Recent technological advances during the past few decades have provided tremendous opportunities for the recreational prospector. Prior to the invention of the VLF and Pulse Induction metal detectors a vast majority of the goldfields were inaccessible simply because of the severe ground mineralization and the relative depth of the nuggets. The remarkable capabilities of these new machines have had prospectors stirring all across the globe, perhaps even triggering a modern day gold rush! Although many hundreds of nuggets are found each day, it seems that there are probably quite a few detectorists out there who have not been so fortunate.

     One question in particular that has intrigued me for some time is, “ Why do some hunters find gold consistently every time they go out? ” Or more specifically, “ What is it that gives them that winning edge? ” Of course there are the obvious answers such as, the amount of experience, the quality of their detector, a basic understanding of geology, or sometimes just plain luck.  I am sure that these things do play a big part, however I am inclined to believe that something else must be at work here.  But what could it be?  I feel that the answer to this question can be found by examining the psychological power of the mind. 

     About a year ago I wrote an article titled, “ Successful Metal Detecting Through Positive Thinking. ” Since its publication in the May/June issue of the GPAA magazine I have received numerous phone calls and letters from fellow members who are interested in learning more about the relationship between successful prospecting and the mind. In light of this surprising response, I decided to write down a few more of the things I have found useful while prospecting with a metal detector. These are not technical tips about tuning your machine, but focus primarily on some mental exercises that will sharpen your skills as a hunter and help you find more gold in the long run.

     The dictionary defines confidence as: a) faith or belief that one will act in a right, proper, or effective way. b) a feeling or consciousness of one’s powers or of reliance on one’s circumstances.

     Confidence is not achieved quickly, it must be earned.  It is the product of talent, training and dedication.  Confidence translates into power out in the field because you are absolutely certain of your ability.  The inner certainty comes because you know that you know.  It is a powerful force that can be definitely influence your strength as a nugget hunter.

     A good example of this is the fact that the first nugget is always the hardest one to find. I feel this happens in part because new detectorists have much lower levels of confidence than experienced hunters. They are unsure where to look and what to listen for; which leaves them feeling doubtful. Whereas an experienced hunter knows exactly what to listen for and is confident that if there are any nuggets within range they will find them. I believe that the first nugget is by far the most important piece you will ever find, regardless of its size. It is truly an accomplishment that helps knock down certain mental barriers. It will remind you that finding gold is possible and that all your effort was well worth it. As your confidence increases your faith in the machine and your own abilities will also grow, and from then on things will flow much smoother. In time you will gain more experience on where to hunt and the gold will come much easier.

     Nothing in my opinion, destroys the chances of finding gold as much as a lack of patients.  Patients is one of the most desirable qualities a nugget hunter can possess.  About 6 months ago near Quartzite, AZ, I met a retired businessman turned prospector. He was very interesting and we talked about the mental aspects of prospecting for over two hours. I told him that I thought nugget hunting was about 50 percent skill and 50 percent patience. He smiled and replied, “ Well I haven’t found a nugget yet but I’m sure it is only a matter of time, because what I lack in skill I make up for with patience. ” I was very impressed by this statement and his optimism. This type of attitude breeds success and is something that all nugget hunters should never lose site of. First, work on the patience. Once you’ve mastered that, the skill and nuggets will follow.

     You may have heard professional athletes talk about being in the “ zone ” during the game. The zone is usually described as a feeling of increased awareness, absolute concentration or a situation in which a person performs at the best of their ability.  The athlete is able to play so well because they are completely in tune with their body and what's going on around them.  I have discovered that this same level can be reached while out metal detecting, however it requires the proper mindset.

     A clear, focused head is essential to your success. Don’t allow yourself to be sidetracked by other things going on in your life. Wipe the slate clean and put all your stress on hold. This is your time to relax and have fun, so don’t worry about the phone calls you need to make or the doctors appointments you have to keep. Try to forget all about your job and bills, even if it is just for a little while. Your only mission right now is to find some gold and have a wonderful time.

     Concentration is usually difficult to maintain, so occasionally you should take a break from detecting and observe your surroundings. The reason for this is simple, if you do anything for an extended period of time it can become monotonous and boring. Many times I have felt myself becoming hypnotized by the coil. This sounds funny, but after five or six hours of solid hunting your brain has a tendency to switch to autopilot. You are so fixated on swinging the detector that you become oblivious not only to what’s going on around you, but may also lose site of what you’re actually trying to accomplish. This has happened to me many times in the past. I remember one time in particular when I didn’t even realize I was being watched by a herd of mule deer not more than 45 yards away! The point I am trying to make is that you need to take certain measures to avoid this “ dream-like ” state.

