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So, it's been awhile since I remember seeing any info on this subject; may have missed some🤔 But has anyone that water hunts (fresh, brackish, and salt) had any sightings, or scares, involving sharks? Lots of rumors out there that PI detectors attract sharks; haven't seen any info about VLF's, or Mult-Q! What are you thoughts or stories?? Bull sharks are known to frequent all salinities of water, accessible from the ocean! I do know that there are several electronic devices on the market, that are specifically designed and "proven"? to deter sharks in a limited radius of the wearer, used by surfers and divers! But weather or not a detector may interfere with their operation, probably hasn't been tested! Thanks for any info!🍀👍👍

Here’s some old photos of Rawhide Nevada on Western Mining History website as well as a link to its history. https://westernmininghistory.com/gallery/37561/historical/towns/ In the early years placer gold was produced and were still being worked during lode mining. The largest nugget being 4 Troy Oz. To be a bit more fair to the promoters and stock brokers who got a bum rap for Rawhide not turning out to be another Comstock or Goldfield, they didn’t have a crystal ball and in the beginning all indications were that it was another big bonanza. In the early years it did produce some high grades. Between 1908-1916 the mines produced $933,833.00 in gold or 46,691 Troy ounces gold and $350,476.00 or an equivalent in Troy ounces in silver. After the boom years, some mines produced up to 1943 totaling $1,610,246.00 with about $3,000 in copper & lead. Often we read mining history or hear documentary narrators say “the ore played out” or “the gold and silver was gone” and in most cases this is false. For early miners it was a matter of economics, ore grades and technology of the time. Initially it took 2+ OPT gold ore to mine at a profit and gradually they could mine lower grades to a cut off grade of about 1/2 OPT as methods improved. Ultimately the early miners left most of the gold and silver in the ground. By the late 1980s exploration started for modern mining potential and by around 1990 mining started again. Kennicott put the low sulfide Epithermal ore deposit back into production known as the Denton Rawhide Mine. Bill Denton owned most of the mining claims but didn’t live long enough to see his dream of mining come to fruition. Fortunately his family kept the dream alive and benefited greatly through the acquisition of those mining claims. Ultimately over a decade of Kennecott mining produced 1.2 million ounces of gold and 12 million ounces of silver. After the Kennicott years ending in 2002 the mine sat idle for a few years until it was sold to investors and became Rawhide Mining LLC, bringing total production to about 2 million ounces gold and 15 million silver ounces. The mine is now shut down. Here’s some photos from my own collection. Ingersoll-Rand DM-45 blast hole drill in Murray pit. Mining 1992, the deep pit is Crazy pit with the beginning of Murray pit to the right of Crazy. Back filling Crazy Pit with waste rock as Murray Pit progresses. More waste rock is dumped at the bottom of the photo and will be contoured as part of reclamation. Back filling of Crazy Pit completed. Murray Pit deeper now and leach pad now grown in size with millions of tons of ore from structurally controlled stock work veins and disseminated gold and silver. Over forty times more gold was left in the ground by early miners of the boom town era. The ore deposits were not worked out or depleted and still aren’t. Considerable ore was left between Murray and Crazy Pits as well as under the waste dump next to Crazy Pit. Also ore left at Regent 1/2 mile to the west, right side of photo. The mine will likely never see farther production at this point.

It is with great sadness that I announce my good friend died Friday of an aggressive brain tumor. Eric was not only a genius, but he was a kind hearted soul. He will always be known for his many inventions in his life. God rest your soul Eric.

Hey folks...i wrote up a small article on Dave J. Honestly, the most interesting part is the quote from Tom Walsh, FTP president. https://detectorstuff.com/the-passing-of-a-legend-dave-johnson/

The first successful creation of gold in a lab was in 1941 when scientists bombarded mercury with neutrons. But this gold was radioactive and decayed into other elements. In 1980, scientists managed to create stable gold by removing protons and neutrons from bismuth, a much heavier element. Despite this achievement, the process remains so costly that it is not a viable method for producing gold commercially. As of 2022, an estimated 264,000 tonnes of gold have been discovered on Earth, according to the U.S. Geological Survey

"Stan Bone is a third-generation gold miner who operated two of the last independent gold mines in Smiths Gully, Victoria: the One Tree Hill and the Black Cameron mines. Following in the footsteps of his father, uncle, and grandfather, who all lived and mined in Smiths Gully, Stan may be the last living link to Victoria's Gold Rush. This is his story."

