First, educate yourself by visiting treasure hunting web sites. Read a good treasure hunting book like: "Follow the Signs" or anything by Garrett - the founder of Garrett Metal Detectors. Often you can find these at the local library and best of all, their free.
The Kelly Co Metal Detector Website also has lots of information about good quality detectors. It's always free to look. I have a link to it on my home page.
Buy a name brand metal detector only. Here are a list of good name brand detectors: Bounty Huner (also manufactures "Discovery" brand for Radio Shack), Fisher, Garret, JW Fisher, Minelab, Tesoro or White's. Buy a model that has been on the market for at least 1 year.
Multi-purpose detectors are great, if you can find one reasonable. Because one detector, that does more, means less to carry, fewer batteries to buy, and that you are never without the right detector.
Keep your first purchase reasonable, which is between $ 150 for a low end basic model to $ 500 for a upper crust, multi-purpose detector.
Consider shopping for a well cared for, used, detector. You have the potential to get more, for less dough. Online Auction Sites like EBAY have plenty of them. If you buy one online, do so only from established sellers (with positive feedback ratings of 95 percent or better) and a return policy. That proves they are honest and care about their customers.
Do not buy a cheap, no name, import brand detector. You'll just be wasting both your money and time. They generally don't work well, the have no customer support - such as online manuals, guides or advice, and you can never find replacement or upgrade parts.
Read the instructions that come with your metal detector. Then read them again.
Get permission before you walk onto any private property. Do Not Trespass !
Remember this is a hobby, keep it simple at first, buy only basic tools. Upgrade to better stuff as you become more proficient or pleased with this hobby. Don't spend a grand or more on a "Minelab" detector (the best on the planet), then find out that you don't like detecting or just don't have the time to do it.
Always Treasure Hunt with a family member or friend. The time you spend with someone you care about is the true treasure; plus this ensures your safety.
Don't expect to find the Motherload your first (10) times out. Keep your expectations reasonable. You will have more fun that way.
When should I treasure hunt:
The Autumn is an excellant time of year to treasure hunt. Fewer bugs & snakes and more pleasant weather.
Treasure Hunt any time that you have an hour or more free time. You do not have to make it an all day affair. Sometimes those one hour excursions at the local park or beach are the most productive.
Last but not least, swing your detector at least three times a month. To gain experience you must be persistant. Knowledge is good, but experience it better. Think of it as paid exercise. The better you get at it, the better you get paid.
Places that yield the most treasure:
Old home sites(at least 60 or more years old) are better. Yes, Great Grandma's yard.
Old ghost towns or temporary work villages. (such as old WPA Work Camps)
Water crossings - old bridge sites, fords, or places where ferrys once operated.
Old Post Office Sites - in the 1800's they did more there than just process mail.
Old Swimming Holes and Beaches - both fresh and saltwater.
For modern coins - parks, church parking lots, and large firework tent sites.
In and around old barns. Grandpa did more out there than just feed the horses...
In your own yard and your neighbors yards.
For the most part, near where you live is best. There is treasure everywhere. You do not have to drive for hours to distant sites. You are wasting time by doing that and spending more money. The grass is just as green within a few miles of where you live.
