Metal Detector Stories



We always love a good story around the campfire,or something to ponder while sitting on the couch having a cold beer.

We'd love to post your stories of your metal detector finds here at the site.So feel free to send us a letter,and share a memory with us while you're out in the field metal detecting.

Whether it's a treasure trove of gold you found,or a disappointing day digging up trash.Every trip out there in the field has a story.So please share yours with us,by contacting us a here -->

Send Us Your Story & Thoughts On Metal Detecting Minnesota (Click)





Monday, June 10, 2013

Gear For Metal Detecting

We all need the proper tools for metal detecting,and if you're looking for gear while out in the field,then give this place a try if you want the best prices.

Whether you're looking for a good hand spade that's small in size,not trying to draw yourself any unwanted attention,to a trench shovel if need be if the situation calls for it,and it's there for the taking.

It don't take much in funds,when one wants the proper equipment.

It's pretty simple really,and affordable.I must add that our detectors are the big bang as far as money goes in this hobby,and thankful for that.Nothing is cheap these day,and almost every hobby seems to cost an arm & a leg might I add.

That's not the case when it comes to gear for metal detecting.

It's basically a hand spade,and a can of insect repellent for me.I usually have a shirt on,or ample room in my pockets for the trash,or the finds I dig up.

Some might say,what about the aluminum cans in the ground?

We'll I don't carry a trash bag with me out in the field,and if that's what it is in the ground..well I might as well carry 2 trash bags with me.

There is a thing called ethics,and a red line where we become scrap collectors of such large portions of trash.

So I'll save that for another article,because I've metal detected some places,and you'd swear it was a scrap yard,and those who landscaped,and layed sod..seemed to have no problem leaving it there,and I'll be damned if I remove it.

I do remove my trash targets,but not old transmission parts,full beer cans burried,and whatever kinda trash large enough for a scrap dealer.

A belt pouch works nice when you know you'll be digging up alot of pulltabs,and what have you.

I take the trash targets with me,and some of you have a pretty good idea what I'm talking about.

Anyways..(smile).

If you're looking for the best gear for metal detecting gives this place a try.

http://best-online-buy.blogspot.com/2013/06/metal-detecting-gear.html





Friday, May 17, 2013

Metal Detecting State Parks

I get letters asking often on metal detecting state parks.

A letter from Bill in Minnesota ->

Thanks for posting my letter if it's approved.I'd like to talk about detecting state park campgrounds.

Can they,where to look,and are state parks good places to metal detecting where camping is involved?

My experiences are,and I just happened to have my metal detector along when camping several of them here in the state,that of course I popped it out,and zipped over a few of the campsites.

I'd usually camp late fall,or early spring.So many of the times I pretty much had some state parks to myself to look over.

All I have to say,is what I found on average was .30-.50 cents a camp site,and digging up countless junk targets,because camping sites are aluminum galore filled,with more pull tabs,and trash objects that really fool the best of detectors...aluminum tent states,aluminum cans,broken pieces of camping equipment made of aluminum,or brass,and surprisingly aluminum sodder chunks from welding,or trailer/boat repair done...Burried garbage,silver dollar size iron washers,you name it.

Burrying your crap was the thing back in the 1960's & 1970's.

Doing that,and add in the jerks who leave some garbage behind.

Out of several of the state parks,the best find was a cheap cheap silver ring of teen size.

What's worse,is the coinage age found...on average is 1980's and older.Most within 15 years old.

Another thing,is you have to remember.There are alot of retired folks who travel hitting the campgrounds,and many others who love a variety of outdoor activities,and metal detecting is one of them.

So why not bring the dang thing along..right?

You have an army of folks from all walks of life in this game,and most are in it for the find,and the excitement of the find.

My opinion now is most the state parks are cleaned out,and the odds are the only thing you're gonna find is what was lost since the last guy detected there,or what he missed.

The laws have changed some since my hunting,and I'd always ask for permission if a camp host was there.

As I have said before...I metal detect where I can.

I don't sneak on to private property,and have morals in the field.

My opinion is state parks should allow metal detecting.

The rule would be to take the trash you dig up.(smile)..Because you'll be digging up alot,and they should also throw in a free T-Shirt,and odds are that pipe dream is about as good as having hopes they are a worth while place to detect to begin with.

They have been cleaned out,and after detecting your own site..please know now that's what pretty much every site will consist of in finds.

Metal detecting in state parks is more bologna in junk,than your neighborhood park that has been cleaned out already.

Chump change around the tent is about as best as it will get.

Not meaning to discourage the readers here,but as I have said before..10,000 people a year are curious about the state parks in their neck of the woods.

We've been beat to the punch,and most of these detector enthusiasts who detected prior to us in these parks?..Well,we're digging up the crap they re-burried.

So if you're wondering "Can I metal detect in state parks"?

Don't bumb in the least if they don't give you permission,because they have already been cleaned out,and it would take an archaeological approach with big sifters,shovels..and screens to find anything anyways with all the crap burried in the ground.

If you're at your campsite camping,and have a little privacy...I honestly don't see any harm detecting a camping site you just paid for,for the night,and breaking out the detector to see what's there.

It'll give you a wake up call,to everything I just talked about.

Maybe 50..to 75 cents,and with the best of metal detectors,you'll work for it.

Because by all means,it won't be three .25 cent quarters you'll dig up.

Your dectector will be ringing off the hook,and you'll be surprised of the "sh_t" that gives off strong potential targets.

Yea..bring it along,but metal detecting state parks don't overly excite me in the leasts.

Billy in Minnesota












Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Mn Treasure Hunt

The Mn Treasure Hunt is about to begin.

Spring is here,and many of us are charging up our batteries for the old metal detectors ready to hit the fields,parks,and beaches.Not that a whole lot was lost on the beaches this last winter,or any winter for that matter on the beaches.(bad joke).

