush, to make sure this is less likely to happen. I also use a drop cloth to clean up any visible dirt tailings. Not sure if this helps or not.

 

[KOB]

Maybe if you stop filling your holes with peanuts and sunflower seeds you won't have the animal problems.

 

[vmc1161]

I have seen dogs dig up a hole I have done. I bet they are from New York because local dogs know better.

 

[Tom_in_CA]

There is discussion on another thread that certain rules are being proposed because dectorists fail to fill their holes. .....

I do not know which particular "other thread" you are referring to. And the "certain rules" you are referring to. That resulted from supposed md'rs who failed to "fill their holes".

But here's what's probably at play : A "certain rule" is proposed . And when md'rs ask "but why ?" , or "since when ?", the proposer says "Because of holes". And then we ,the md'rs, are certain to mutter under our breath: "DURNED THESE MD'RS who must have left holes". I mean, shucks, after all, that *is* the cited/given reason for the proposed rule. Eh ? So we assume : "Someone must have left holes" , right ?

But I am convinced that this is only the "go to" reason . To justify a law/rule they already made. NOT because anyone necessarily "left a hole". But only because it's the obvious mental connotation, of what outsiders think of, when they envision : A man with a metal detector. Like the moment someone sees you stoop down to retrieve a target, guess what their knee-jerk reaction is going to be ?? HOLES ! Even if you don't/didn't leave any "holes". Ie.: Even if you cover, stomp, and fluff up your spot (leaving no trace), yet : The passerby can still think "holes".

Thus : I reject the notion that when you hear of : "Because of holes". That there was necessarily EVER an actual case of "holes". EVEN THOUGH THE PASSERBY says he saw them, yet : It's only because (gasp), he saw you md'ing.

And this mental connotation can happen even if THEY NEVER SEE YOU ! Ie.: Merely when/if it's on their plate for consideration. Ie.: You (or someone else) went in asking "Can I md ?" at their deskbound desk. Then sure as sh*t, guess what this question connotes ? HOLES ! Even if there never was any.

So the solution is not to argue with them about us "leaving no trace". Or going in ahead of time to "get permission". The solution is : Not to "be on their radar". The solution is to be OFF THEIR RADAR ! And the more md'rs waltz in asking "can I ?", is the more we simply dictate at answer to our "pressing question"

Thus: I reject the notion that there was ever actually an incident(s) of holes, that brought any of this about. The bigger issue is : Why is it even on their plate TO BEGIN WITH .

 

[CallMeGrey]

There are some animals, like skunks, that will reopen a hole because they think that the dirt has been disturbed by some potential food - like a mole or grubs. I have seen it happen to a couple of my digs.

I also have a friend in the small town I live in who is a deputy. He told me that last year he had to admonish a detectorist in town who was not filling his holes - and he was digging in the baseball field.

 

[Big Boys Hobbies]

I also have a friend in the small town I live in who is a deputy. He told me that last year he had to admonish a detectorist in town who was not filling his holes - and he was digging in the baseball field.

I have found it's not just unethical Detectorists that don't follow the rules. People in general are just lazy and self entitled. You can go to any Walmart in any state and watch people not put their carts up after they go to their car time after time. They just push it to the side most of the time and leave it to let the wind catch it and roll across the parking lot and hit other peoples cars.

 

[markinmichigan]

Here in Michigan, the squirrels do more damage to the turf than I would ever do. The squirrels are making us look "bad"! Reminds me of the Caddy Shack line by the Scottish greens keeper "Kill all the Golfers (gophers)". I always step my plugs down and smooth the dirt with my hand. Keep swinging.

Mark in Michigan

 

[Cherry Picker]

Here in Michigan, the squirrels do more damage to the turf than I would ever do. The squirrels are making us look "bad"! Reminds me of the Caddy Shack line by the Scottish greens keeper "Kill all the Golfers (gophers)". I always step my plugs down and smooth the dirt with my hand. Keep swinging.

Mark in Michigan

Same here Mark. I see holes in the park that I know are not from someone detecting, but to the average visitor, they could be taken for such. I also see bird holes in my tot lots from birds after bugs & worms.

 

[Jamflicker]

I just think it's the nature of the hobby and that small percent who have no ideas about filling their holes, or leave the trash they just dug laying next the the hole.

