I once read a post in a metal detecting forum where a user was so furious with his brand new metal detector, that he threw it into the nearby lake after a day of no credible finds.  The first thing that comes to mind is that hopefully his detector was waterproof.  The second thing is that he could probably use a bit of anger management.  Unfortunately for this fellow, the detector was not waterproof, and it did not seem like he would have control of his anger anytime soon since he was in his late 60’s (according to his detecting partner who was telling the story).  

 

As somebody who takes pride in being calm, cool, and collected in times of despair, I simply could not relate to his actions or what he was feeling.  To be so angry that you destroy a brand new metal detector in anger?  Bonkers.  I just shook my head at my computer monitor and felt sorry for the guy.  Perhaps a small chuckle escaped me.  It was a slightly humorous the way the author portrayed the events of the day.

Of course, I have had some off days on numerous occasions when metal detecting.  However, I am outside enjoying the fresh air.   I am getting exercise.  Many times I am detecting with my wife, who my best friend and favorite hunting partner.  It would almost be impossible to become outright angry with such a day.

 

However, I must admit I have been frustrated a time or two...

 

The Bugs

Metal detecting is obviously an outdoor activity.  We must try to be one with nature in this hobby.  That being said,  I often wonder if the makers of bug spray are playing a cruel joke on me.  It seems that no matter how much I apply to my skin and clothing, there is always that one species of flying insect that is impervious to its desired effects.  If I didn’t know better, I’d say they were actually attracted to Deet instead of off-put by it.  They must also see my nose, mouth, and eyes as a great place to dwell, as that seems to be the only agenda these flying scoundrels seem to have.

 

One local park in Colorado was so bad, I had to pack up and leave within a matter of minutes.  It was a full on attack on every nook and cranny my face could provide them.  Even my detector was not immune to their constant attempts at intrusion.  While I cannot say this made me angry - I did feel like screaming a war cry at the tiny assailants.  Outgunned and outnumbered as I was, it was time to just retreat to the car, where of course a few had hitch-hiked their way inside.  

 

 

The Skunks

My uncle once screamed as loud as I have ever heard a man scream.   He was under the house fixing a leaky pipe when he came face-to-face with a white striped invader in the depths below.  I will never forget that high pitched wail that escaped his mouth that day, and have steered well clear of skunks, and black and white cats ever since.

 

Luckily, I have never came face to face with the smelly end of a skunk like my ill fated uncle. However, I have had my fair share of being “skunked” while metal detecting.  I have gone to parks that have given up 15 to 20 coins each trip, and then suddenly one day - nothing at all.  Not even a crusty zinc penny.  Days like this have me pondering what I have done to anger the metal detecting god's.  What makes it even more perplexing, is when on my next outing to the same location yields a small hand full.

 

The Nothing

Probably the closest I have actually came to full blown anger in this hobby - are the days I forget.  Driving a good 20-30 minutes to a location, and then popping the trunk to see my detector safe and sound, is a normal feeling I have grown accustomed too.  

 

Taking a closer look and seeing that my backpack is nowhere to be found, is quite another feeling altogether.  No digger, no pin-pointer, no tasty treats and bottle of water.  It makes that return drive home seem like a cross country trip to find out Walley World is closed.  Walking into your home and seeing the backpack right there by the front door makes it even more savory.

 

So while I have never been so frustrated that I wanted to wrap my metal detector around a tree,  I would be fibbing if I said the frustration meter had not wiggled once or twice.  25 crown caps and pull-tabs without a single coin is not my favorite day ever, but at least I'm metal detecting.  When I am metal detecting - all is right in the world as far as I am concerned.

 

Hope you enjoyed the blog - TheHunterGT signing off - I will see you on the next blog.