I hope to add some more interesting types of stories here to the blog,other than hunting for medallions hid by others,or that lost silver coin that fell out of Uncle Jimmy's pocket in the 40's at the old farm.

I'm going to look into some rock hounding adventures,and gem hunting here in Minnesota.

I've read up on this stuff,like many us have.It's mostly in theory when it comes to our knowledge in gem hunting for many of us.

I have looked for diamonds before in Arkansas.I've read up on them some,from a quick beginner course pamplet for amateurs.Please don't laugh,because I am right now writing this.

The truth is,ther are vaulable gems to be found,and rocks for that matter that have a collector value here in the state.

From Supior Agates..to an occasional diamond.

That's right,you can find a raw diamond here in the state,and I'm sure many other types of gems can be found here as well.We're a little under-explored in this field,and I'd like to share some stories from others about their rock hounding experiences.

The reason why I want to add other topics here on Mn Treasure Hunting.Is we're always looking at the ground while detecting.I think it would be killing two birds with one stone,educating ourselves on identifying rocks of value.

Something that sticks out,something unusual.

I found a 3/4th to 1 carat raw diamond playing in the dirt at 8 years old 10 miles outside Minneapolis.

I always remembered that strange shaped rock.The problem was,I didn't know it was a diamond.Where it is,is probably somewhere not far where I found it..hahahaha.

I have found arrowheads,and other Indian Relics looking for crayfish on lake shorelines,and creeks.

I have found beautiful agates after a wet dewy morning,or rain watching my step avoiding puddles on a gravel road.

We have to learn to take advantage of everything on,and in the ground when it comes to a Mn treasure hunt.Beacuse that's exactly what we're doing.We have to become good amateurs in all fields when it comes to stuff in the ground,and I believe I got my point across to all of you.

So this 2013 year,we're going to cover alot of ground here.There really is alot of great things to find.

Another positive fact is greater Minnesota has alot different geological terrain.

So looking foward to some rock hounders sharing their finds here as well.










Monday, March 18, 2013

Where To Look For Arrowheads in Mn

Looking for arrowheads in Minnesota is something I do at the same time,if I'm out metal detecting a farm field,or anywhere out in the woods where one is not on to overly beaten of a re-landsacped area of undisturbed land.I look for arrowheads at the same time.

I'm bumbed that it's been many,many years since I've found an arrowhead.

When I was in the 5th..6th and 7th grade,I wast so interested in Indian Artifacts,that it was all I could do,to swallow up every book on the subject.

I was looking for arrowheads while the other kids went out to play baseball.

I was digging,and sifting though Minnehaha Creek,while the other kids were playing baseball.

When it comes to good locations looking for arrowheads.The only tip I'll give you,is where would you hunt in wait for an animal.

Near water is always a best bet when searching for Indian Relics.

Everything has been pretty much spotted,and picked up through the years.

Near water,and farm fields near water,and I'm talking a water source.

Near a swamp,or lowland where water gathering during a rainy season.

Lakes,creeks,and rivers.

If you're up in the northern part of Minnesota.Odds are the same animal paths,and trails to a lake,or source of water to get a drink in the early morning hours,are the same paths taken for generations.

Shorelines,animals paths to a water source etc.

The best spots to look around a lake.Look for the ideal spot to build your log cabin on level ground.The ideal campsites are the same on a lake.

Odds are when camping on a natural lake,or water source here in the state.Many in the past have as well,and like us they'd pick the best spot.

As far as which side of a lake..east,north,south,etc.Perhaps some enjoyed all locations through out the seasons.Where a north wind would be welcomed in the heat of the summer,or enjoying the breeze to keep the bugs at bay.

Where a camping spot level & comfortable,and believe me.There are alot of lakes here in the state,that are not over developed,that have vast clues to past Native American camps,and perhaps permenent residence at one time.You're camping where they did.

It's the developing,and landscaping done over the years.Not to mention what was exposed to the human eye that has already been picked up.

Logging itself,development etc..You'd be amazed how things have changed environmentally in the last 150 years hear.

Looking for arrowheads comes natural to those who can just identify them.Even from just a photograph from a book,it's in the heart.

I'll be updating this with more thoughts,and if anyone wants to share their Native American Indian Relic finds with us,please do so.

This is a facinating subject for so many of us.

Even if just an arrowhead,please share your story...:)











Saturday, March 9, 2013

Metal Detecting For Jewelry

When it comes to metal detecting for jewelry,make sure you test your detector at home with the jewelry you have on hand.

Even the most expensive detectors pick up alot of jewelry as a junk target.Don't ask me why,it's just the way it is with alot of the models out there.

Find a silver ring,and test how your detector picks it up.Watch the single you get.

Don't practice out in the field.Be knowledgable on what your detector's signals are before you get there.

Rings are the most troublesome for alot of us.

My metal detector seems to always pick them up as a nickle,that's because I always have my unit set up for coin shooting.

When I'm in jewlery mode,I just pick up to much dam junk.

Yes,at the beach I ocassionally use the jewelry mode when in the sand,because it's not to much overly a pain in the butt digging up potential targets in the sand.

In the parks however,I'm usually always on the coin setting.The reason why for that is,there has just been to many dam cans of beer drank over the years,not to mention cans of pop.Parks are a graveyard of pulltabs,and pulltabs in most all cases register as a ring in jewelry mode.

That's a problem when it comes to metal detecting for jewelry.You have to dig up alot of junk targets,unlike when you're in the coin setting mode.

With my detector in coin mode,I'm usually always 99% of the time correct when identifying a target in the ground.

In jewlery mode it's usually always 99% junk,and even the pro's in this game tell you,when it comes to jewelry that's just the way it is.