I am told that David passed away today (1/3). As most people know, David design many popular and successful models for Fisher (12xx series, CZ series, TW6/Gemini 3), Tesoro (Lobo ST and Diablo uMax), White's (GMT & MXT), Troy (Shadow X5), and First Texas (T2, F75, and the basis for most of the intermediate models like the F2/F4/F5, F19, Gold Bug, etc). For the past several years he's been in poor health and often needed assistance for everyday living. Nevertheless, he continued to work on metal detector designs as much as he could because that's what he liked to do. Personally, I first met David at the Mesa Gold show in 2000 and we chatted up metal detector design. At the time he was either working with Tesoso or White's, but was visiting the Fisher booth. Afterwards, we stayed in touch on detector forums exchanging design ideas until I joined FTP 11 years ago. Unfortunately, we really didn't get the chance to do much together at FTP as he was working on MF and I was doing a security walk-thru and other PI work. He will be missed.

(copied and pasted from Teknetics FB page) In Loving Memory of Dave Johnson (1949–2025) With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Dave Johnson, a luminary in the world of metal detecting and engineering. Known for his unmatched innovation and dedication, Dave's legacy has forever transformed the metal detecting industry and inspired countless enthusiasts worldwide. A Life of Innovation and Passion Born and raised in California, with much of his life spent in Arizona, Dave Johnson's journey into engineering began with his curiosity for electronics. His career in metal detection started in 1981 when he joined Fisher Research Labs in California. Over the decades, Dave contributed to some of the most iconic names in the industry, including Tesoro, White's, and Troy, before finding his home at First Texas Products in 2002. At First Texas, he spearheaded designs that set new performance, usability, and innovation benchmarks. Dave's contributions include groundbreaking designs for Fisher, Teknetics, and Bounty Hunter. His work on models such as the Teknetics T2, Fisher F75, and the Gold Bug II made them industry icons renowned for their precision, depth, and sensitivity. He had an extraordinary talent for blending technological complexity with exterior simplicity, making his detectors accessible yet powerful tools for hobbyists and professionals. The Mastermind Behind the Machines Dave's approach to design reflected his philosophy of excellence and user-friendliness. His insistence on superior ergonomics, as seen in the T2 and F75, revolutionized the way detectors were used, ensuring they became extensions of the user rather than mere tools. He once remarked, "I like products that are easy to use. I don't like complicated stuff," a mantra evident in every detector he touched. His ability to listen to the needs of the detecting community and translate those into technical breakthroughs was unparalleled. Whether it was the CZ series, which took nearly a decade to perfect, or the F75's superior depth and target separation, Dave's designs turned challenges into opportunities for advancement. His genius wasn't just in creating machines but in creating connections—between the detector, the user, and the history waiting to be uncovered. A Legacy That Spanned Generations Throughout his illustrious career, Dave's work helped unearth treasures and memories, but his impact reached far beyond his machines. He was a mentor to many in the industry, a collaborative teammate who valued the input of others, and an advocate for accessible, quality engineering. He frequently credited his success to the teams he worked with, including John Gardiner, Jorge Anton Saad, and others who shared his passion. Dave's humility was evident in his admission that he wasn't the best detectorist. "I'm not a good detectorist. That's why I like simple, easy-to-use machines," he joked. Yet his profound understanding of soils, terrain, and the science behind metal detecting made him a giant in the field. An Unforgettable Legacy Dave's designs are more than just machines—they are extensions of his brilliance and a testament to his life's work. From the simplicity of the Bounty Hunter to the cutting-edge performance of the F75, his creations have been loved by hobbyists and professionals alike. His contributions to VLF technology, soil mineralization management, and detector sensitivity will continue to influence the industry for years. Dave Johnson's life was defined by curiosity, ingenuity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. His contributions to the metal detecting community will forever be remembered in the machines he designed and the countless memories and discoveries they have facilitated. A Final Tribute Dave once said, "We're building on a legacy that was created by many people." Today, we honor him as a cornerstone of that legacy. His passing leaves a void that can never be filled, but his spirit and contributions will continue to inspire all those who share his passion for discovery. Rest in peace, Dave. Your innovations will continue to guide and inspire us, and your memory will forever resonate with the sound of discovery. With most profound respect and gratitude, Your Family at First Texas Products and the entire Metal Detecting Community

