You're a good son and father..
Hope she likes it, your daughter..
Better hope your mom doesn't, lol..
Sonny
"Help me learn to hunt" requests. How to handle?
- Thread starter pocketspill
- Start date
You're a good son and father..
Hope she likes it, your daughter..
Better hope your mom doesn't, lol..
Sonny
cmbtvet
Forum Supporter
I don't really see this as a rant.
Everyone just starting out in the hobby is going to have questions, it's expected. I think what most of the folks here are trying to say (and some have out-right said it) is that they don't want to have to hold someone's hand and walk them through everything, essentially doing everything for them.
Giving advice/tips/pointers is one thing and most of us here are willing to do it, otherwise this forum wouldn't be as popular as it is. The only real way to learn how to detect is to get out there and do it.
Captain Silver
Elite Member
No one wants to take a brand newbie hunting, I had to teach myself. Once I had basic skills, I hooked up with some hunters from the forum and learned the ropes. We all have something to bring to the table, be it the skills, the ride, the spot, the 'designated skunk' 
...I have been able to assist others on their learning curves, and thank those that have, and still do assist me. I've been lucky to hunt with some of the most skilled hunters in the area, and their guidance and friendship is priceless. I look at it like this...There's really no way to teach basic skills, you have to develop those on your own, then go find someone to hunt with if you want to learn more. If you know the basics, I'll try and help you out any way I can...
...I have been able to assist others on their learning curves, and thank those that have, and still do assist me. I've been lucky to hunt with some of the most skilled hunters in the area, and their guidance and friendship is priceless. I look at it like this...There's really no way to teach basic skills, you have to develop those on your own, then go find someone to hunt with if you want to learn more. If you know the basics, I'll try and help you out any way I can...
Bigpoppa
Forum Supporter
I'm too poor a teacher and a hunter...Plus I have Tofu breath 
the least ya coulda done was got me flowers or a box of chocolate today
hahahahahahah I knew you would chime in on that some time.
ATLfun
Senior Member
- Joined
- Feb 10, 2012
- Messages
- 275
Pocketspill, I totally understand your position. But a thread full of elite members bemoaning requests from newbies for help is hardly friendly. The welcoming nature of this forum is what made it stand out for me. I was totally hoping that some forum members would eventually want to hunt with me.
As mentioned, I totally understand your position. If you only knew how many phone calls an attorney gets for "free" advice. I got a call yesterday from someone who lost their home to a wrongful foreclosure (in their opinion) and wanted some "free" advice. We always get people walking into our office wanting us to notarize their documents for free.
In every situation, I have developed a respectful and polite response as to why I cannot be of service. I am sure you have developed your stock responses, but I would hope that this thread is not about how newbies are taking advantage of people, when we are encouraged to join forums and enter the hobby.
Brian
As mentioned, I totally understand your position. If you only knew how many phone calls an attorney gets for "free" advice. I got a call yesterday from someone who lost their home to a wrongful foreclosure (in their opinion) and wanted some "free" advice. We always get people walking into our office wanting us to notarize their documents for free.
In every situation, I have developed a respectful and polite response as to why I cannot be of service. I am sure you have developed your stock responses, but I would hope that this thread is not about how newbies are taking advantage of people, when we are encouraged to join forums and enter the hobby.
Brian
That can be a tough decision. I guess for me I would be willing to help out if the "newbie" has done some homework themselves, even if all they did was reading online or other sources.
Personally I don't think I would want to show someone else the ropes only because I am still learning. I did some hunting years ago and only for a short time. So I am really a newbie myself, and still have lots of questions.
Personally I don't think I would want to show someone else the ropes only because I am still learning. I did some hunting years ago and only for a short time. So I am really a newbie myself, and still have lots of questions.
Gauntlet
Forum Supporter
I think some of you are overlooking the amount of info just this one site holds. Many won't even read old posts, or use the search function here. Before I even registered here, I bet I'd read 500 pages of old posts.