The great thing is,your detector will always let you know when jewelry is in the ground.You'll just have to dig up all the other trash to find it.

In many cases I refuse to have my detector set up in jewelry mode.It would be easier just escavating the ground with a screen & shovel.

Detecting for jewelry is just not my thing,but at times I do go out specifically ring hunting.

I usually do so after I've cleaned a location out of coins,and when I have no other place to go for the time being,then I resort to doing my best metal detecting for jewelry.

I actually find more jewelery while coin shooting,than when my detector is set for jewelry.

If a location is not to overly burdened with trash,then the jewelry setting aint so bad,but always have a mind set that you will be digging up alot of trash.

Saturday, March 2, 2013

Metal Detecting For Silver

Here is a letter sent in from a guy who just spends his time metal detecting for silver only.

Whether it's silver coins minted before the mid 1960's,or silver jewelry.This is all this guy detects for.

So lets here his story ->

Thanks for letting me share my metal detecting story.My story is not fictional.It's about why I metal detect for silver instead of messing around with the other stuff lost in the ground.

Silver gives off the best reading on my detector.A beautiful strong signal.

I'm trying to make a few extra bucks on the side,and spending time digging up pennies,or any other non silver change after the mid 60's aint worth it to me.Unless I get readings of an awful lot of quarters.

We all know what pennies are worth today,and I NEVER dig pennies up.EVER!

They are just that.One penny,and I aint bending over all day digging those dam things up.Your back would give out,not to mention even if you have rechargable batteries,you are spending more recharging than profiting.

With what money is worth today,these detector manufacturers should just exclude the dam things.

Don't try to debate that an old penny that's been in the ground 50+ years is worth anything.It's not.It's in such poor shape it's pretty much just that in value.

Silver coins don't deteriorate like copper in the ground.You can count on the silver coins holding a little more value when it comes to a collector value.

You'll find more silver jewelery and silver coins before gold.

Lets face it.We're in Minnesota.

If a person concentrated on specific targets.You'll pay off your metal detector alot faster,than digging every target your detector identifies.

Try going to a park,a beach,and tell yourself I'm only digging up ring targets today.

Then when you go back,just dig up the high value targets..That's quarters or better.

I go as low as dimes,and nickles too,but when you find a location that you're going to detect.Go big.

Go for the smaller crap after ya clean it out of the good.

People looking for gold,and other lost treasures here in this state is what those who sell metal detectors love.

Usually when I find a place to detect,or a place I can get away doing it.I start out big,and go for the silver coins,and quarters only.

The next time I go back,after I cleared it out of the high priority targets,I go for rings.

Yes,rings are a high priority target,but a person gets so many junk target readings when it comes to silver rings.

You have to spend a day digging up alot of crap when it comes to ring hunting.

Now here is one of the best metal detecting tips.

Get your hand on a silver ring.Throw it out in the yard,and test how your metal detector reads it as a target.

Do the same with a silver quarter & dime..Same as a nickel.

Know before hand how your detector detects.

There is alot of silver coins still in the ground to be found,and the same goes for silver rings.

Rings can be funny,because so many models of metal detectors pick them up as junk,or a low level rated target.

So like I said,get you hands on a couple silver rings.Then see how your detector registers them.You'll be very surprised at your readings.

The down side is a person ends up digging up a bunch of junk targets,but if you make a rule to only dig up the ring targets,you'll find more better days as value of a target is concerned.

Go for silver and high value targets only.

Jake in Mankato



Friday, February 22, 2013

Lost Treasure In Minnesota

Quite often a person sees someone asking just that.

The same question wondering about lost treasure in Minnesota.

Well,I suppose there are some lost treasures of some sort burried in the days when banks were not trusted,and perhaps that trend is starting once again,because I certainly don't trust the bankers.

Cash is pretty much printed paper these days,and when that goes belly up,I wouldn't count on the banks opening their doors to the patrons who had safety deposit boxes,to get their belongs either.

But anyways,and back to the article at hand.

The question remains,where to look for lost treasures in Minnesota.

Your guess is as good as mine..hahahaha :)

I'm not aware of any sunken ships here in any of the lakes,carrying a cargo of gold bullion.

I've never heard of any Native American Burial Ground accidentally discovered,that contained gold relics of any sort,and also believe no loot of any sort has been burried here.At least not any I'm aware of.

I believe the last glacier retreated a little over 7000 years ago,and that past humans after that time did not have an understanding of gold,and precious metals.It was survival at its best,and relics that were precious to them are long decomposed.However the artifacts made of flint & stone are still being found today,but to metal detectors that's a different ballgame.

However,when I do detect.I keep a careful eye out for an arrowhead,and try to do two things at once when out in the field.

With all this being said,the only thing that could be consider a lost treasure here in the state of precious metal standards,would be items of European in nature when the first settlers arrived.

So we're looking at the last two,to 300 years at best.

Did they lose any chests of gold,and silver back in those days?

Maybe had some stolen,and perhaps a bank robber might of burried some loot,but even when I look into the robberies that have happened here in the historical records.Most the bastards were caught,and loot is seldomed burried.

Pirates perhaps burried their treasures,but that's not a common traite for a theif here in the early days.

Yea,yea,yea..I've read the stories of boats sinking in lakes that had payrolls for the loggers,and some type of treasure burried by the Mississippi River.

They make great stories,and some of these tales are true,but if a person thinks he's going to unearth some of these lost finds with his metal detector,well I certainly wish them the best of luck.

Try reframing the word "treasure".

There are so many precious relics here in the state,that even if it's a rusted object made of iron,the find itself is interesting enough to me.

Not all iron relics I consider a glee of joy,but sometimes there is that unique item that makes a person dwell back in time,and wonder on its history.

