I usually have binocs and/or a camera around my neck, so if muggles are approaching when we're stamping in, I'll often pretend that I'm looking at a bird or taking a picture of a mushroom or something. If people actually stop and ask what we're doing (which doesn't often happen), I'll tell them that we're trying to find [fill in the interesting bird from that area].

If one of us is off-trail, people tend to scurry away because they think we're using the outdoor facilities.

And if my buddy and I are off-trail together, the muggles are free to think whatever they want.

Oh, the things we all do to not compromise a box!! :^)

I had some park staff ask what I was doing last summer. I hadn't actually found a box, but had been looking around for it for awhile in a somewhat visible location. I told him I was looking for my daughter's bracelet, that we had been there the day before and her and her brother got into some kind of fight and the bracelet went flying into the woods. He asked if it was valuable. I said, no, but you know how kids are. It's valuable to her. He seemed to believe that and I stopped searching. Came back the next day and found what I was looking for.

This reminds me, I did once call it an art box. The word "Kids," said with rolled eyes and a shaking head helps explain away a lot of questions. :-)

I've also "found" my "dropped" keys or ring, and my husband is well versed in a "butterfingers" teasing routine.

I tell them I'm prospecting for oil. It is an incredibly effective response, and accomplishes all that its intended to. (Not that it happens too often, but when it does, it works).

There is a semi-interesting story of where this response comes from, and it was when I was metal detecting at a small modern municipal park; you know, the type with a baseball field, soccer field, pavilion, and so forth; the sort with a mulched playground that you take your kids to next to a modern subdivision. Swing sets and slides and that sort of thing.

And I'm metal detecting along, by the soccer field sideline, and someone comes up to me, and in a straight face, asks me if I'm prospecting for oil. I say yes, and they move on. So, I've used it ever since when someone asks what I'm doing, regardless of the find things hobby I'm engaged in. True story -- I'm not creative enough to make something this bizarre up.

If you are ever stuck for a response; I'm certain it will work for you as well.

If you are ever stuck for a response; I'm certain it will work for you as well.

My husband and I got metal detectors last fall. So far, nobody has asked us what we're doing, but I'll keep that in mind. ;^)

I usually just tell them I'm 'boxing. If they ask more, I say more.

I've actually met several fellow boxers for the first time that way.