Posted by the staff

metal detecting tips

1. Metal detecting Safety -First and foremost is safety, bring plenty of water.  Nutrition rich food and snacks.  A high SPF sun screen.  A wide brim hat.  Long sleeved shirt, (lightweight in the summer).  Bring a cell phone.
2. Keep the coil level-The coil on a metal detector is a transmitter as well as a receiver, it sends a signal out and receives a signal back.  It needs to be perpendicular to the train you are searching.
3. Don't swing to fast-It's easy to get excited with anticipation and start swinging the detector a little too fast.  Refer to the owners manual of your metal detector for proper speed.
4. Test your detector frequently - Again your detectors owners manual will have specific calibration technique and frequency of calibration.
5. Invest in extra batteries - It is always wise to have spare set of batteries for your detector and store them in a water tight container.
6. Be patient when digging -As you know many of the gold nuggets found today are small.  If your not very careful while digging and removing dirt from a target zone you could easily remove the target and not know it, always keep your overburden in one area, don't just scatter it around.
7. Wear snake chaps -I learned this one from my father, snake chaps are not that expensive and you will be glad you had them.
8. Don't go alone -Always invite a friend or go with a group, many GPAA members like exploring new ground and are always ready to go gold prospecting!
9. Bring a treasure bag - Just a little 8 to 12 inch canvas bag you can hook on your belt to put your newly found treasures in.
10. Tell someone where your going - Write it down, where you are going when you plan to return.  A map is always good.  Even show areas you might explore if the first choice dosen't pan out.  Remember safety first.  And remember to keep it in the pan!

Most of all HAVE FUN!