I'm not plugging any books here,and have nothing to sell.

So you'll get more honesty here from someone,than those who do have something to sell.

So when it comes to lost treasure in Minnesota.I leave those stories for the kids.

It is what it is on what you find,and another mans trash,is another mans treasure.

I'll write more on this,and the feedback comes in.

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Best Places To Metal Detect For Coins

I'd say your best bet now days for coin shooting,would be property where older homes are.

The problem is,we just can't jump peoples fences tresspassing on their property.

I've seen silly videos that offer hope,and one came with my White's Metal Detector.

It shows them driving around looking for old houses/farms.Then shows them go knock on the persons door asking permission to metal detect on their property.

The people allow them,and act interested in their hobby.

It's really a crock of bologna if you ask me.(the video)

I love metal detecting,but one thing I don't do is drive down roads on private property asking if I can metal detect their lawn/property.Nor would I go door,to door in a city asking if I can metal detect their backyard.

Not in this day,and age with all the nut cases out there.

But back to the subject at hand.

I believe your back yards are the best place to metal detect for coins.

The city,and state parks have been cleaned out for decades now.

Sure you still can find a silver coin,or some jewelry,but assure you that a majority of it has been cleaned out over the years.

Ask your friends,relatives,or co-workers at the break table to do their yards sometime,if they wouldn't mind you doing a little coin shooting.

In Minneapolis alone,and the older neighborhoods there?

It's a gold mine for lost silver coins over the many decades that house was there.

Parks,and beaches are your 2nd best bet,but as I have stressed before,these places are so cleaned out,that you'll be shaking your head in bewilderment wondering why you didn't find more.

But not all parks,and there is always hope.

Speaking for myself,I don't get overly excited checking out a park that I've never detected before.

The property around houses,that does get me excited.

My best finds for coins have always been a house in a town,or city.The best finds always seem to be in the backyard when it comes to jewelry,and coins both front & backyards are equals.

The best places to find coins with a metal detector are near the sidewalks.Which I'm sure most of you already know,and the other spot is where the cloths line hung.

People dried their cloths for decades outside on the cloths line.They may not be any sign of where the cloths line hung,but rest assured every backyard at one time,hung cloths for many years somewhere out in the backyard.

I know this is a little off subject,my next comment.

The redevelopment of land over many years,makes many locations that actually held a good quanity of silver coins,and other relics ,that these locations have been churned up so many times,and fill used,or garbage from 40 years prior in the ground that was relandscaped shortly afterwards as worthless areas to detect.

I was in a small town a few years back,and they redid their city streets in some locations.Ripping out the old road in the 1950's,and its sidewalks.

I snuck in their late in the evenings to detect on the torn out roads,and even dected where they brought all the fill,and even spread it out,because they were creating a trail system with the fill.

I never found a penny..and was sure I'd of turned up something.

One of the reasons why I express that the best place to metal detect for coins is property where a home is located,is it's basically undisturbed land.

Landscaping really has ruined alot of good locations.

Many parks get a makeover at sometime in their life,and so do beaches.Pretty much anwhere for that matter does.

So keep in mind,if you're wondering where to look for the silver coins.It's really all around you.

The problem is it's private property,and most likely that big find you're looking for is on someone elses property right under their nose.

I'll keep updating this article,as thoughts come in.


Saturday, February 9, 2013

Metal Detecting Greenland

I've been day dreaming on some adventures,and one of them has always been metal detecting in Greenland.

More so for the metorites that crash land on the galciers there,or perhaps permanent snow tundra if that's what it's called there.

Some have looked for relics of when the Vikings landed there,and lived for some time.

I recall watching on PBS many years back,of Viking life in Greenland,and the hardships that they must have endured.

It went on to discuss theories on what happened to them?

They obviously moved on,after years of poor weather,due to a weather pattern change.I can't recall how many years they stayed,but it was at least for a few years I assumed,perhaps alot longer.

I'd have to read up on that again,and probably should have before writing this article,but the article here at hand is not solely about the Vikings.

It's about Metal Detecting Greenland for meteroite debris.

No,I'll never get there to to that.

I don't have the money for something like that.


What?..Not even the price of a plane ticket,and some pennies stuck away for lodging/food?

No..It's paycheck,to paycheck for me.

So adventures such as this,only take place in my daydreams.

Does anyone else like me get that fever to really get out there,and do some serious metal detecting?

I'm so sick of metal detecting the same old sandboxes at the parks.

Yea,yea,yea...I'm more creative than that,and have detected some great hopeful areas.

The bottom line is.."Minnesota is one disapponting state for metal detecting".

I suppose this is why I day dream of places that at least offer some serious possibilities of finding something.

Greenland is one of those places,and the deserts out west here in the U.S.

With the woods,or the fields of brush,and overgrowth...Most of us are forced to metal detect the beaches,or ground that's a freshly mowed grass.

Go off the beaten path,and it's difficult getting a hand shovel through hard rooted ground.

The bugs can be bad,and not the longest season for it either.

We're all stepping over eachother out here,and it's to many chefs in the kitchen.(smile)

So yea,I think alot of us yearn for virgin ground for our units to do their work.That's to find something to put on the wall.

I'm not in this for the money.

I'm in this for the thrill of the find,and I'm just not getting that thrill in my own backyard here in Minnesota anymore.

Maybe someday,I'll live in an area where I can put an end to this day dreaming.

It gets depressing living here,and reading about the possibilities of others have,where they can get out and can actually say every time they here their detector sing.."It could be anything".

Being in an area,where one would even dig up the junk targets they get,because it could be as good as gold.

A Greenland Metal Detector trip would be fun,but it'll be all I can do before I die,to even hit the Nevada Deserts.

