Originally Posted by Stephen

I use Minelab detectors. I had a Eureka Gold then updated to an Xterra 70 with 3 coils for gold and relics, depending on where I'm out hunting. The more expensive GPX devices (which run $6,000+) dig deep but can be harder to work -- but are just the ticket for open desert areas.

I mainly focus on my own diggings, a 40 acre tract on Whiskey Creek / Mad Mule Gulch, that is a historic mine complex and proven performer. The old timers ('49ers), then their Chinese counterparts, heavy depression-era mining, the rush of the 1980's, and now me for the past 7 years, have beat that area good, but she still produces gold.

There are countless "trash" targets in this area, such as nails, bullets, mule shoes, etc., and the cheaper Xterra with its robust discrimination can actually perform better under these "dirty" conditions.

The real opportunity is in global warming, however. Get yourself up to Alaska or Greenland where the glaciers are receding and follow them back. It's all trash-free virgin ground, so any metal "hit" is likely to be gold / silver, with big damn nuggets to be detected. Just don't let a mountain of ice calf on yer head....