Time went by and other interests took priority until one Xmas my sons wanted to buy one. Later, I bought a Bounty Hunter Pioneer 505 at Wal-Mart, with the understanding that it belonged to the family and anyone in the family could use it. The first night out, they found over $1.00 in clad coins in our yard less than 2" deep. We together have found clad coins, numerous pounds of junk/trash and odds & ends. It's not about the MD'ing, it's about spending time together.
That same thrill a fisherman experiences is the same thrill a dectorist has when their machine hits on a object. From all the information they can recieve from their machine, they grab their tools. Their fishing line is taunt, slowly they reel in their catch. When they pull the item out of the dirt they have the same feelings as the fisherman does pulling their fish out of the lake. If the fisherman doesn't catch the trophy, they throw their line back in the water again, just as the decterist picks up their machine and continues their search.
Many people comment on the cost of a machine. My answer is that it's not about the cost of return on an investment. It's about the hobby. Just the same as the fisherman, golfer, hunter, bicyclist, etc. Their costs far exceed their return on their investment too.
Metal Detecting is a hobby. There is an image that the dectorist is out there stealing something from someone. Not true at all. A detectorist finds lost items. If they can be identified as to the owner, then they return the item. to it's rightful owner. Dectorists dig holes in our parks, in our yards, etc. A true dectorist takes care in preserving the land. They pass up items because of the strong possibility in causing damage. Typically a detectorist will use a thin metal rod and probe the earth to locate the item. Once it is found they cut a slit in the turf and slowly work the object out of the slit made in the turf. The turf is closed back up and the roots are healthy to grow back. Another method is called "plugging". An object is located and a horseshoe shape cut is made in the turf. The turf is laid back exposing the earth underneath where the object is carefully removed. The turf is laid back over and carefully placed so the turf can grow. If the turf is questionable or the retrieval of the item can not be done without harm to the turf typically a detectorist will obtain permission; then typically repair the turf at their cost or decide not to retrieve the item.
There are dectorists that don't care or are not educated in proper methods. They are the ones that cause the damages that creates a negative image. I compare it to a drunk driver. Does their actions condem all motorists?
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Leave the area as if you hadn't been there.
If you work hard at showing respect to the land, it will reward you.
Pick up someone else's trash.
Leave the area better than it was when you started.
Show respect.
To people in parks, to landowners, to the land. It's there for everyone to enjoy. Be courteous.
If someone asks you to help them find something, help them.
It's all about helping others, todays society doesn't seem to help their neighbors. It's time to get back to values that work.
Always obey laws, rules and attempt to preserve our heritage and history.
We are not profiteers. If it is found legally, then it is acceptable. Gained illegally, it is not enjoyable.
Have fun MD'ing, it is meant to be enjoyable.
If it isn't then stop and take a break. If you are stressed then you start breaking the rules.
Accept that you will not get rich.
Money is not everything, enjoying a hobby is the reward.