There's a wealth of knowledge here for those willing to look for it
There's a wealth of knowledge here for those willing to look for it
I don't think any newbies are necessarily taking advantage of anyone.. I do think though there are times that a little more effort could be made on learning their detector..
No one here has a problem with giving digging tips and proper field techniques but they also need to invest time on the forum reading and learning as much as possible..
I do think this is a friendly forum and haven't seen anyone turned down when they have ask for help.. That's what this forum is about, helping each other.. No one knows it all.. we can all learn new things no matter how long we've hunted..I know I have..
Sonny
mcdoogal
Elite Member
I will teach and help out when I can. Not an everyday occurance, but when it happens I will usually take the new person to a park or school where they will find soe clad and maybe some jewelry. Good to find some good trash signals too!
joee5
Elite Member
I think we are on the same page here, but I want to clear up a few things.
1st the 2 tips i gave were just off the top of my head. There are many tips you simply cannot explain with words on a post. Real field experience is the only way you will figure them out. Sure, you may get them figured out in 10 years on your own, but 1 30 second conversation with a pro in the field can save you a lot of wasted time.
I agree digging is your best experience. but who doesn't want to get more confident knowing what they are digging. I think I have a nickel, and a pro says pull tab. I dig and find out I'm right, and it gives me confidence in both my machine and my ears.
Personal thanks to you on your help with an electrolysis setup. I'm still struggling but you have been very helpful with tips so I don't blow up my house.
I don't think anyone is flat out refusing advice and tips. What many are not wanting to do is have a newb constantly asking for help and not having done any homework themselves. Fact of the matter is, one can only be successful in this hobby, in my opinion, if they want to learn what to do by themselves. My own father didn't give me much advice when I got into the hobby. Well, he would raise his voice at me while on the way home if that counts.
Other than that my dad never helped me learn the hobby, because he realized I was 1) gonna give up on the hobby because I couldn't figure it out, or 2) figure it out by some means and get good and flourish. I eventually got good at it by learning from my experience, and using the internet. Point I am trying to make is, if you truly want to get good at this hobby, and someday possibly great, don't expect others to teach you everything, just learn by yourselves. By all means, ask for help, but don't eexpect all the answers to be given to you.
Now, the question is, would I teach a newb. Well, I have had a few experiences with newbs. The first was with a 7 yr old that walked up to me with a cheap BH while I was hunting at a park. He pretty much asked me to find targets for him. I dug one target and gave it to him, and then his mom called for him. This, I feel was an experience that is close to what the OP is talking about. And, yes, I know, what could I expect from a little boy. But still, I did not know him, so there is only so much I could have taught him even if I had wanted to. Another thing to keep in mind is that I have never used a BH before, so honestly, teaching him how to use his BH would have been like teaching myself how to use it. If a grown man or woman asked me to do this, I would honestly think " what, are you crazy? how about coming to the table with a little bit of experience and not just asking for a handout?
The second experience I had with a newb was with my dads boss. He had recently bought a gti 2500 and had absolutely no idea on what to do or how to use it. I doubt he even read the manual or watched the dvd. He didnt even bring a good digging tool. Didn't bother to read online. The problem I noticed with him was that when mding he always held the pp button. Literally never let it go when swinging. I tried to tell him this, but he being 30 some yrs older than me, ignored my advice to not hold the pp button all the time, but only when you are over a target. He didn't do it rudely, but I quickly realized he wasn't going to listen to me. So, do what you want I thought.
My third encounter with a newb was my own younger cousin, and this is an ongoing problem I am having with him. He doesn' t ask me for advice, but when I try and tell him his holes are too big or that he must always pick up trash, he gives me sh@t. I don't do it rudely, just point these things out t him. If it weren't for the fact that I knew he would go and whine to his mom, I would tell him to sell his detector and leave the hobby. I HATE disrespect when I am trying to help someone.