The bronze cannon or "wall gun" was recovered from an archaeological site associated with a famous colonial-era expedition, led by Spanish conquistador Francisco Vázquez de Coronado https://www.newsweek.com/oldest-known-us-firearm-discovered-arizona-archaeologist-priceless-1992729 https://www.yahoo.com/news/oldest-known-firearm-u-unearthed-151851267.html?guccounter=1

This is a compiled list of major gold rushes in the United States. There are many mini rushes and you can add those links here as well. America's Largest Gold Rushes Through History The Link

Lots of people may think they have owned a Fisher, Tesoro, White's, or other brand detector, when in fact they really owned a Dave Johnson Detector. The companies came and went but the mind behind many of the best detectors ever made belonged to Dave Johnson. He was like a professional gunslinger that everyone hired at one time or another. From Interview with Dave Johnson at https://www.fisherlab.com.ua/downloads/documents/journals/Interview-with-Dave.pdf Many of the people reading this interview unknowingly own products of your design. Would you mind listing them? My first metal detector (in 1971) was a portable experimental vehicle detector for use on roadway loops. It discriminated between cars and trucks, but to become a practical product would have required a lot of development and nobody was interested in investing in it. Fisher in California: 1260, 1220, 1210, 1235, 1225, 1212, 1265, 1266, CZ6, CZ5, CZ20, original Gold Bug, Gold Bug II, Gemini, and industrial instruments including TW6, FX3, XLT-16, PF-18, and circuitry of the TW-770. Tesoro: Diablo MicroMax, Lobo SuperTraq. White's: GMT, MXT, analog circuitry of DFX, Beach Hunter and PCL-600 line tracer. Troy: X-5 and X-3. FTP Bounty Hunter: major revisions to existing platforms most of which originated with George Payne. The BH Junior, Platinum, Gold and security wand (sold under various trademarks) were new designs. FTP Teknetics: T2, Alpha, Delta, Gamma, Omega, G2. FTP Fisher: F2, F4, F5, F75, F70, new Gold Bug, circuitry of the TW-82 industrial line tracer. In the case of microprocessor-driven FTP products, the software was coded by John Gardiner and Jorge Anton Saad. Mechanical designs were done mostly by other people, but I engineered the ergonomics of the T2 mechanical design, which is also used on the F75. See also Detector Stuff Interviews FT-Fisher Engineers, David Johnson and John Gardiner at http://detectorstuff.com/detector-stuff-interviews-ft-fisher-engineers-david-johnson-and-john-gardiner/ Dave's detectors are more similar than not. There is a direct progression from the old analog with knobs 19 kHz Fisher Gold Bug, to the 17 kHz Tesoro Lobo ST, the 19 kHz Troy X5, the 15 kHz White's MXT, 19 kHz digital Fisher Gold Bug, and finally 13 kHz Teknetics T2 and Fisher F70/F75. Having used them all I can attest to a similar feel driven by the same ideas and methodologies of the mind behind the machines. Want people to know you own one of the Dave Johnson detectors listed above? Just download and print the attached logo and apply to your detector.

Bob Canaday worked for White's Electronics for 33 years and was one of the true experts in the metal detecting community, posting on White's Forum, Findmall, and Friendly Forums as rcsnake. I used to Google and read all his posts that I could find. Bob was particularly knowledgeable on the White's V3i and wrote Hunting in Mineralized Ground with the V3i My condolences to Bob's family and friends. Robert Moore Canaday obituary Bob explaining the White's V3i Factory Reset....

Here is a nice writeup about some gold to be found in Montana. Montana Gold

This is a pretty big loss. I can't imagine anyone using the real nugget rather than a picture at such a highly advertised event. It is certainly not the fault of the dealer but be careful out there! https://www.foxla.com/news/massive-gold-nugget-dating-back-california-gold-rush-stolen-long-beach

A lot of the Arizona prospectors and other western Prospectors will remember John "Goldmaster" Blennart, AKA "John B.". He passed away last Monday the 11th. I lost another old prospecting friend about a week ago. Enjoy the time you have as none of us are here forever.

