How to Go Ghost Hunting Without Getting Injured or in Trouble

What is Ghost Hunting?

Ghost hunting is a method of investigating supposedly haunted locations in search of proof of a said haunting. Paranormal investigators, or ghost hunters, take specialized equipment into these areas and explore, gather data, examine objects, temperatures, and zones that have been reported as “hot spots,” and photograph and record auditory and digital findings.

It is an exciting hobby that can reward those with the want to learn about what comes next and whether paranormal entities exist in our realm. However, it is not all fun and games and should be taken seriously. Otherwise, people can be hurt, or worse, and can get into a lot of trouble.

Follow these guidelines to learn how to safely and effectively go ghost hunting and get the most out of your experience.

Ghost Hunting Basics

There are a few fundamental rules that all ghost hunters should live by, and then there is the equipment. Both are imperative to having the best ghost hunting experience possible.

You want to see, catch, or hear something, but that isn’t always done on site. Sometimes it isn’t until you get home and play your audio and video recordings that you realize you had an experience.

Don’t give up if it seems fruitless. Continue your investigation until you are finished, then pack up and head home. This is where the actual nature of ghost hunting comes into play.

The Rules

First off, use common sense.

If a place says no trespassing, stay out of it, you could get yourself into trouble or hurt by not heeding the warning. Many landowners patrol areas they own and worry about trespassers, and some will shoot intruders. The signs are up for a reason. Heed them.

If there are dangerous places, such as known drug activity hangouts, wild animal spottings, or hazardous zones, try a different spot. Do not put yourself in danger. It is not worth your life.

Do some research. Check out the places you’re planning to visit online and make a note of anything specific about the area. Read what others have said, look through any pictures offered, watch your videos, and write everything of importance down.

Visit your destinations in the daylight before conducting an investigation. Doing this will make you aware of hazards and places worth looking back into during the night investigation. This is one of the best ways to ensure you and your team’s safety.

Never go ghost hunting alone. This is one of the most important rules of ghost hunting. Always take at least one other person with you, but a group of about 5–7 is ideal. You can cover more ground, make better use of the equipment, and be all-around safer when you have friends or colleagues with you.

Be respectful. Don’t leave trash or graffiti in an area you’re investigating. It is rude and makes you seem like an amateur who isn’t ready to be doing ghost hunts. It also makes other hunters look bad.

Do not disturb anything. It’s one thing to move things around for better access; it’s entirely different to break or steal things. These are the activities that hurt ghost hunters. It makes people distrust them and makes it more difficult to find places to visit and hunt.

Bring your ID with you. If you are questioned by police or landowners, you will need to show proof of identification. You also want to be truthful about what you’re doing, so they don’t think you are thieves or vandals.

Don’t get an attitude toward police or landowners. Doing so will only make things worse for you, your group, and future hunters. Remain calm and collected. Answer questions genuinely and apologize for being somewhere you shouldn’t be. Sometimes they will allow you to continue, or at least enable you to leave of your own accord.

The Equipment

In order to investigate properly, you need the right equipment. The equipment you choose will alter the way your investigation progresses.

Tip — electromagnetic fields drain batteries, so always bring spares. I suggest buying rechargeables so that you aren’t constantly buying new ones.

• Cell Phone — It likely goes without saying that you need to bring your phone in case of emergencies. Bring a charger that works with your car if possible in case the battery dies.
• Digital Cameras — Another obvious piece of gear to bring is a camera. These are great for catching images of things that you can’t always see with the naked eye.
• Digital Recorders — A lot of activity gets caught through sound. Most of the time, you will hear nothing until you listen to your recordings later.
• Pen and Paper — Use these to jot down any unusual sounds or sights that you might have during the investigation. Get a sturdy notebook you can carry around with you to write down any odd sounds or sights as you investigate.
• A Watch — Make a note of the times you hear or see things on your notepad and log the time. When you go back over the evidence later, you will have a timestamp to cross-check with other findings to see if it can be eliminated or is a genuine bit of proof.
• Flashlights — While the darkness is wonderful for ghost hunting, it can also be hazardous to your health and well-being. You don’t want to get injured on a hunt. Keep a flashlight so that you can see any obstacles in your path and to see if an animal or some other normal thing might be making a noise you’ve heard.
• Video Cameras — These are priceless tools to have during an investigation, as they pick up details in real-time. Where you have to stop to take a picture with the digital camera, you can watch everything unfold with a video.
• First Aid Kit — An often overlooked but important piece of equipment. A first aid kit comes in handy when and if there is an accident. The last thing you want is for someone to get injured far away from help.
• EMF Detector — This is optional for beginners. All the rest of the equipment will work just fine without an EMF Detector, but it can also increase the chances of finding something. EMF detectors measure and display AC electromagnetic fields. An increase in these fields is sometimes believed to be attributed to spirits.
• Hand-Held Radios — Cell phones can also be used in place of a radio, but hand-helds are pretty handy as well. Since they can be left on and placed on a belt loop or other clip-able area, they are a pleasant alternative to trying to call back and forth to one another.
• External Thermometers — Another optional piece of equipment that can help measure cold spots is an external thermometer. Use these for a better chance at finding activity. While not necessarily needed, they can be pretty useful. Many ghost hunters believe that spirits use the heat in an area to manifest. When a cold spot is found, be sure to make use of your other equipment to test the spot.

