I have metal detected since the late 1970’s for Revolutionary and Civil War relics. I have seen the detectorists and it isn’t far off the mark.
Relic hunting attracts many different characters from brilliant to crazy. It is VERY competitive especially now since good spots that have not been pounded to death are rare and many relics are quite valuable. Personally I have paid farmers to get access on areas I knew had material and had been “off limits” to detecting. It was worth it.