Is anyone here on TQ going to the

[JCWhite]

Buckeye Championship Treasure Hunt in two weeks thats being held in New Concord, Ohio? I don't expect to do very well but wanted to attend to meet some MDers and get a little experience.

[bigbillinsc]

either on of your machines will do ya good on that hunt. bring home the gold man.

happy huntin

[JCWhite]

Thanks BigBill very much. I wonder if there is a strategy when hunting in a seeded field and you want to be quick. I have decide to use the Prizm because I know it the best. Anyone reading this post that has any suggestions please post. Even tho I know my chances are slim it won't keep me from doing the best I can

[gordiesgirl]

Good luck. Hope you win every prize there is. Let us know all the details.

[cjoej]

JCWhite,

There have been books written about this, but here are some brief insights.

The most recoveries will take place in the first 10 minutes, so be sure your detector/batteries/lower shaft/coil are in top shape. Have a spare lower shaft available in your vehicle in case yours is cracked or breaks (even when park hunting).

Keep a spare detector available. If everyone else is using the same detector you are carrying, consider switching to one that no one else is using to avoid interference with your signal.

Be prepared to dig all shallow targets, even the trashy ones. A freshly planted Ike Dollar can sound like trash and so can a gold coin.

If in doubt of a signal, keep in mind, "this is a planted field" so targets have not had a chance to settle or create a halo. This means they are likely to sound different than a 'wild' coin that has been in the ground a long time and will often be laying at an angle. A good pinpointer can be a time saver here.

Most targets are usualy planted up to 3" deep, but be sure to ask the hunt staff and other participants about things like the depth and kind of targets and recovery tools etc.

Don't worry about putting dirt in your pouch with the target, you can look at items and sort out things later. Keep moving as quickly as is efficient for you. Pinpoint and dig as quickly as you can, recheck your hole and scrape the hole closed with your foot as you start detecting again.

Observe other hunters movements, some will run to the center of the field while others will start from the perimiter and go streight in. Strategy can help here. A shotgun start allows people to take positions in the field, with detector coils raised above their heads, before the start of the hunt.

If the other hunters move to the center from the perimiter, going in about 30 feet then turning back, after the frist 5 - 10 minutes, and following the perimiter in passes along the perimiter that work sequentialy toward the center of the field will pick up many items passed by while the others raced to work the middle of the field. Adjust your movements to cover what they missed.

If you find a hot section, work it till it gives out, then move on. I once found a place where someone planting coins put silver 1/2 dollars about every 6 feet in a line along a stretch inside the perimiter, so I made my turn early to follow the rich streak, then returned to my original route.

Hunting a sandy beach will require a scoop. There is also what is called a beach basket that hangs from your belt that they dump the contents of the scoop into to strain the sand and catch the target. This is not allowed in all hunts so check the rules.

If they say to pick up the trash, be sure to do so. Even if they don't say to, do it, as often a good target is found under the bottle cap, shotgun shell, or other item.

Depending on the site, checking such things as stumps and fallen trees may produce targets. Ask to clarify the range of targets hiding locations. In hunts I have run/planted, anything up to knee high was fair game.

Wishing you good luck and a full pouch.

Joe

[JCWhite]

I am very grateful for all the advice. I will follow it and will post photos and results when I get back. I am very excited but reading these outstanding points will help me to act like I have some experience.

[JCWhite]

Hey cjoej,

You really gave me some good advice for my upcoming hunt. I did have one question around the strategy of how I move around the field or area. you said...... "If the other hunters move to the center from the perimiter, going in about 30 feet then turning back, after the frist 5 - 10 minutes, and following the perimiter in passes along the perimiter that work sequentialy toward the center of the field will pick up many items passed by while the others raced to work the middle of the field. Adjust your movements to cover what they missed." I am not quite sure exactly what my pattern would look like form your advice. The reason I am asking again on the forum and not in private was because I wanted all to benefit from what you take the time and explain to me. Thanks in advance.

JC