Safety when Metal Detecting-Another Great Product to Try

Being female, I’m always looking for new ideas to add to my safety in the field.
I’ve been warned by well-meaning friends and family about my frequent solo excursions into parks and wooded areas.  It’s nice to know people care about me, but they should also realize I pay very close attention to, and take notice of my surroundings.  I don’t need any surprises. Even so, you never know who or what may pose a threat.

I used to carry a can of pepper spray in my pouch, in case I encountered any dangerous persons or wildlife.  Then I got to thinking that it wasn’t very convenient.  If someone were to approach me in a menacing manner, what would I do?  Would I tell them “Hold on a moment while I dig this can of pepper spray out of my pouch to ward you off with.”? That’s kind of like having a restraining order against a stalker and throwing the piece of paper at them when they come after you.  It may make you feel safe, but it just doesn’t make sense.

Hearing my plight, a friend recommended carrying a can of hornet spray with me in the field.  It would serve two purposes.  The obvious one, in case I come into contact with a nest of bees or hornets and can’t out run them, or for sneaking back to get the machine I left when I ran away.

The other purpose would be to use the spray as mace with the idea that any person or animal sprayed in the face with hornet spray would certainly become visually impaired, or at least surprised.

So, for a while I lugged around this huge can of spray, attached to my belt with a holder made for a soft drink can.  I felt safer, but the large can was cumbersome and I wished there was an alternative.

Soon thereafter, while strolling the aisles of my local Harbor Freight store, I came across a very cool product.  A small can of pepper spray in a case, with a snap on one end, and a key ring on the other.  You can attach the case of spray by the key ring to a zipper or buckle, or anything the key ring allows.  I attach mine to the zipper on my pouch and it’s the perfect spot.  It’s out of my way, yet conveniently within reach.

The small case the spray comes in is great too.  The can fits very snug into the case, so if the snap is left open, the can does not fall out.  This is great because I can leave the snap open and the pepper spray in the ON position, while not having to worry about losing the can, and if I ever need it, it’s ready.

Another great factor is the price!  I just saw it on Harbor Freights website for $6.49 (plus shipping), although I do think I may have paid less for it in their store.

I can tell you it’s a convenient item, but I can’t vouch for its effectiveness, as thankfully, I’ve never had to use it.  I figure if a situation arises, and it doesn’t work, I always have my trusty, self-sharpening T-handle shovel to fall back on. I’ve seen what that can do to a root, I can only imagine what it could do to a person.

You can find the pepper spray at www.harborfreight.com/pepper-gas-spray-36506.html

Happy (safe) Hunting!