Metal Detecting For Beginners

This small volume is a wealth of information written in an easy-to-understand format. The sub-title, "101 Things I Wish I'd Known When I Started," says that you will find many helpful tips and lots of advice. The title may say, "For Beginners," but even longtime diggers can learn a thing or two from this softcover book. The author, Mary Shafer, may be considered a "newbie" by some old-timers' standards, but that is what I think makes the book so good. She brings her passion and love for the hobby to this book. She has been digging for a dozen years and what she has learned from experience is shared in this guide. She explains the basics and continues guiding the digger into this hobby. As noted detectorist D.J. Yost says in the foreword: "After reading Mary's book, I have to admit there were a lot of thingsI'd forgotten about experiencing as a beginner." She is also generous with her praise of the many folks who helped her learn and enjoy the hobby even more. We all had to begin at some point, and taking the time to put all she has learned into this book is a welcome gift to detectorists. After the introduction, the books begins with an eleven-page Glossary of Vocabulary and Slang. I'm glad she included the slang, because old time diggers, often forgetting that beginners don't know the terminology, rattle off terms that can be confusing. Ms. Shafer helps it all make sense. The heart of the book is the "101 Things." These are divided into categories, which will help the reader find the tip or answer they seek. The first 20 are about the hobby and type of digging you enjoy. The next 28 are about equipment, sub-divided into "Must-Haves, Accessories," and "Nice-To-Haves." My only disagreement here is that I would place headphones in the "Must-Haves," section rather than "Nice-To-Haves." Although detectorists love to hear the beep of a target, those around you (other diggers, onlookers, sunbathers, picnickers, etc.) may not want to hear it. Also, I think you best hear nuances of beeps with headphones rather than without. Batteries last longer when you use headphones, too. Numbers 49 through 70 cover "Finding Hunting Spots." This is a very extensive list with tips about getting permissions and knowing the laws in the areas you hunt. This section I think is very important for beginners to read. The last section, "Hunting," covers a bit more of the basic,but easily overlooked, tasks that enhance the metal detecting experience, as well as the safety, etiquette (including the Metal Detectorist's Code of Ethics), weird stuff, and finds. The book ends with a "Bonus Section on Resources," beginning with your machine's owner's manual and moving on to social media, books, magazines and more. For a small pocket guide book, this one packs a lot of helpful information into its 108 pages (including an index). I would suggest every beginner in the hobby own a copy, but experienced diggers can benefit as well.