I have a pile of SD cards that I started looking through. Every time I have an outing I put a new SD card in my camera so I have plenty of room for videos. Which is crazy because these cards hold so much. So this guy has been a very close friend of mine since the beginning of when I got into this. He's a fellow Minelab dealer. He's a good Christian, he's gives fantastic support to his customers. He's invited me to detect on his claim. I was there when he got married and I have watched his daughter grow up from birth into a beautiful young lady. This man is just an all around nice guy and you can never go wrong dealing with Rob Allison. This picture is of Rob and his hunting partner Dennis and I. Picture date May 2013 These next two people are also dear to my heart. Both Minelab dealers. I've known Gerry McMullen forever. He has single handedly probably trained more people how to use a metal detector than all of us other dealers put together. Gerry is a no-nonsense guy, former Marine with a very dry sense of humor. I think Gerry and his wife Michelle and my wife and I have been all over the world to every Minelab annual partner conference that has been held. You can always count on Gerry to help you out if he can. Need a machine for customer, and Minelab is out, Gerry is always willing to loan you a machine so your customer is not disappointed. Gerry continues to be a driving force in this industry. He also received Mienlab's coveted EAGLE award for outstanding dealer of the year. This next person was known as the Gold Lady. Retta Atkins was such a joy. She was funny as hell and sort of a miniature Dolly Parton. If you didn't know her personality I can explain it this way. If Dolly Parton and Larry the Cable Guy had a baby, that was Retta. Unfortunately about a year and a half ago Retta and her boyfriend Darren were brutally shot and murdered in a home invasion. To Retta's spunk and spirit she got off a shot and wounded the assailant in the shoulder. But that didn't stop him from chasing her into the bedroom and emptying his gun. The intruder was looking for gold and obviously had insider information regarding Retta and her business. The world of metal detecting is a sadder place without Retta Atkins in it. She was a very close friend, we probably spoke every week. She is missed and remembered by all that knew her. They thought they had caught her murderer in a shoot out in which the suspected assailant killed himself. Later it was discovered that was not the person when they arrested the person who was responsible for their murders. This individual was found with evidence taken from Retta's home and had a healed bullet wound from where he had been shot. Daniel Matthew Avila, age 25 was arrested in March of 2023 when he was involved in another home invasion and the bullets from that scene matched the bullets from Retta's home. This picture is of Gerry McMullen and Retta in Sunset Park in Las Vegas Nevada when we were being trained by Minelab on the then new and yet to be released CTX3030. Picture date May 2012. The other gentleman in the picture is Greg Johns a former tech with Minelab from Australia. I think Greg has gone on to other pursuits. If my memory serves me correctly he purchased a large ranch in Australia which was just amazing in terms of the scenery. I hope he is doing well. Thank you all for your amazing friendship over the years. In case you're wondering I'm not going anywhere, but I'm getting that age where I have a heck of a lot more history that I do future. These folks have been part of that memorable history that I have had. Thanks guys, and God Bless You Retta. Doc

Just came across this on Stout's Standard Blog... https://stoutstandards.wordpress.com/2024/01/18/a-montage-of-emotions/#more-51626

Bonanzas gold finds in Victoria from the 1850s. The following is from ProspectingAustraliaForum ...........Link........

I found this an interesting read: “Gold Seeker”, a gold rush journal by Jean-Nicolas Perlot. If nothing else the book provides some insight into the primitive conditions these California prospectors found themselves in the 1850’s. In addition to the mining techniques employed there are a few clues regarding what to look for while out detecting old mining sites.

