DIGSTOCK III - Where Vision, Grit, and 600+ Passionate Detectorists Came Together

When we first envisioned Digstock Mini, we knew it was a gamble. A scaled-down event held just as the world was reeling from the first shockwaves of the COVID-19 pandemic? The challenges were stacked against us. But what followed was a triumph of passion, planning, and people—a grassroots success that helped shape the future of large-scale organized metal detecting in the United States.

Over 1,000 hours of planning went into this event. Every field was walked. Every access point coordinated. Every landowner, law, and logistical hurdle carefully addressed. We didn’t just want to host another hunt—we wanted to set the tone for what Digstock could become. And in early 2022, that vision took root in the soil of rural Pitt County, North Carolina.

Laying the Groundwork

Held on two separate farms and spanning over 3,000 acres of historic farmland, Digstock III 2022 drew in more than 600 detectorists from over 42 states and Canada. These weren’t just hobbyists—they were historians, explorers, and adventurers united by a common goal: to uncover real history, buried and forgotten, and to do it responsibly.

The land itself had stories to tell. From 18th-century homesteads and 19th-century trade routes to Civil War-era occupations and Native American sites, this property offered layers of time just waiting to be rediscovered. And rediscovered it was—by the hundreds.

The Finds Were Real

One of the most incredible things about Digstock Mini was the diversity of finds. While we always remind participants that we can never guarantee what’s underground, this event proved that good site research and strategic planning make all the difference.

Detectorists unearthed a broad spectrum of artifacts:

• Revolutionary and War of 1812-era buttons

• Draped Bust and Seated Liberty coins

• Fossilized shark teeth and Native American stone tools

• Colonial cufflinks, Civil War relics, and personal tokens from generations long gone

• Even full ceremonial sword fittings and rare silver reales made appearances

And one of the most powerful aspects? It wasn’t just veteran hunters making the finds. Kids, first-timers, and seasoned diggers alike shared in the thrill of discovery.

Beyond the Shovel

Digstock Mini wasn’t just about relics—it was about people. Throughout the weekend, stories were shared, friendships were formed, and communities were built. We saw fathers and sons hunting side by side. Strangers lending gear and giving tips. Lifelong friendships began here.

Celebrity guests from the hobby—like Gypsy Jewels, NAG, and Brad Martin—joined in on the fun, offering meet-and-greets and mingling with the crowd. Detector manufacturers from Minelab, Garrett, XP, Nokta, and others set up shop, offering demos, testing areas, and plenty of giveaways. Even American Digger Magazine was onsite capturing the action and publishing features from the field.

Our goal was to create an environment that felt both exciting and supportive—and based on the feedback, we did just that.

Logistics That Made the Difference

Let’s be clear: this wasn’t just a pop-up event in a cornfield.

Every detail was planned. From free hot meals and mobile restroom stations to seeded prize tokens, charity raffles, and signage—this was a fully realized event experience.

While we couldn’t control the weather (which hit us hard at times), we made sure the basics were covered:

• Shelter from the wind

• Access to water and food

• Medical protocols in place

• Real-time updates to keep participants informed

We learned a lot. We adapted in real time. And what could have been a logistical nightmare became a smooth, successful dig.

The Legacy of III

We proved that large-scale detecting events can be professional, safe, fun, and deeply rewarding—not just for what’s found in the ground, but for what’s built above it: community, connection, and shared history.

We walked away from this event with a deeper commitment than ever. Our next step was Chazy, NY—and Digstock II became even bigger. But it all began here, on a frost-covered field in Edgecombe County, where a bold idea became a national movement.

Stay tuned as we continue growing the Digstock legacy—one event, one field, one story at a time.

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This event was covered by American Digger Magazine and can be read on their website. Volume 18, Issue 4