I never hunt anywhere that requires permission. Once, in a great while, by invitation, I have. But I've never asked. If someone wanted to turn it into some kind of business deal where they got a share I'd just decline. I have plenty of places to go, I don't need to ask anyone and I don't need anyone keeping track of me and my finds.

- DAA

Same here, I have not hunted private land for years..Back when I was really into the coin hunting it was different, but I have not had to ask for permission for many years..

I have had one about 10 years. Haven't pulled it out in 9 years. I bought it to look around my great great grandparents home place. I had a chance to buy the property 10 years ago after it had been sold by great uncles. I spent countless hours digging through dirt and not finding what it was picking up. A few months back I ran into an old friend that does a lot of metal detecting. He told me I needed a pinpointer. I got one shortly after and plan to go back when the weather cools off.

This friend does the metal detecting contest. He has offered to help me search the old homestead.

Well hey, it's Randy! Good to see ya here man!

Yeah a pinpointer would help . A friend to help you get the swing of it will help even more. Be interesting to see what kind of relics you guys come up with.

- DAA

Wow this thread exploded over the weekend. Thanks for all the info Dave, and it really cool seeing all the pictures and hearing the stories from everyone.

The nanny state we live in, we get harrassed all too often. Been yelled at and had the cops called on us twice in the last year alone. Once at a park and once on curb strips, both times the cops immediately said some moron complained but we're ok have fun. That still ruins the fun for my wife and ends the hunt. Wish people would mind their own business...

That's a shame. I've only had the cops called on me once, and same deal, the cops were super friendly, told me I was absolutely good to go and actually wanted me to show them how it worked. I dug a small 10k gold ring right before their eyes and they were AMAZED! Both of them said they were going to buy detectors .

They said the call they got was for a dangerous looking guy in camo with a knife. I did have on a Sitka jacket and of course did have my digging tool. They reminded me several times, while they were laughing, that I had been reported as a dangerous looking character.

- DAA

The opposite of camo, I picked up a neon construction vest to wear while detecting in public. I figure I'll look like I'm a city public works employee, surveyor, or something official and people will leave me alone. Hidden in plain sight?

Meanwhile, I haven't had a chance to use our Nox 800 for gold prospecting in the Sierras this year. We are very close to some of the biggest and richest historical gold mining districts in CA. Most of the good spots on the rivers are claimed up and it takes research to find spots to prospect. I have a secluded spot I've scouted that requires a 2000 foot drop down to the river bank, but the terrain is so steep and rugged that I cannot find a safe way down. I'm always forced to stop 300-500 feet shy on my descent, it's just too dangerous.

I have come across some pretty neat old relics from the good old days. Remnants of wooden water flumes used to divert streams many miles to power hydrolic mining, stamp mills and steam powered engines, rails and collapsed adits. Most of this stuff is several miles from the nearest trailhead and not on any trail anyways. Literally "lost" in the overgrowth. And there is so much more, it's all over. GPS and machete required. I wish I had more time to explore.

I have 2 Whites detectors, am MXT and QXT but have not done much detecting for several years. Seems like it is hard to find time to do it any more. Hopefully after I retire in December I will find more time to do things I like. Have my dads old Garret also.

I grew up just a few miles from Cold Harbor battlefield. Being on a farm a lot of neat stuff turned up while plowing. I remember my dad had bushel baskets full of cannon balls and hundreds of minnie balls. Back in '81 he found a yankee belt buckle in excellent condition while getting up onions. Not a lot to find where I live now but it's still fun going out with my metal detector.

Ran the Equinox 800 at a local park for an hour while my flat tire was being repaired. Found about a dollar in clad and this men's Titanium Carbide wedding band along the basketball court. First titanium for me, I almost skipped it because it rang up just like a Zinclon penny and I sometimes skip pennies.

Nice! Those tungstens can ring up over a wide range, depending on carbide content. Anywhere from a nickel to a quarter.

I have been on a silver streak. Getting quite a few silver coins and even more silver rings lately. This is from yesterday.



- DAA