Maybe some day :(





Thursday, February 7, 2013

Metal Detecting Clubs In Mn

I have not personally looked into some of the metal detecting clubs here in Minnesota.

I do feel it would be a great way to meet new friends,get together for a pot luck type gathering,and share some stories.Perhaps even share some of the interesting finds,that some have been lucky enough to unearth.

Maybe even find a metal detecting buddy?

I know many in this hobby would love to have a friend in this,or perhaps a partner to hunt with.

I know there are quite a few families,that do this hoby together,and it is a rush when they are all out there on the hunt,and one of them makes the find of the day.

I know we'll be starting a club,or perhaps a small group where we get together for some beers,and a picnic.Maybe even some campouts,that will bordeline a party,with all acting as though we have come down with gold fever.

I think the Mn metal detector clubs would be a blast being part of,and alot of this hobby is the joy we get sharing our finds with others,even if the find is worthless money wise,some of us get a rush unearthing a relic from long ago,and the story behind that old chunk of metal.

I think many of these groups in Minnesota have some good laughs as well.Such as look at my nail collection,and funny slogans such as "I make more off the aluminum cans I find,than the change I find."

A person has to have a sense of humor in this game,and I think all of us enthusiasts have a sense of humor who enjoy the fun hobby of metal detecting.

So check back with us this early spring,and lets get some type of gathering going.

A feast,some good cooking,the bbq's a blazing,and a can of cold beer.

Maybe some of us would learn a few tips,or some pointers.

Figure out some places that would work for group metal detecting,and make a weekend camp out of it.

I would feel very uncomfortable with a dozen other people detecting a park,or some other state location where we'd get away with it.It would cause to much attention.So let me know your thoughts on this.

That's one thing I keep thinking of if we do get a detector club going.Maybe some of us would enjoy a bunch of us out in the field detecting,but just being alone I feel I'm pushing it,everytime I pop up a quarter.Someone drives by,and it would look odd? LOL

Let me know your thoughts on this :)





Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Metal Detecting For Gold In Mn

Metal Detecting For Gold In Mn

A question every new treasure hunter asks,but as my previous rants go on to say,the find is like a thrill in itself,and just as much as an addiction as gold fever would be if taking victim of it,or maybe said if falling victim to it.

Is there gold in Minnesota?

Yea..Gold flake has been found here in the past,and from my research they have pretty much found it all.

I find that strange,because prospecting for it never went any further,than the newspaper reports,or stories we've heard.

How much?..Well,I believe most of it was ridden with untruth,for reasons desperate in attempt to draw attention,draw business to a community perhaps.

So I can't say how much,but can say all those who rushed here looking went home broke.

As of present day?

They were,and perhaps still are...drilling deep in the ground in the Ely area,and were drilling into lakes itself,with an investment of what one would do to start an oil well.

They have to drill DEEP.

Many of these private investors/companies closed down after 2-3 years,and all that remains is evidence of some deep drilling etc,at the locations they drilled.

What,and how much they found?

Who knows,but one certain fact remains that deep drilling is a short term thing for gold in Minnesota.

They are very secret on the finds,and unless you have a few million to make six million,will put an end to your wondering if there is gold in Mn.

My conclusion is they must know exact deposits by some type of satelite imagery,because why else be so pinpoint on the locations,and not even moving over 10 yards for another drill after a couple years.

Not to mention the politics involved when getting permission to drill.

What makes anyone want to gamble on a deep drill here,is something along the lines of the "Matrix" Movie capability,and some serious insite info.

There is no good spots in any county for metal detecting for gold here in the state.

If you want to find gold in Mn,then learn your deep drilling,and get in good with the inside intelligence in that type of prospecting,more like mining with those with NASA intelligence like that movie "Armageddon".

Gold Jewelry

Sure you can have your hopes,and dreams looking for lost gold jewelry here.

But,if you think you'll be finding gold nuggets here..You're in for a surprise.

No,you won't pick up flake.That sand bag pile in the ground don't exist either.

The best places for metal detecting for gold in Minnesota would be the beaches.

A ring is the only possibilty for now,and if someone found a spot with their detector?

It would be a secret between them,and that spot.

The gold rush is over in these parts,but there is alot of good stuff out there to find.

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Mn Metal Detectors Shops

I've been dwelling on the Mn Metal Detector Shops in my area,which by the way are not to many,but my point is does a person really need a metal detector shop to find the detector that's right for you,or perhaps accessories if that be the case?

I have not been to all the shops in this state that sell metal detectors,but the few I've been to,are like going to a used car lot dealing with a used car salesman.

They monopolize the price,so you are not going to find a better deal by going to another shop.The prices are set in stone,and the mark up is there.

What is the markup the dealers get,by being able to purchase in bulk..and thus sell to us consumers?

That's a good question?

Or do the business owners who sell detectors for a living take this curiosity as a threat to their very survival?

Well honestly speaking,I personally don't care what they think,else I would not be writing this article.

That's why I strongly recommend you look around when shopping for metal detectors.

Many of these dealers have the prices set in stone,and many of the brands these companies push,decided to take care of the dealer..before the consumer.

So in many ways,shopping for metal detectors is like going though a car lot shopping for cars.These salesman need their cut,like they built the dam things.

Now please know now,I don't hate,nor am I against the Mn Metal Dector Shops in the state.I'm just stating,that there is markup on detectors,and the dealers who sell them,I won't bend over backwards buying the slogan how great it is to support local business.

Buying something anywhere for that matter,only helps the guy selling.

When it's made in America,you're dam right it helps,but what difference is there buying one online for a cheeper price?

This economy is hurting us shoppers too!!

We've been spammed here pretty dang hard by local metal detector shops,and their bottom line is how great it is to buy local,and help your local community by keeping business in the area.

Well that's great for them,but we're not talking groceries here,or clothing.