The Best Types Of Places To Go Ghost Hunting

Cemeteries. Right off the bat, we are going to start with one of the staple ghost hunting locations. Every ghost hunter finds themselves inside a dark cemetery in the middle of the night at some point in their career. It is inevitable.

Cemeteries are notorious for ghostly activity and are a great place to start investigating. One of the best aspects for aspiring hunters is that graveyards can be found everywhere. There is no shortage of them.

There are a few types of cemeteries to consider when looking for a prime location to hunt in.

Current-Use Cemeteries are those that sit roadside and are usually accompanied by an in-use church. These can be more difficult to investigate, as they are out in the public eye. Cars passing by will shine headlights into the area, making it difficult to see any ghost lights or auras. Their sounds will also interfere with your audio.

Back Road Cemeteries are the kind you find off to themselves down old roads that barely see any use. They are often not watched over and are generally easy to get into. In most cases, they are still taken care of by a caretaker and will be clean and easy to maneuver.

Abandoned Cemeteries are the graveyards that have been left to rot. They are no longer maintained by anyone and are often overgrown and dilapidated. These are fantastic ghost hunting locations because they are often ancient and have a high level of activity. You usually will not be disturbed here or have to worry about home and car lights or sounds to mess with your evidence. Sometimes you will get really lucky and there will be an abandoned church on the premises as well.

Note on cemeteries:

Be cautious of fallen and broken tombstones, especially in abandoned cemeteries. These are extremely dangerous and should be avoided. Watch for sunken graves as well. You probably won’t fall in and land on a corpse, but you could trip and hurt something. Try to get permission from caretakers before entering cemeteries at night to avoid trouble and trespassing fines. You probably won’t go to jail if you’re caught, but you could still get into some trouble. Know the rules and laws first.

Abandoned Buildings. Another of the most visited type of location is abandoned buildings. There is an allure these buildings hold that ghost hunters can’t ignore. They are unoccupied, usually off to themselves in the middle of nowhere, and very often have some type of tragic history.

The most commonly visited abandoned buildings are:

Asylums. Always creepy and always with a terrible backstory, asylums are a number one hit with ghost hunters. There is never a shortage of activity in these hot spots, and you are sure to have at least one spooky experience.

Hospitals. Hospitals have seen everything; the best and the worst life has to offer, and that kind of emotion leaves its mark. Abandoned hospitals are one of the creepiest places to explore, day or night.

Deserted Homes. Empty houses, especially mansions, are fun to investigate. They once housed life being lived in its rawest form, so residual hauntings are often found here.

Forsaken Schools. Is there anything creepier than a place that should be loud and bustling with children that is now as silent as the grave? The answer is no. The excitement and fear leftover from these once filled halls leave a loud echo.

Uninhabited Prisons. The site of such rage and confinement has to leave something behind. Prisons are a place of misery and often death. Walking through the quiet halls and looking into the empty cells is unsettling. Hearing the creak of those metal doors where you know there is no one is terrifying.

Hotels/Resorts. Often, when you walk into a room from one of these long-deserted buildings, you will find things left behind, like someone is planning to come back and grab them. Clothes still hang in the closets or are draped over chairs, as if someone is changing. It gives off a very eerie vibe that is perfect for ghost hunting.

About exploring abandoned buildings:

Killer Urbex has some excellent advice on how to explore abandoned buildings safely and how and why to get permission from the owners. It is an urban exploration website, but the same basics apply to ghost hunting.