Hope this doesn't sound like a rant, but then again it probably is.
Other than that my dad never helped me learn the hobby, because he realized I was 1) gonna give up on the hobby because I couldn't figure it out, or 2) figure it out by some means and get good and flourish. I eventually got good at it by learning from my experience, and using the internet. Point I am trying to make is, if you truly want to get good at this hobby, and someday possibly great, don't expect others to teach you everything, just learn by yourselves. By all means, ask for help, but don't eexpect all the answers to be given to you.Now, the question is, would I teach a newb. Well, I have had a few experiences with newbs. The first was with a 7 yr old that walked up to me with a cheap BH while I was hunting at a park. He pretty much asked me to find targets for him. I dug one target and gave it to him, and then his mom called for him. This, I feel was an experience that is close to what the OP is talking about. And, yes, I know, what could I expect from a little boy. But still, I did not know him, so there is only so much I could have taught him even if I had wanted to. Another thing to keep in mind is that I have never used a BH before, so honestly, teaching him how to use his BH would have been like teaching myself how to use it. If a grown man or woman asked me to do this, I would honestly think " what, are you crazy? how about coming to the table with a little bit of experience and not just asking for a handout?
The second experience I had with a newb was with my dads boss. He had recently bought a gti 2500 and had absolutely no idea on what to do or how to use it. I doubt he even read the manual or watched the dvd. He didnt even bring a good digging tool. Didn't bother to read online. The problem I noticed with him was that when mding he always held the pp button. Literally never let it go when swinging. I tried to tell him this, but he being 30 some yrs older than me, ignored my advice to not hold the pp button all the time, but only when you are over a target. He didn't do it rudely, but I quickly realized he wasn't going to listen to me. So, do what you want I thought.
My third encounter with a newb was my own younger cousin, and this is an ongoing problem I am having with him. He doesn' t ask me for advice, but when I try and tell him his holes are too big or that he must always pick up trash, he gives me sh@t. I don't do it rudely, just point these things out t him. If it weren't for the fact that I knew he would go and whine to his mom, I would tell him to sell his detector and leave the hobby. I HATE disrespect when I am trying to help someone.
Hope this doesn't sound like a rant, but then again it probably is.
Silversmith45
Elite Member
I'll help anyone that asks. I may not know their machine but I can teach the basics. It could make the difference of whether the person enjoys our hobby or will get discouraged and turn away with possible negative feedback. I teach them how important it is to leave the site as they found it and get permission in private sites. I have them check signals I get and have them dig them to get practice and see what it actually was. If it's a coin it's theirs. Perhaps at the start they don't have sites to share because they don't have any idea of what to look for. It isn't long before they like the rest of us, see potential hunting spots everywhere they go. Without help, their actions could get a park closed down or even detecting banned in a city. I have been hunting long enough that I feel that I'm putting something back into the hobby by helping others enjoy it. I also steer them to this forum where they can ask questions and get answers that I can't help them with. You were once a newby, weren't you? Perhaps no one helped you but wouldn't it have helped if someone had. If anyone around Wichita needs help, just ask.
Shooter45
Senior Member
I'm a sucker, if someone wanted help, I would try to help them out.
I'm also not a pushover. Unless we hit it off real good, one free trip would be all there was.
I'm also not a pushover. Unless we hit it off real good, one free trip would be all there was.
Lano
New Member
This is the Friendly Metal Detecting Forum isn't it?
I joined this forum last week or so after lurking for a while. When I joined, I was waiting on my new detector to arrive. I went out today and had a blast! I only found 77 cents in a couple of hours, but I had two wheat pennies and a silver Rosie.
I log on to this site and see a "Help me learn to hunt" requests. No thanks.
Why would you even post something like this. If you don't want to help someone, fine but don't make an issue out of it. What some people will do to elevate their thread count! Go ahead, flame me. I'm a big boy.