It's a metal detector for Christs sake...

Most these shops think this blog is here to support their business.

If any product is sold from this blog,I get a chump change at best.

For example to keep it simple,I make 4 bucks out of every hundred spent.

A dealer makes a hell of alot more than that,and many of these dealers spend their time here to get whatever sale I can get..Which is about 1 sale a year,they feel they need that too.

They have the detector for you,and they absolutely love selling them to a family,or husband / wife..because they end up selling more detectors.

I'd say the big money when it comes to metal detectors..is selling them!!!

LOL

I'd say 75% of all metal detectors sold,the guy who sold it to you,made more money off the markup,than what you'll ever pull out of the ground with it.

The dealer selling this to you,knows that :)

This sounds more like lining their own pocket,than making a big difference for your local economy,by buying local etc.

I've had it with these shops,and websites that come here trying to sell their shit,by using my reviews,my experience,and the stories..and opinions I have to share here.

You guys have shops,and websites..stay the hell out of here,because if I wanted to inform all my readers where all the local metal detector shops are..I'd just cust,copy,and paste the phone book here..Geeewhizzzz.

I've told my readers a gazillion times..shop where you can get the best deal,and most all reputable brands of detectors have a warranty.

If it was not for the warranty,even the dealers wouldn't be around very long..It's that warranty that makes a detector reputable,and finding the best price for a detector is the other factor in my book..Not metal detector dealers with the smile on their face,and pissing down my back at the same time..

Yea,yea,yea..I've heard it all..The dealer is very resourceful,helpful,knowledgable etc..

This is Minnesota for crying out loud...LOL

When it comes to someone selling you a metal detector,they sell alot of jargon as well getting you to buy it.

It's really up to you,on what you accomplish,and what your gains will be.

If treasure hunting is in your veins,you won't remember a dam word the dealer said to you on your purchase.

I'll keep you posted on the local Mn Metal Detector shops..that I assure you of.











Thursday, November 22, 2012

Bad Locations Metal Detecting

I have not written much here,because my adventures out in the field can be summed up as some bad lacations for metal detecting.

Not bad as in nothing has been lost at these locations over time,it's just they are cleaned out.

So I decided to vent a little here tonight,and have come to the conclusion that the worst places to metal detect are locations that have been cleaned out by other coin hunters with a detector.

I know this is not positive news to the readers here,but the best places have been cleaned out long ago.

So just by typing in google looking for the best locations to metal detect here in Minnesota..A thousand other folks with metal detectors just did prior to yourself.

Odds are you'll be digging up the same junk targets the guy/gal prior to you dug up,and you'll begin to notice you're un-earthing the same crap,then reburried in the same hole more than once.

Now that's a bad location.

Now..I know we all hear the salesman do his pitch,and those that promote specific brands of metal detectors,and some of the encouragement from other metal detector folks.

They say this old quote ->

"Just because someone else already metal detected the area,don't mean he,or she found everything".

No,I guess it don't mean the place is 100% cleaned out by the prior person metal detecting the area.

But after 100 people over time have metal detected that area,one can say it's pretty cleaned out.

So that old saying,and quoute I just mentioned..really is a weak statement when it comes to regards of Mn metal detecting.

We don't have the beaches,with the tides churning sand un-earthing things over time.

We have parks,and locations where people have gathered over a period of 120 years..Such as churches,old picnic spots etc.

But for the last 40 years,we've had people like you & I on the hunt for lost objects,no matter what they may be.

The last for metal detecting trips I've done,have left me with new change that is lost,and it's rare lately I find any silver anymore.

It's frustrating when a person has to plan road trips of some distance,and in hopes he can detect in some of these locations etc.

Every place is a bad location.

The trick is finding good locations to metal detect that have not been detected before.

The other factor in that location,is the garbage factor.

I swear trash was left more so on the ground,than being picked up by todays standard with trying to make a difference from 40-50 ago.

Most good detectors can avoid alot of the junk all together...But not when it's a junk pile you're on...(to much crap per square foot)

Nails,weld chunk,pull tabs..and aluminum.It only takes so many pieces of this crap per square foot to make it so frustrating that a person might as well sift the ground through a screen mesh.

I've metal detected areas that obviously had great finds in the ground,but some of these locations are so full of "shit" in the ground that gives a great signal,but lack the finds due to the fact you're un-earthing all kinds of crap make it a full time job digging up crap.

Bad locations...Locations where people drank beer,and locations that have been detected 10 + times or more.

Auuugh...







Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Metal Detecting In Southern Mn

I received a few e-mails this week regarding metal detecting in Southern Mn. A person has to use the same concept as if you were metal detecting in Northern Minnesota. I like parks best,and campsites,and where people associated with another.Such as picnics,gatherings,and events. This part of the state is farm country,and I've been metal detecting this area,and farms can be a challenge.There is just so much junk in the ground,that it becomes majorly frustrating. I guess I could some it up,a good spot is where you find it. If you have a cheaper detector,just know you'll have a long day digging up iron nails,and various other farm artifacts that are classified in the "junk department". I've been in the St James Mn area,and explored some around Manakto.There is alot of ground to cover down here,and some locations are clearly better than others of course,and that rule applies where ever you may be metal detecting in Minnesota.