You should inform anyone you seek permission from who you are and why you want to explore their property. You will likely do better by saying that you are investigating or researching claims for your informative website, are a photographer, writer, or journalist, then saying you are a ghost hunter.

Not everyone finds the science of paranormal investigation to be very profound. Often, they do not wish to be associated with it. Be honest about your intentions, but use respected terms that sound professional for better results. Provide any business cards or website links you may have to further show you are legitimate and professional.

Amusement Parks. Abandoned amusement parks are the creepiest places on earth! They often still have all the rides, animatronics, stalls, stands, and attractions simply cast away and left to rot. Nature slowly overtakes everything, leaving just enough for investigators to get a chill down their spine.

Ghost Towns. Ghost towns are the epitome of creepiness. They are entire towns that have been completely deserted. Strolling along the dirty trails between the buildings is a uniquely disconcerting experience. Audio evidence is usually quite good in these places.

Battlefields. Battlefields are nothing less than fields of death. So many people died in these areas that what is left behind can be seen, heard, and felt even in the daytime. You may get even some evidence doing your initial walk-through, so bring your gear.

Prepared Question Samples For EVP Sessions

It is always a good idea to have some questions prepared and at the ready so you don’t draw a blank at go time. Below are some popular and useful questions to ask when you get a chance to do an audio session.

Be sure to alert anyone accompanying you on your hunt that you are starting an EVP session so they can stay quiet and be vigilant with noting any sounds they make or hear during that time frame.

Wait about 10–20 seconds after each question to give anything that wishes to speak the time to do so. If you make noise or speak too soon here, you may miss any voices or sounds that you record. Try to stay completely quiet during this time.

“Is there anyone here that wishes to speak with us?” Asking politely is far more likely to get you answers than being rude or demanding.

“Can you tell us your name?” Getting a name is a huge reward for any ghost hunter. It helps solidify the fact that you were in the presence of a spirit. You can also research more efficiently if you have specifics.

“Did you die here?” Most of the time, the answer is going to be yes, but you’re trying to get warmed up, so just go with it.

“Why are you still here?” Sometimes spirits are trapped or cannot move on.

If you know who the ghost you’re questioning might be, and you know something about them, ask more direct questions.

“Were you murdered?” If you know or believe the spirit you’re questioning was a murder victim, you can ask them this question.

“Who killed you?” Just like the question above, ask questions that relate to their circumstances.

If you feel you might in the presence of a sinister spirit, you can ask questions they might answer.

“Are we in any danger here?” If the spirit in question is afraid of a more malevolent spirit or is one themselves, they may indicate if you are in danger in your current position.

“Are there other spirits here?” Ghosts are often stuck in the place they died, so if you are in an area of mass death, you may not be speaking to just one spirit.

“Does anyone else here wish to speak?” Sometimes more than one spirit may wish to have their presence known.

Once you’re finished, thank the spirits for their time and cooperation.

The Investigation

You have your equipment ready. You’ve visited the area in the daytime and mapped out zones to check and spots to avoid. You have gotten any special permissions you might need and know you’re safe to conduct the investigation. Now it’s time for the real fun to begin.

This isn’t the time for goofing off, however. You may be a thrill seeker or are extra excited about your upcoming ghost hunting experience, but try to remain calm and professional. Being reckless only gets people hurt and might spoil the investigation.

When you get to the location, park somewhere that your vehicle is not in other people’s way. You don’t want it getting hit when someone comes around a curve and doesn’t see it. You also don’t want someone breaking into it.

Check all of your equipment to make sure it works properly before heading in. Change out batteries as needed, pocket extras, do sound checks, headcounts, etc.

Keep in mind that some of your tools are sensitive, so they might pick up on animal and insect sounds if you are outside or building settling sounds inside. Make a note every time you hear something, even if it is small or seems insignificant, as it may sound different to someone else further away. This way, you and your team can come together at the end when examining your footage and decide if the sound was something legitimate or something that could be written off.

Also, write down any sounds you make, as teammates may hear and note them in other areas. They may log it as a suspicious sound, and you can explain it later so they can eliminate it as evidence.

Many ghost hunters say a small prayer for safety before entering the investigation area. It is an optional feature that makes some people feel a little safer. If you have a special mantra you say for protection, go ahead and use it before beginning.

