Why Metal Detecting is My National Hobby Month Story

January is National Hobby Month, and here is why I believe the hobby of metal detecting is one of the most exciting and rewarding hobbies.

Thirty-five years ago, I purchased my first metal detector. My intention at that time was to search local parks and schoolyards for coins and jewelry lost by others. However, throughout the years, the hobby of metal detecting has taken me on a very exciting journey.

I have been to places that most people can only dream. I have searched for buried treasures, and in my searches, I have observed secret encryptions from ancient societies. The metal detecting hobby not only allowed me to search for buried treasures, in exciting places, but it has also allowed me to produce a TV series, "Exploring History's Treasures," which is all about metal detecting, treasure hunting and history. Metal detecting is a hobby for anyone, and you can receive some great benefits from it as well.

To get started, all you need is a basic metal detector. You do not have to spend thousands of dollars on a high-end detector. For $300-$350, you can purchase a metal detector that performs just as well as a detector with all of the bells and whistles. The most important point I need to stress is this. Whatever metal detector you purchase, read the owners manual, and learn the proper use of the detector. If you do this, you will enhance your chances of finding more lost, and dropped items. The person with the least expensive metal detector, who understands how to use it properly, will do much better than a person with a high-end detector who does not understand all of the bells and whistles, or how to properly use it.

You will also need a set of headphones. Again, you do not have to spend a lot of money. For approximately $25 -$35, you can get a pair of headphones that work well enough in any outdoor environment.

Headphones are important because you need to hear the soft signals emitted from your metal detector. These signals specify a target, or item beneath the ground. Headphones help to eliminate any outside noises, which gives you a better chance of hearing the signals from your detector.

You will also need an inexpensive digging tool. You need this hand tool to dig the small plugs, or holes, to retrieve your find. You can purchase one for as little as $15.

Once you have your detector, headphones, and digging tool, your ready to get started. If you have not done so by now, read the owners manual that came with your metal detector. Your best places to start detecting are the same places I began in, and those areas are schoolyards and parks.

By practicing with your metal detector in these two areas, you will be able to increase the amount of good items you will find. Do not become discouraged if you are digging lots of metal pull-tabs and bottle caps. This is normal. However, the more familiar you become with your detector, the less junk you will dig, and the more coins and jewelry you will find.

The metal detecting hobby also offers great health benefits. Because you are outdoors, and constantly walking, and bending down to dig your items, it's only natural that your health will improve.

Metal detecting most often becomes a passion. The reason why is the more interesting items you locate, the more the hobby becomes a passion; and the more it becomes a passion, the more you want to discover. Who knows, metal detecting could lead you to some exciting adventures, just as it has done for me.

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