     This can be accomplished by taking periodical breaks throughout the day. Find a comfortable place in the shade to sit down and have a cool drink. While your unwinding, reflect on the places you have already been and where you want to go next. Take a moment to examine the geology of the area. What do you see? What color is the soil, what types of rocks are there, is there any quartz nearby? Ask yourself, “ Is this really where I want to hunt or have I bypassed the best gold because I wasn’t paying attention? ”

     Look around at the local vegetation. Did you know that the old-timers used to look for certain types of plants as an indicator for gold? A famous example is the unusual trumpet plant which typically grows in auriferous soil. You should also be on the look out for any workings done by the old-timers, be it coyote holes or drywash tailings.

     Take time to breathe. I am not suggesting that you should be practicing yoga out in the goldfields, but in all seriousness controlled breathing can have some benefits. It increases the flow of oxygen to the brain which allows better concentration, clearer thinking, and a heightened awareness. The most important thing is that your mind stays stimulated. Try to keep your eyes moving or talk out loud to yourself if you want, I know I do when nobody’s around. Sometimes I like to pretend that a group of people are watching and analyzing my hunting technique. This seems to help me stay in touch with the detector and avoid careless mistakes. Staying alert will allow you to locate the most favorable areas for prospecting and help avoid many potentially dangerous encounters with cacti, snakes, and other critters.

     Let me begin by having you ask yourself a question, “ Are you motivated enough to expend the mental and physical energy needed to become a better detectorist? ” If the answer to this question is yes, then congratulations half the battle is already won.

     One of the most important motivational exercises you can do as a new detectorist is to make a conscious effort to learn more about the hobby. Everyone should be familiar with the basics as it is difficult to progress as a hunter without a solid foundation of knowledge. Take time to read books and articles written by other prospectors, watch videos, explore the Internet, and freshen up a bit on the geology of placer and ore deposits. Always try to save any prospecting literature you accumulate because you never know when this material will come in handy for future research.

     Another valuable exercise is to study the techniques of more successful hunters. These men and women have a lot of knowledge to offer, so listen to what they have to say. As a beginner I spent many hours carefully observing their every move, and I know it has benefited me greatly. Watch how they adjust the detector and swing the coil. Take note of the places they hunt and the places they don’t. Ask plenty of questions, but don’t create an awkward situation by asking them to take you to their hot spots. You might not know any other hunters so sometimes you have to look for them. Occasionally they can be found inside prospecting shops, but usually the best place to meet them is out in the field. If you do happen to bump into one of them take a moment to visit or offer a cold drink, because you never know what you might learn.

     My father is an avid chess player (also a prospector) and quite often his friends will stop by the house to indulge themselves in a game. After watching the men play I realized that in many ways chess is a lot like prospecting. It requires concentration, practice, motivation, and the desire to win. One gentleman in particular; Rashid Ziyatdinov; is especially successful. He has recently achieved the title of an International Grandmaster and is ranked among the top 400 players in the world.

     I asked Rashid what it is that allows him to stay ahead of the competition. He thought for a few minutes and replied, “ Hard work and motivation. You have to show up every day, even if you don’t play chess. To show up every day means that you bring into your life a certain level of dedication, a commitment to quality play and a willingness to study and probe the depths of the game. To show up every day is a statement of personal values that we make to ourselves. It means that we are willing to sacrifice some TV time for study time and willing to work on identifying and eliminating our bad emotional habits. ”

     I truly believe that this same line of reasoning can be applied directly towards metal detecting. Admit your weaknesses, confront your mistakes, and do everything in your power to correct them. Don’t expect to find a bonanza the first time out. Personally, it took me many months to find a piece, and strangely enough I’m thankful about it. If I had found a nugget the first day I probably would not have appreciated it as much. If you happen to be one of those who hasn’t found a nugget yet, please don’t get discouraged. Be patient. Stick with it and I promise it will only make your victory that much sweeter.

     Another important but often overlooked mental aspect of nugget hunting is that you should have a game plan before you head out to the hills. A friend of mine once told me that there is a big difference between metal detecting and prospecting. He explained that when you are looking for gold nuggets you are detecting, and when you’re looking for new ground you are prospecting. His philosophy makes a lot of sense because there does seem to be a clear-cut distinction between the two. Having a game plan is important because it helps you to prepare mentally for your hunting trip. This may be another opportunity for you to maximize your chances of success while decreasing the level of frustration. For instance, how many times have you went out metal detecting in a new area and become discouraged when you didn’t find a nugget? Or how many times have you quickly rushed through a known gold location only to come up empty handed? If your anything like me it has probably happened quite a few times. If you are prospecting a new area and don’t find any gold should you be upset? Of course not! This is unfamiliar territory, so how are you supposed to know if it is gold bearing? This is what prospecting is all about. You might go skunked for days at a time, but then again it might really pay off when you hit that three-pound patch!

     Here are a few things I would recommend when prospecting with a metal detector. Always hunt the most likely areas first. For example, if your prospecting in dry-placer areas you might want to check the small washes with bedrock and the mesas between the gulches. Also, search areas at the base of a mountain chain where alluvial fans or pediment placers may be located. Don’t waste time by hunting slowly (referring to the relative speed of each coil sweep) and only dig the obvious targets. This may seem contradictory to everything you have heard before, but trust me it really does work. This is a new area and your best bet is to cover as much ground as possible. It is all right to hunt quickly because all your looking for is that one nugget to tip you off. Once you find it you can stop and rethink your strategy.

