When you consider a trip or vacation to the Crater of Diamonds State Park, there are a number of things to consider. What will my search method be? How do I know if I found one? What next if I did?
Most of this depends on you and the weather. I usually tell people to start by checking the weather for the duration of their visit. There is almost no way to Dry Sift after a rain. Surface hunting is usually good after a rain, but then you need boots. Wet Sifting is most always good, unless it is really cold. The clothing and footwear will change for every scenario. I almost always sport some mud stained cargo pants and a t-shirt in the summer. If it is in colder weather, some sleeves may be in order, and an extra layer of socks in my boots. A good rule of thumb is to wear clothes that you would be fine with trashing after your visit. They will likely get stained if you get much of the mud on you.
Form a plan. In my opinion, your personal abilities will dictate your method. In the summer, if you cannot tolerate the heat, it may be better to wet sift in the shaded wash pavilions. If you are a leading decathlon participant, you may wish to dig a massive hole and harvest gravels from ancient stream beds. If you have some mobility issues, it may be best to rule out surface hunting because the field has been plowed into furrows. It will all depend on what you are capable of. Keep in mind that there are park rules for digging holes, and there is an array of equipment for rent at the park should you need it. Having a plan of attack in place when you go is usually the best way to make the most of your visit to the Crater of Diamonds State Park.