 

[Fe Man]

When people talk about "unfilled" holes, are they only talking about a hole that was recently dug to excavate a find? Or are they also including holes that have been excavated, then refilled - but the ground has settled (thus giving the impression that the hole is unfilled)? There is a distinction (to us anyway).

 

[too_pointer]

All we can do, is fill your holes, if critters dig them up, oh well ! Yes, I have seen holes left by others, I spend the time, to fill them in.
too_

 

[BeardedRelicHunter]

i've dug at plenty of parks 100's of plugs removed and replaced in each park and revisit parks daily and never have I seen any of my plugs dug back up .....i have seen plenty of evidence of squirrels and such and at one park they aerated the grounds and there was 100's hundred of sharpie size dirt plugs everywhere . I've seen other locations i've detected where people don't put dirt and plug back and depending on location i've taken the time to do it just so someone couldn't blame me . the lazy pos out there will always ruin it for the rest of us in due time ,it's happened plenty of places .

 

[SirDigsALOT!]

Lol I have had to fill in plenty of squirrel holes and a few that looked like from a dog. Don't want them to think it's me leaving holes unfilled.

 

[Fredneck]

Believe I've got a fox digging out some of my holes but for some reason he doesn't bother with the big ones lol. How 'd I do, before and after.

 

[MasonDixonMding]

When I started I started in a small park. One day I get there and someone dug holes across the ball field. Didn’t fill them and left there trash there also. I cleaned up his mess but didn’t go back there again. I do have my holes open back up all of the time. Some times they would open most of the holes from the day before. I mainly am hunting out in the country side but it’s still a pain and makes me look bad. It’s mainly raccoons. They where in everything here for a couple of years. They would get in my trash cans, kill my chickens even would come on my porch thru the cat door.

 

[Bounder]

In the county where I detect in the preserves they require you to sign a paper agreeing to carry something to put the dirt in so you can replace it all. I have a large plastic dust pan that I put the plug in . In my own yard someone digs up any holes I dig even when I buried a power line going to my outbuilding. When I detect my own place, I sometimes have to refill the same holes multiple times before they finally give it up.

 

[hoser]

Here in Michigan, the squirrels do more damage to the turf than I would ever do. The squirrels are making us look "bad"!

You are so right Mark. I got called out for leaving open holes and nothing I could say swayed the conversation until a squirrel showed up and helped me out by digging like a madman. When I pointed it out to the guy hammering on me, he got red faced and left. I take great care in leaving no trace.

 

[markinmichigan]

You are so right Mark. I got called out for leaving open holes and nothing I could say swayed the conversation until a squirrel showed up and helped me out by digging like a madman. When I pointed it out to the guy hammering on me, he got red faced and left. I take great care in leaving no trace.

Brother you are so right when it comes to the Karens who think we're disturbing their little safe space. Spray painted graffiti on the walls, trash on the ground everywhere and some people get riled up over an old man like me digging mostly trash out of the ground. Get a life Karen. Rant over.

Mark in Michigan

 

[Tom_in_CA]

........... Spray painted graffiti on the walls, ........

Yeah, but you know what the difference is between us, and those people who spray paint graffiti (and don't pick up their dog's poop, etc..) ? Easy : They didn't ask "Can I ?". If they had gone in ahead of time and asked : "Hi, can I spray paint graffiti and leave my dogs poop out ?", then : THEY TOO could have received a "no". And then THEY TOO could start forums lamenting their lack-of-freedoms. Shame on them for not asking for permissions and clarifications. Tsk tsk.

Moral of the story = ??

 

[markinmichigan]

Yeah, but you know what the difference is between us, and those people who spray paint graffiti (and don't pick up their dog's poop, etc..) ? Easy : They didn't ask "Can I ?". If they had gone in ahead of time and asked : "Hi, can I spray paint graffiti and leave my dogs poop out ?", then : THEY TOO could have received a "no". And then THEY TOO could start forums lamenting their lack-of-freedoms. Shame on them for not asking for permissions and clarifications. Tsk tsk.

Moral of the story = ??

Amen brother, todays' society is a me first, look at me, I'm more important than you dribble, don't give a rats rear about others. I have employees in their 20's and their parents are my age. I have met the parents and complimented them for raising honest, non self serving young men. And they have thanked me for turning their son's into productive members of society and giving them skills that they will utilize the rest of their lives. I preach and teach these young men that no one can ever take away your skills and ethics. Makes me feel good. Rant from a 66 year old man.

Mark in Michigan