The Washington Outdoor Report - week of July 3

Looking for a fun hobby that will get you outside?  Consider buying a metal detector and go hunt for buried treasure.  Metal detectors have been around for decades but now entry level ones are lightweight, easy to use, and even give you some clues as to what you may be digging up when you hear a signal.

I recently got a Vanquish 340 metal detector from Minelab.  Weighing less than three pounds, it is waterproof to 3.3 feet and has a multi-IQ sensor that detects meal through varied surfaces from the beach to a grassy park.  Simply turn the detector on and slowly sweep just over the surface in front of you as you walk.  When you do detect metal, you’ll see a number ranging from -9 to 40.  The lower numbers usually are iron based.  On the other hand, a reading between 29 and 31 this usually indicates a quarter, though it can also indicate silver.  A penny gives off a reading close to 10 and a reading around 20 could indicate jewelry.  These metal detectors are made for beginners and available at Sportsman’s Warehouse and Cabela’s stores

There are rules when it comes to taking things home you find while using a metal detector.  If you are on private property (your own or someone else’s land with their permission) you and the landowner are allowed to take home anything you find.  The rules change on public lands though.

On National Forest and Bureau of Land Management lands you are allowed to use a metal detector to look for coins but if you are looking for silver or gold, mining laws apply.  If the area you find gold in has a mining claim on it, it belongs to the person with the claim.  On the other hand, if there is no claim on the land, you can keep it.

Washington State Parks allow metal detectors in portions of 54 parks, but before you go you have to fill out an online form and have that form with you while you are in the park using your detector.  You can find out more about metal detectors in Washington State Parks at  https://www.parks.wa.gov/127/Metal-detecting .

Historical sites on public lands are generally off limits and if you find something of archeological significance you should leave it where you found it and notify the nearest state or federal employee associated with the land you are treasure hunting on.  

As a new user I decided to reach out to Debbie Smikoski, an avid metal detecting enthusiast who is the Business Development Manager for Minelab.  I asked her how popular this hobby is and she replied, “It’s grown exponentially the last couple of years.  People want to get out and do something and this is a safe thing to do with social distancing.”  

I also asked Smikoski about how a beginner can get the most out of their metal detector and treasure hunting experience.  She said, “It’s always helpful to join a local club.   Not only can members tell you the rules about where you can and can’t go, but they are very passionate about the sport and want to help you succeed.”

Smikoski also urged beginning metal detector users to, “Just have fun.  There are all sorts of treasures that can be found and you never know where they are going to be (to include silver coins).   Don’t give up on it and you should have a blast. “

One place to go to find out about the various treasure hunting clubs in Washington State is the Metal Detectors Association of Washington.  You can find them on Facebook or through their website at  https://sites.google.com/site/metaldetectwa/about-mdaw .


Peter Flohr Memoial Salmon Derby
In other news, The North Central Washington Chapter of the Coastal Conservation Association is once again putting on the annual Peter Flohr Memorial Salmon Derby, also known as the Wenatchee Salmon Derby.  The dates this year are July 15-16 and cash prizes will be given for the biggest salmon caught as well as to the boat with the heaviest amount of fish weighed in.  Last year’s big fish was a 21.68-pound Chinook salmon caught by Tim Davis.  The boundaries for this popular tournament stretch from Rock Island Dam to Wells Dam.   You can find out more information and buy a ticket to participate at www.wenatcheesalmonderby.com .

 
John Kruse – www.northwesternoutdoors.com and www.americaoutdoorsradio.com