Friday, June 15, 2012

Metal Detecting In Wisconsin

I'd like to hear more stories from others,about their finds when it comes to metal detecting in Wisconsin. I know some time back,there was a gentleman I ran into in the very early spring,and he was metal detecting in in the state park there at St Croix Falls. The park was closed,and there was nobody around to bother him,and do admit he had a good thing going for him that day. I'm sure where ever there is beautiful scenery,people for 100's of years have gathered in those locations to enjoy it,so natural attractions are a nice place to detect if you can get away with it. So if any of you have some stories you'd like to share about your Wisconsin metal detecting experiences,I'd love to hear from you. I'm sure there is some good stories to tell,and some great finds there as well. I assume Minnesota & Wisconsin are pretty much on the same level as far as the various minerals there in the ground.So I don't expect to read about gold nuggets that have been found there,but I bet you there has been some great,and interesting find there none the less. If I can ever afford a road trip,perhaps someday I'll get outh there,and do some metal detecting in Wisconsin.For now,I'm stuck here digging up nails in farm fields. I know some day I'll strinke it rich..hahahahaha..:)

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Best To Buy Metal Detectors Online

I get asked this question often.Where is the best place to buy a metal detector online.

The truth is,there all pretty much priced the same no matter where you buy.So one shop on the East Coast,won't be any cheaper than a shop on the West Coast.

In my opinion the best place to buy metal detectors online would probably be at Amazon,or the official website of the manufacturer.Usually same day shipping,and also free shipping included with the sale.

That's where I shop even for my metal detector gear.It's just easier,and in most cases save money just doing business there.Alot of these stores,and shops charge to much for their over-head in my opinion.

I don't need anyone showing me how to work one,when a person gets detailed directions with one,and in most cases they even throw in a "how-to video" that really gets a person started on the right track.

So when it comes to the best places to buy metal detectors I'd try them.

Perhaps in the future I'll add a link with all the models they have,and they have a pretty good variety and brands of metal detectors to choose from,than any store would ever have in stock.


Pluse alot of dealers in detector sales stick to one,two,or three brands,and that brand is usually a model they get the most commission from,and that really don't help a customer when he's trying to choose the best model for him,and with choosing,the price range is a big factor when deciding which metal detector to buy.

Online metal detector sales are pretty much the same price as a dealer.If you can figure out how to work a microwave oven,you can pretty much figure out how to work the unit you buy.

The best place to buy a metal detector,is where you get the best price,and the warranty comes with it.

Do you need a car salesman to show you how to drive the car off the lot?

Of course not!

"Nor" do you need a salesman giving you the pitch on how to find coins,relics,or what have you in the ground,with his little trash can with sand with coins,and jewelry in.

The dealers main job is to sell it to you,and he'll talk..and walk the walk when doing so..LOL

Bring some of these dealers out in the field,and odds are these tards couldn't sell one if their life depended on it,but they are a professional in the store,and a die hard metal detector enthusiast to your ears.

We're getting letters from readers,and hope to help those more interested in online metal dector sales.So keep checking back.

Honest reviews,and those who contribute their thoughts here,none of them have swamp land in Florida for sale.



Friday, April 20, 2012

New Metal Detectors

I was just window shopping the other day browsing at some of the new metal detectors for the 2012 year.

Obviously,I didn't read any reviews,because many of these new models just came out a couple months back,and spring has now pretty much arrived on our doorsteps.So more of us will be getting out there with our detectors.Some of us using are older one's,and some trying their skills on a newer model.

I know many of the models doing all they can by trying to trump the competition,by various ways..Bigger coils,or trying to be the best dector for depth,or perhaps identification of the targets in the ground etc.

I haven't seen anything to make me drop the one I'm using,to go out and buy a new detector.

I don't need a detector that goes 3 feet deep possibly identifying it's target etc.Where I detect I can't be digging 3 foot holes.Not only that,not sure how many I could dig at that depth anyways.

Now if I was looking for gold,and if I new the area didn't have aluminum cans,or old iron chunks of garbage burried 3 feet deep,then I'd want that detector.

I already know that reading reviews can go both ways.There are honest reviews,and then reviews generated by the company that are always comparing one detector,to another.They stick out like a sore thumb.

Another thing that erks me in reviews of the new metal detectors is how one brand always finds something,that another brand did not.Well odds are on the next controlled trial,the other detector would win.

So many of these trials are one sided,and conducted by the competition.

The best way to know the reliability of another detector is to ask someone you personally know who has one,because I've read enough reviews here online that makes the worst detector,worthy of giving up mine for it.

One thing I do notice when it comes to the quality,and the reliabilty of a new detector is the price.Usually the more expensive the detector,the better the detector.

I also think the best detectors are in the 700-1000.00...Unless you are really planning on doing some serious prospecting,the one's designed basically for gold prospecting might cost a little more.That's not my expertise,because they don't have gold here in the area I live,so why would I pretend to be an expert on those detectors..I'm not.

I'll post some reviews when they come in on some of the new metal detectors 2012 as they come in.





Thursday, April 19, 2012

Minelab Explorer Reviews

I read some Minelab Metal Detector reviews this afternoon.

I can't really knock the machine,and is more than a tad expensive than my White's Spectrum XLT when buying new.

My understanding is this is a great detector for deeper objects in the ground.


Click To Purchase


Some of the reviews claim up to 3 feets deep.I suppose if you're in the woods,or some farm field before planting,you can get away with digging a whole that deep.
       
Personally that's just to dang deep for me,and this detector aint no break through on technology by slapping a bigger coil on it,just more hype in my opinion.

I got suspicious of many of the reviews,especially when they kept comparing this detector to the White's brand.

Proving a good detector by bashing the competition is a sure sign of dishonesty..Review the detector,not compare it.Anyone can compare metal detectors,but stick to the review to give other readers a sense of what the detector is all about,not a scale from 1-10 on how it compares to some other brand.

I think this one is a bit over-priced,and if I was going to buy one,I'd probably look around to buy a used one.Another thing that kind of sticks out with this model,is there are an awful lot of these for sale used,unlike some of the other brands.

I know the economy has something to do with that,and they probably hold their value to some degree.I've sold things myself while in a pinch.

I used this machine,and let my friend use mine.