Do a slow and basic walk-through. Have your companions split off into pre-determined groups and assign each searcher certain areas. Everyone should have the same equipment if possible.

Take lots of pictures. You never know when something might show up. If you only snap a shot when you hear something, you could miss out on a lot of activity. Most ghost hunters see nothing while on a hunt. It is only after leaving and reviewing the evidence that they spot anomalies.

Spend some time recording yourself asking the spirits questions. Don’t be embarrassed about your voice; just ask the questions you prepared earlier and give about 10–20 seconds after each for anything around that might want to answer.

Spend extra time in places where you think you sense something. We have a built-in innate tendency to tell when something is strange. It’s just like getting that feeling of being watched. If you feel this somewhere stronger than in other places, perform a “hot spot technique.” Take pictures all around you, do this slowly and methodically. Use your recorder to ask questions and pick up any sounds. Get video recordings of the area. Remember to log everything.

Upon leaving, most ghost hunters will tell the spirits not to follow them home. There is a belief that ghosts like to attach themselves to people that come into their domain. It is believed that these spirits can cause the person they attach to mischief, hard times, and sometimes even harm. Thank them for their hospitality, but tell them firmly to stay where they are. Nobody wants a stowaway ghost.

Some Important Things To Know Before You Go

As mentioned above, electromagnetic fields (EMFs) can drain batteries, but it is really important to mention that they can drain other things as well.

Studies have shown that implanted devices such as cardiac pacemakers may be affected by high EMFs, so it is imperative to keep this in mind if you or anyone in your group has one.

Certain vehicles that have electronic control systems, cards with magnetic strips, and Quartz watches can all also be affected. This means you may want to leave your credit card or any other card with magnetic strips at home.

Check the area you park your vehicle in for high levels of EMF before leaving it there. You don’t want to come back to a dead battery and be stranded until you can get help.

How To Find The Best Haunted Places To Go Ghost Hunting

It isn’t always easy to find the right places to go ghost hunting. Some that look like they have potential turn out to be privately owned or have recently been torn down. A lot of cemeteries are now closed off at night because of vandals, and many abandoned buildings are patrolled.

So, how do you find the best places to investigate? The answer isn’t all that simple. You’ll have to do a lot of research, both online and off. Here are a few of the best ways to find ghost hunting spots you can get into without a lot of risk of getting in trouble or getting hurt.

• Do an online search. Search online for haunted places in and around your area or anywhere you might be able to get to easily. If you are planning a trip soon, look in that area. Be sure to research any potentially haunted locations thoroughly to ensure you won’t be breaking any laws.
• Get out and take a drive. Sometimes the real gems are hidden away down a desolate back road that nobody takes anymore. Be careful, though sometimes these places are watched over or are on private property.
• Ask around. Locals always know the best haunted places; it’s getting them to tell you about them that can be the tricky part. People love to tell stories, especially spooky ones, but if they think you’re out to cause trouble, they may not be very forthcoming with their knowledge. Assure them you are only curious and mean no harm. Sometimes you get lucky. If you ever find yourself in Kentucky, there is a creepy ghost ship, the Pope Lick Monster, and the very haunted Mammoth Cave to sate your ghostly cravings.
• Ask Online. The internet is full of stories and people willing to tell them. Check out a few haunted-based forums and get in on the conversations. See what people are saying and ask them if they know of any suitable locations to check out. Obviously, you should never simply trust a stranger online, so research any place that gets recommended. Also, do not let strangers know when and where you plan to go ghost hunting. You definitely do not want them joining you.
• Go to legitimate places. There are plenty of businesses that will allow you to come and ghost hunt. Hotels, asylums, houses, factories, bed and breakfasts, etc., are all places you can legally tour and/or spend the night in. Just make a reservation online, and you’re all set. If you haven’t already, check out the article on 10 of the scariest haunted hotels in America for some truly terrifying ghost hunting experiences you can have right now.

~Disclaimer~

This article is meant to inform and entertain and is not indicative of legal advice. Always research any place you intend to investigate before you go. Know and understand the laws of private property and public buildings. Do not break into any place, and attain permission for places that are privately owned.

Many owners will allow you to investigate their properties. The main issues most have are vandalism and injury. Sometimes, you may have to sign a waiver holding the owners of any property not responsible for any accidents that occur to you and your team.

Learn and adhere to the law and always be respectful of any place you visit. Different states have different laws, so do a bit of research on any new ones you plan to travel to.