     Detecting on the other hand is a completely different ball game. In this situation it is not a good idea to hunt quickly because you will probably be working ground that has already been picked over; like an old patch. In places like this you are going to have to rely heavily on your skills as a detectorist. You must be totally focused on the ways in which you manipulate the detector. So crank up your minds sensitivity a few notches and turn your patience level to the max, because chances are all the easy gold is long gone.

     If the area has really been hammered be prepared to go 2-3 hours without hitting a single target. This can really test you mentally because you will have to work that much harder in order to be successful. This may mean that you have to crawl through the brush and stick your coil into all those dark nooks and crannies that everyone else has avoided. This type of detecting probably won’t net you much gold but it will provide valuable experience making you a better hunter. Tell yourself beforehand, “ It might take a while but I am definitely going to find a nugget. ” If you have the proper mindset, keep your cool, and stay determined you will find gold that everyone else has missed.

     I suggest that when you are detecting places like this you should swing the coil at a slow to medium speed. Pay special attention to overlapping and keep it as low as possible, even if you have to occasionally scrape it on the ground. Sometimes I tell new detectorists, “ Don’t listen for the loud signals, listen to your threshold. ” This is especially true when hunting in areas with really deep gold. If a nugget is positioned almost out of your detectors range it will not produce a clearly audible signal, however it will probably cause a slight disturbance in the threshold. These disturbances will usually be a small dip or rise, depending on which type of machine you are using. Sometimes faint signals will be caused by ground mineralization, so when in doubt remove a few inches of soil and check to see if the target gets louder or remains constant in pitch.

     Learning to distinguish these sounds from ground noise is not something that happens overnight. It usually takes many hours out in the field, but it is possible to speed the process up. Take a piece of gold or lead and bury it so that you can just barely hear it with your detector. Now practice swinging over it until the sound becomes ingrained into your memory. Once you feel comfortable with that depth try burying the target a little deeper. After a while your mind will become accustomed to these slight threshold disturbances and you will have no problem identifying most of them out in the field.

     One other point worth mentioning is that your equipment should always be adjusted specifically to your needs and in good working order. Hunting with a bad coil or loose cable connection can make any prospecting trip a real headache. The night before you leave, look over the detector and make sure everything is functioning. Swing it a few times and set the shaft to a comfortable length so that you’re not having to hunt slumped over. If you use an arm-strap adjust it so that it fits your forearm snugly, not to loose but not so tight that it cuts off your circulation. You should also always try to use your own equipment; like headphones. After using a certain pair for a while your ears become used to them and might be less responsive to another set. Hunting with unfamiliar equipment might dull your senses and cause you to miss nuggets that you normally would have found.

     Clean your detector. Use a damp cloth to get rid of the dust and mud. A little bit of dirt on the box or coil won’t necessarily affect its performance, but it might affect yours. Have you ever noticed that your car or truck seems to run better after giving it a good thorough washing? Of course the vehicle doesn’t actually run any better than it did before the washing, but psychologically it feels like it does. Well the same thing holds true for your metal detector. This is why maintaining a clean, shiny coil and control box can be beneficial. It suggests that the machine is working in tip-top shape and provides you with a new sense of confidence. Your mood will have a tendency to remain pleasant and the chances of success will be high. Taking the time to properly adjust and care for your equipment will not only make you feel and hunt a whole lot better, but it will also prolong the life of your machine.

     You could also find prospecting more enjoyable by making it a family affair. Take your spouse along with you. This is an excellent opportunity for you to spend some quality time together, enjoy the fresh air, and get some exercise. You might also want to take your kids along, if you have any. Children are very inquisitive and love to explore, not to mention their eyesight is usually keener. I found this out one day while searching a mine dump with my eight year old cousin. We were looking through a pile of quartz when all of a sudden he asked me, “ What kind of rock is this? ” Much to my amazement it was a beautiful specimen that contained about two penny weight of gold. Another friend of mine uncovered a seven-ounce nugget while detecting in Arizona with his kids. By including them in your hobby you will not only strengthen your relationship, but will build many pleasant memories that will last them a lifetime.

     If you spend much time at all out in the field I am sure you will quickly realize that metal detecting for gold is just as much a mental game as it is physical or technical. It is a real sport that requires patience, enthusiasm, concentration, and a willingness to work. However, once you learn to ground balance your mind all the pieces of the puzzle will come together and success will be waiting for you around every corner. Nugget hunting is a wonderful way to bring yourself closer to mother nature and escape the pressures of everyday life. I wish you the best of luck in all your prospecting ventures and hope that your happiness grows every day as you continue to explore this most rewarding hobby.