What is relic hunting? Here's everything you should know

When you hear the term relic hunting, one of a few images might come to mind. Maybe you picture Indiana Jones holding a cursed treasure. Maybe you picture a WWII documentary in which historians carefully handful a delicate, newly-discovered antique. Or maybe you picture a detectorist uncovering a forgotten WWII item buried beneath the earth.

Well, if you pictured any of those things, you have a pretty good understanding of relic hunting already.

Put simply: Relic hunting is the activity of searching for lost historical artifacts. Yes, it's that simple. But like any definition, you can always dive deeper. So, let's expound on this definition with a few stories and principles.

Relic hunting begins with historical context and research

Relic hunting usually implies a certain tie to history. Someone metal detecting on a beach may stumble upon some old artifacts. But I wouldn't quite put them in the category of relic hunters unless they started with the objective of finding an artifact from a specific time or event in history.

That's because relic hunting (at least, as I define it) requires some level of focused intent. A good example is Civil War relic hunters. These are people who research where battles and camps took place during the Civil War. Based on their research, the relic hunters venture to the region with the intent to find antiques from that era and event.

That means to be a relic hunter, you must begin with historical research. Learn about a place, its history, and the potential items that may have been left behind.

One of my favorite examples of relic hunters is Brad Martin from Green Mountain Metal Detecting. Martin lives in Vermont. When it's not snowing, he makes for the mountains to explore abandoned home sites, roads, and farms from centuries past. In every video, Martin tells viewers about the history of his area and some of the artifacts he hopes to uncover.

Martin is a relic hunter because he doesn't venture blindly into a field to begin metal detecting. Instead, he learns the history of his area, including where old home foundations used to exist. Armed with historical context, he is able to not only uncover incredible artifacts but also to know exactly what he's found as soon as it's unburied.

Relic hunting has many faces

The problem with the term relic hunting is that it's so broad. Relic hunting includes activities such as metal detecting, browsing old barns and homes, attending historical garage- and estate sales, magnet fishing, diving shipwrecks, and so much more.

Relic hunting also doesn't discriminate based on experience. It can be done by professional historians and amateur treasure hunters alike. (Of course, some relic hunting destinations may require special permitting, which may require some credentials.)

The recent Netflix show, Pirate Gold of Adak Island, is an example of professionals teaming up with amateur treasure hunters to pursue pirate treasure. In this show, the relic hunters face two different forms of artifacts: pirate treasure and WWII weapons. It's an awesome show that combines historical research with modern tech and the right team.

Relic hunting tools

There is no universal tool for relic hunters. Every hunt will require a unique variety of tools. However, here are a few of the most common things you should plan to bring on a relic hunt:

• A metal detector to help you find artifacts underground

• A pinpointer to help you find the exact location of a small buried item

• A shovel (so you don't have to dig like a squirrel)

• Gloves for handling sharp objects or items that may blemish

• (Preferably written) permission to search a particular area

• A bag or other carrying case to safely transport your relics

Oh, and maybe pack some sunblock, a hat, and some water if you sunburn easily (like I do).

Relic hunting combines history, learning, and fun

In a world of people who increasingly can't stop staring at their phones, relic hunting is an exciting hobby. It brings together an appreciation for history, a love of the outdoors, and a sense of exploration.

Even when you do your research, you truly never know what you're going to find. That's what makes the activity so exhilarating and fulfilling. So, stop reading and get out there! I can't wait to see what you find.

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