I joined this forum last week or so after lurking for a while. When I joined, I was waiting on my new detector to arrive. I went out today and had a blast! I only found 77 cents in a couple of hours, but I had two wheat pennies and a silver Rosie.
I log on to this site and see a "Help me learn to hunt" requests. No thanks.
Why would you even post something like this. If you don't want to help someone, fine but don't make an issue out of it. What some people will do to elevate their thread count! Go ahead, flame me. I'm a big boy.
A lot of beginner questions can be answered in the forums, and that's where they should ask, not pick an experience member and sending a PM. If they are have problems, another new member might be experiencing the same.
Take another to your favorite, most product spots? It's like introducing them to your wife, and mention your going to be out of town for a few weeks on business. Maybe suggest practicing in their yard, you get a private property hunt, and the get a few pointers to get them on track. How could they complain if you keep all that you find, you where nice enough to come over and help the out. If you dig it, you get to choose to keep it, right?
Mostly, aside from a few basics, you learn from experimenting and experience. What settings you use, the sounds you here, and what comes out of the hole. I don't thing investing an hour or two occasionally, to help a new person in your area, start out right, is such a bad thing. They need to know where the are allow, where they need permission or a permit, how to dig, remove trash. They are going to go out on their own anyway, they may end up at on of your spots (you found it, why not others). They can spoil your spots, permission, or leave a bad impression that will keep you off private properties (owners talk). Just make it clear that your spare time is precious, and you may not be interested in spending a lot of it starting over.
Take another to your favorite, most product spots? It's like introducing them to your wife, and mention your going to be out of town for a few weeks on business. Maybe suggest practicing in their yard, you get a private property hunt, and the get a few pointers to get them on track. How could they complain if you keep all that you find, you where nice enough to come over and help the out. If you dig it, you get to choose to keep it, right?
Mostly, aside from a few basics, you learn from experimenting and experience. What settings you use, the sounds you here, and what comes out of the hole. I don't thing investing an hour or two occasionally, to help a new person in your area, start out right, is such a bad thing. They need to know where the are allow, where they need permission or a permit, how to dig, remove trash. They are going to go out on their own anyway, they may end up at on of your spots (you found it, why not others). They can spoil your spots, permission, or leave a bad impression that will keep you off private properties (owners talk). Just make it clear that your spare time is precious, and you may not be interested in spending a lot of it starting over.
Gauntlet
Forum Supporter
I think we are on the same page here, but I want to clear up a few things.
1st the 2 tips i gave were just off the top of my head. There are many tips you simply cannot explain with words on a post. Real field experience is the only way you will figure them out. Sure, you may get them figured out in 10 years on your own, but 1 30 second conversation with a pro in the field can save you a lot of wasted time.
I agree digging is your best experience. but who doesn't want to get more confident knowing what they are digging. I think I have a nickel, and a pro says pull tab. I dig and find out I'm right, and it gives me confidence in both my machine and my ears.
Personal thanks to you on your help with an electrolysis setup. I'm still struggling but you have been very helpful with tips so I don't blow up my house.
Replying to the highlighted areas:
1- Agreed, but it's not really a yes/no subject. I'd met a member here a few weeks ago, ended-up we had some mutual acquaintances, so I was comfortable taking him to a site I'd researched.....bad part was, we'd never found evidence of the house that sat there. Next to no iron, maybe 3-4 nails....not the usual trash. I felt bad because he's fairly new to detecting, and really wanted to get him on some finds.
2- You're not giving yourself enough credit. Look around at homes, especially rural ones. Study them a bit, then visually remove the house. Many of these grassy areas are left by land owners out of sentimental reasons (where their parents/grandparents home sat), or they left a barn, or a spot to park while they farm. Plat Maps are no secret regarding locations either. Again, loads of info out there if you just look for it.
3- Nothing beats digging. It's the Royal Flush of MDing. Who's to say the 2nd MD to check a target was correct? 2 wrongs leave a target for a guy/gal willing to dig
You're welcome on the other.
