Using a Metal Detector to Search For Gold

"Using a Metal Detector to Search For Gold"," I noticed my metal detector gathering dust in the corner of the shed.
 It is a great tool and I have neglected it.
 Although several very fine new detectors with great add-on features have come on the market since I purchased the unit a few years ago, it is a reliable workhorse that gets the job done.
 My Goldbug is going with me.
 Metal detecting is addictive and I am looking forward to once again testing my luck.


Metal detecting is great exercise, another reason to be outdoors and often a financially rewarding pursuit.


Metal detectors can penetrate the earth and detect an object down to about one foot under the surface.
 Soil which contains a high concentration of minerals can cause interference and will reduce depth penetration.
 There are numerous brands and models on the market.
 If you invest in an inferior machine you may find a lot of surface trash and become discouraged.
 Look for a clear readable dial, clear sound quality, comfortable weight and accessories available.
 Does it come with earphones, rechargeable batteries and a carrying case?

There are three different types of metal detectors; motion detectors, pulse detectors and multi-frequency detectors.
 Multi-frequency detectors are considerably more expensive but offer the best of both worlds and are quieter and more resistant to interference.
 Do you plan to explore in the desert, at the beach or in the creek? Many top of the line units will work in most conditions, some less expensive detectors will have serious limitations.
 Some dealers have rental units you can try in the field prior to making a purchase decision.
 Many people find it much easier to learn proper technique from those that have already mastered the sport.
 Treasure hunters are friendly folks; listen, ask questions and closely watch someone who has experience.
 You will learn much more and in less time from other members than you will going into it alone.
 If you are looking for a prospecting buddy, you will meet a lot of great people that share your interest.
 A lost sterling ring, an old coin, a gold nugget are the finds that make this hobby intriguing and exciting.
 More than likely, like mine, your metal detector will sit in the shed collecting dust.
 Study the history of the area, visit the courthouse for old maps and records and read newspaper archives.
 If you can locate the site of old fair grounds, carnivals and concerts locations or perhaps a field where auctions are held, you will often find a lot of coins that were dropped.
 Most old postcards have a photo of a significant locale, such as parks, casinos, festivals, important buildings and beaches which can inspire you to hunt in otherwise overlooked locations.
 More lost treasures have been found by carefully research than by swinging a metal detector at random.
 Just remember, the more you discriminate, the less depth you are going to have and one can easily miss a small nugget or coin.
 Also have them bury the chip at different depths.


Weather conditions will impact your treasure hunting.
 Wet ground also has more conductivity and you will be able to find items that are deeper than if the ground were dry.
 The winds of the desert will cause a similar redistribution of the sands, often offering up a gold nugget that was deeply buried before the storm.
 Many units are a bit tricky to ground balance, so be sure to read the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
 Who knows what you may find?

A sandy beach at the lake or sea shore is an excellent place to start your hunt.
 Most people will look for shade and place their towel and belongings away from the water and, if available, under a shade tree.
 Prior locations of cabanas or concession stands are often productive.
 Always fill in any holes you dig and remove any trash you find.
 Pick up any debris you come across or unearth.
 Often artifacts are removed without bothering to document the discovery properly and thus eliminating the historical value of the find.
 This can be easily accomplished if you mark the spot from a GPS (Global Positioning System) reading or plot the discovery point accurately on a map.


If you find an old coin or piece of jewelry, do not try to polish it or clean it up without professional advice.
 Apply basic safety measures and common sense.
 When detecting you commonly step on broken glass or dig up rusty metal.


Recommended Equipment

- Metal detector - with extra batteries- Comfortable shoes and clothing - gloves, hat, insect repellent, sunscreen- Metal shovel- Plastic Trowel and gold pan or small plastic tub- Treasure containers- Map, compass and survival gear- Water and food

If you are carefully searching, you will find treasure.
 You will find a lot of trash! Bottle tops, pull-tabs, nails and bullet casings will all give you a reading.
 Happy Hunting!

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