My opinion is this detector is great for deep objects..it really can't be beat as far as depth.

If that is an issue that makes you determine buying one,then this detector is for you.

But if you are looking to buy one,and buy one not so dang expensive,and not worried about objects 3 feet deep..Go with another brand at half the price.

There is no way this detector could beat my Spectrum...I'll be finding more stuff,while the one using this machine is digging trenches to dig up a 3 foot deep aluminum cans.

Maybe on the beaches,and in fields,and parks in Europe where civilization has crossed the same piece of land for 1000's of years,but here in Minnesota I don't need something like this.

Metal Detector Online

I've received some mail asking me where a person should shop for a metal detector.

I've mentioned before,and I'll say it again.Check out some of the shops in your area,or shop around for a metal detector online.See where you get the better price.

With the price of gas these days,and if the nearest metal detector store is more than 50 miles from you,perhaps it's easier to just buy one online.

They all come with directions,and may have a video included with it.Not only that,there are plenty of Youtube videos out there,and odds are using the same detector you purchased.

If you can work a simple transister radio,or operate a coffee maker,odds are you'll understand,and easily learn on your own how to work your metal detector.

Practice in your back yard with various coins you burry,and also practice with trash.

There is no rush,so take your time and learn your detector.There easy to figure out,and odds are the guy showing you at the store how to use it,has never used one outside of the store.

There are way more complicated things to learn than a metal detector.I learned on my own about mine,and read the directions of course,so don't let buying a metal detector online scare ya.

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Good Places To Metal Detect

I've written prior articles to this one,and discussing good places to metal detect in Minnesota.

Now please think about what your asking,and searching for regarding that very question.

First off,that very question has been asked probably by 10,000 people before you,and if there was a page online that listed the best places to detect here in the state,you can rest assured that 10,000 people would have metal detected those spots before you even thought of asking.

So use some common sense when asking that question.

Here is a good example -->

Say I wrote an article on best places to metal detect in Minnesota here on the blog.Even gave good directions,and even added good parking spots with each location.

By the time you got there,all you'd find is evidence of prior metal detector enthusiasts,who left their junk targets in the ground,and every target you dug up would feel like the target was just burried by a squirrel.Then you'd realize someone was there prior to you,and already checked out what it was,and then covered in back up.

Oh yea...Parks,beaches,and various other sites are cleaned out.

I've cleaned parks out of all the silver change,rings,and what have you..I left the pennies because I'm not digging up a hundred of them to make a buck.So rest assured there are plenty of pennies for you at these locations.

You're not going to find much after I comb an area.

Sure,things get overlooked many times,but not 99% of the time.

A person who knows how to work his detector,can easily clean out an area.

Just like your back yard..You want to keep metal detecting that over,and over,and over again?

Imagined it detected 200 times...Would you like to metal detect it again?

Of course not.

Good places to metal detect are places that have not been metal detected...PERIOD!!

Do you think someone is going to write the locations on where the good places are?

They'll write about it afterwards,when they got the place cleaned out.

The best places are wherever you can get away with detecting.

Anywhere you can...I wouldn't recommend farm fields,unless something gives you reason to,or you live in the U.K..or Europe..Well,lets just say I'm talking about Minnesota farm fields.I'm sure down south there could be some ineteresting finds.

I'd say anywhere there is a lot,where people camped,fished,swam,old parks,near old businesses etc..etc..Any where you can get away with it.

I know the laways etc,and I only hear crap reading it online where people are always talking "know the laws".

Just stay off private property.That's all I say.

I've been metal detecting for several years,and I've never had one problem with the cities,police,park workers etc.

I wouldn't go into "any location" during the busy season,and especially if it looks like I could draw some attention to myself,but you could catch me there in the late fall before the ground freezes,without a person knowing.

Another thing is how you conduct yourself,and never carry a shovel..EVER...That looks bad!!

Use a little,but strong handspade..While I slowly walk & detect,I carry the handspade up against my wrist,like a prison inmate carrying a knife to hide it...I look so non threatening while detecting.Anyone going by,never even sees my hand spade.

Make sure you take your target out of the ground carefully.Learn how to pinpoint your target.If all possible keep the hole 2-3-4 inches,and cut out the clump of dirt.Take the treasure,or the pull tab and put it in your pocket,and put the clump back in,and the dirt..Make that spot looks the same before you dug it up.

Early mornings are better also..Before alot of people are out and about.

I say this over,and over again.The best places to metal detect is wherever you can.

Places you find on your own.That's how this game is.

The last place you want to detect is some spot mentioned online..Right?

Because it's been detected many times over.

I was detecting a small beach once,and a truck pulled up with a father,and his 2 sons..I suppose between 17-19 years of age.

They had 3 top of the line "Bounty Hunters",and a sour look seeing me packing up with my "Whites".

We talked some on detecting,and they were very nice folks who were vacationing here in Minnesota.

Anyways..I had the place pretty much cleaned out.

I did return a few days later to that location,just to kill some time before lunch,and detected again...That family REALLY cleaned the place out,and also left the junk in the ground,and I could tell this trash was unburried,and then put back in the hole.

You'll find alot of targets like that in the parks,when you dig up a target,and it seems like the spot you're digging up was dug up before.It was..:)

It's always aluminum,or big iron objects at times that can give give off a good signal.It happens with the best detectors too..Don't let anyone tell you otherwise...It's part of detecting.The junk does get in occasionally.

Detect wherever you can,and always keep thinking on the virgin ground locations.

Now please don't get depressed.I still hit the beaches,and make great finds occasionally.

But once I clean a place out.I don't go back there,and I know there are veterans like me out there in this hobby that do the same thing.What's the point?

But..you never know..:)

Good places to meatl detect are places you come up with yourself.Not locations you'd find online.