After having to postpone our annual members-only hunt due to bad weather, we were finally able to hold it in May, and the weather was great. Participation in the hunt is a benefit of club membership.

We started the day by meeting early Saturday morning at Cracker Barrel before it opened at 6 a.m.

In addition to entry to the hunt, another benefit to club members is that the club picks up the tab for breakfast. A lot of metal detecting talk goes on before the food arrives.

After breakfast we headed out to Oak Mountain State Park where the hunt was held on the beach at the swimming area. We got there around 7:30 a.m. and, as usual, there weren't any other people there yet.

First thing we had to do was set up a couple of tables to hold all the prizes. In addition to prizes provided by the club, including 2 metal detectors, we decided this year to ask all participants to donate a prize and/or cash to be won by the hunters.

Then we had to prepare the beach for the hunt. The sand was packed and uneven so we took turns raking the entire beach to prep it for planting coins, tokens and other targets. We had more than three rakes but it still took a while.

Next we had to we plant the targets, including silver coins, wheat pennies and prize tokens. Perry W even brought and planted some special targets, like jewelry and large silver coins. With the beach freshly raked, the coins were easily planted by just throwing them into the sand.

Once all the targets were planted, we spread out around the hunt area and everyone began swinging detectors at the signal to start. Since we were all hunting, there weren't very many pictures taken of the hunt itself.

As a side note, while we were hunting a few people showed up and showed some interest in what we were doing. In particular, an 8 year old girl and her grandfather were on the sidelines. They had actually come to the beach to do a little detecting of their own. But more on that later.

After time was called on the hunt, we sorted through our finds and pulled out the prize tokens. Each token found allowed you to draw for one of the prizes on the table. So we lined up and took turns at chances to win prizes, especially the two detectors.

Luther M. was the first detector winner, receiving the Garrett Ace 250r, a nice prize. Way to go Luther!!! Having found more than one prize token, he got back in line and waited his turn to draw again. I guess it was his lucky day because he drew to win the second detector as well. However, before the hunt began the rule was explained that no one would be allowed to win both detectors. So he graciously drew again for a different prize.

The second detector, a Garrett Ace 150, was won by Don Williamson. Don just joined the club this year and has been putting the rest of us to shame with all the finds he brings to club meetings. Thanks Don.

Along with the targets we planted, there was quite a bit of other junk in the sand. We asked everyone to pick up and save any trash they came across during the hunt. As you can see from the picture, some of it was even dangerous. We want the park officials to know we appreciate having access to the park for our hunt and that we always try to leave the area cleaner than when we arrived.

Now back to the spectator story mentioned above. An 8 year old young lady named Tess and her grandfather had come to the beach to do a little detecting of their own. While we were hunting in our section of the beach, they were on the sidelines near the volleyball area using a metal detector sized just right for her.

When time was called and we cleared the beach and went to the prize table, Tess and her grandfather came over and showed us what she had found in the sand.

We were all amazed. She had found a nice gold engagement ring with diamonds. We made Tess an honorary member for the day, which was just fine with her.

She helped at the prize table as tokens were redeemed and even picked up a few prizes herself. She also posed with everyone in the group picture below.

Congratulations, Tess, and happy hunting!

Thanks again to Oak Mountain State Park for allowing us use the swimming area again for our hunt this year. And thanks to all the members who participated and helped make this hunt possible.