I was with Compass Electronics forum, since I believe 1996 time period. It changed hands, brought in new operating software, I had READ ONLY access, no access to POSTING, I complained, no success in getting it changed, so decided it had technical problems, so deleted all of my posts there, delected all of my postings, delected any technical material I posted as well, and then checked, and I was out of it. So I left it saddly. But it was no my fault, it was modern software I think. Not sure right now, but I am moved to here. This is my main location. I used to work Colorado, all the gold producing areas, and specifically the Cripple Creek Mining District, but moved further northeast, longer distance for driving time, and older now as well, so staying closer now to where I live today. I knew Charles Garrett, knew Ray Smith his brother in law, dealer with both of them. I knew George Payne, met him in each place he worked, knew him personally at Tek Ltd, Bounty Hunter, Compass, and other companies as well. I knew the guy who ended up with National Treasure Hunters League, but forgot his name right now. He made a trip to my downtown store, and set me up with Fisher electronics. I knew Ken White SR, even though he did not have the SR in his name, never knew his son, was a dealer for Whites Electronics, and Ken White was the friendliest person in metal detectors. He fixed all of my Whites Electronics machines I took in with trades, and never charged me a dime, nor charged me any return shipping. He said, "It has my name on it", and he wanted it in the final upgrade, and that was okay with me too. I knew Ron Mack at Compass personally, he flew to town, took me out to dinner, offered me a dealership, but I had to turn him down as it had a stipulation I had to give up my real estate business, and I had a good running two real estate offices, and I was the Operating Broker for the entire business, so I kept it until selling out to my other partner. So here I am, knowledgeable regarding placer gold operations, knowledgeable regard gold, silver, and other chemical refining. That should be sufficient bragging so I stop here and now. I also do a bit of writing. I do not like or use English Composition, I write like I speak. I stuck in to a story about the history of Colorado Springs, CO some historic finds I made, so my first posting, is some ENHANCED PHOTOS in the booklet, which I did for fun, never printed it, or sold any copies, I gave them away to people for free. So here today is myself. And here for my first posting, is the free historical story, of Colorado Springs CO, and inserted into it, is some of my historical finds... Enjoy it, I did making it! Melbeta

Came across this Monument way back in the early 1980s got a signal about 75 yards away from it. I started digging a hole with high hopes. That hole was the deepest that I have ever dug for a target. 2½ feet deep and all I got was an old axe head. The photo show some of the ground type I search in Maryborough Vic. Aus.

As a teenager (over 60 years ago) 4 of us explored this mine which was only locked off in some dangers spots. I panning in the area when I got my car driving licence, this was start of self prospecting with out others. This YouTube goes for 45 minutes and worth every minute if you are interested in history in Victoria Aus. and describes advents and how they were solved. This is the area of my old post.... A-bushwalk-though-walhalla-gold-area-with-grandkids

Jerry Burnett was one of my mentors in gold mining. He began gold mining as a small boy. On YouTube look up the "First Class Miners" channel, and scroll to the video showing "Jerry's Historical Gold Prospecting" photos. You'll see Jerry at various ages, plus Dick Delahanty, and some Area 51 Gold. For me, the video is a trip down memory lane. HH Jim

Hello all. Jim would be humbled by the kind words and comforting sympathies for him and to his wife Linda on the forum. I traveled over the Klamath / Siskiyou mountains yesterday for the graveside service for Jim Foley. It’s about 100 miles from my house to Happy Camp, providing a quiet early morning drive through beautiful country, allowing me to remember Jim. It was comforting. Jim was laid to rest towards the top of a gentle slope overlooking the small local cemetery in Happy Camp, Ca. It was a small ceremony with folks from his church in Yreka, his family, including wife Linda, daughter Nicole and husband, son Jim Jr. and 4 fellow prospector/miners. The simple casket was made by a friend out of local pine with natural rope handles and a cross on top. Six of us unloaded the casket from the back of a pickup and carried it to the burial framework. Family and friends spoke fondly of Jim and his life. Some fine recollections were said about his mining/prospecting in Alaska as well here in northwest California. The minister then spoke of Jim and his commitment to his church and faith. It was really nice, informal. Dave McCraken and I were chatting quietly as we all gathered around the casket. I said to Dave, “ look at that pile of good red dirt from Jim’s grave, what do you think?” Dave says, “well, it’s hard to tell, you can’t see the grey layers where the gold would be with it all shoveled into a pile like that.” We were kinda smiling at each other when a young man sitting with Jim’s family (son in law) said, “what do you guys think, paydirt?” Like I said, it was real nice, Jim would have liked all of it. Mike