Different Digging Tool for Deep Targets

[grumpyolman]

As I am getting better with the ET I am finding that the depth of some targets is pretty hard to reach with my Predator. I rememberd a 'specialty' shovel that came with a farm implement I purchased to control moles. It's a stainless shovel about 2" wide with a handle that is 24" long. The handle is exactly like the handle you'd find on a full size shovel only it's shorter. I can now get down the 6-7" with the pradotor and if the target is still deeper I horse this tool down the sides of the hole and it's pretty easy to pry and loosen the dirt a lot deeper. Shoveling with the tool is not real effective. The best is the simplest. Reach in a grab a handful you have loosened and then dig some more. The shovel is sold as an accessory and you can see them at Rodenator.com. I have totally forgotten the price. Rodenator has them specially made for their product and their name is stamped on the tool. So moderators, please don't blank the company name as there is no way any of the forum sponsors would have these. If anyone is interested, order from them. Maybe an industrious detector dealer could ask Rodenator who made them and then stock them for their store. ...Jim.

 

[sealteem5]

that long skinny shovel is made for trappers and are sold thru trapping supply house? they sell for about 20.00 and come in two sizes 12-24 inch handles.hope that helps..troy

 

[jeff & Maria]

n/t

 

[D&P-OR]

Be very careful of the image you are putting forth when you go into parks detecting.----"They" don't need anymore fuel to ban detecting in parks than they already have.--The less obvious & visible a digging tool is-the better. then use it responsibly.----I for one don't think a long handled digger "paints a good picture" to those "gawking" at us.----I've been in this hobby & have loved it for years, I just want it to survive (and I'm sure the vast majority of us here feel exactly the same way).--Incidentally, I carry a Lesche knife on my belt (in parks) & it does a fine job---Sometimes when I'm swinging the detector (Erac) & have onlookers, I just lay one arm over the knife sheath as I'm swinging & they can't even see a digging tool.-------JMHO, Del

 

[Ray-Mo.]

Very good point.I will not use anything bigger than a lesche knife type digger in any public areas I hunt and think it is a bad idea for anyone to do so.Anything that even looks like a shovel with extended handle will bring unwanted scrutiny and a negative opinion toward us.
I have even left some good deep targets before as I was being watched and did not want to make any kind of negative impact.The average person in public today is much easier to excite and or cause to complain than they were 20 years ago.
I do have a bigger lesche shovel I love to use at private sights where I am sure it will not cause trouble.The sad fact is that a lot of the time I could do less damage to the lawn with the larger shovel but a lot more damage to my reputation and other detectorist as well.
We all have seen what a few squirrels can do to a park lawn and no one says a thing but you bring a little shovel and look out,Ray.

 

[grumpyolman]

Agreed totally! I am really careful when I pull that shovel out. Usually early in the morning and in more remote areas. We know that the 3" plug we take doesn't hurt the ground if we go 2" or 8". Those who watch don't know that. The reason I use that one is the shovel part is so narrow it fits nicely into the Lesche hole and doesn't make it bigger around. Glad to hear that's a trapper shovel and I can buy one for $20. Can't get it for that from Rodenator. I might get another one and make it a bit shorter and then paint it with invisible paint. Jim

 

[Ray-Mo.]

http://www.rpoutdoors.com/foxtraptrow.html

 

[grumpyolman]

Ray...Went to that site. Thanks! I couldn't find out if they were stainless or not. For the price it isn't that important but was just curious. Might have to think about making one with a bit shorter handle and then painting it camo or something so it isn't a visible. I am finding stuff that is making it hard to get with the Lesche/Predator without making the hole wider to start with. Jim

 

[Reggie]

Try the targetbuddy which someone listed elsewhere on this site. It cuts a circular plug 4" in diameter and 9 1/2" deep and leaves nothing for anyone to complain about. You just put the plug onto a cloth to keep spilled dirt from giving away the site.

 

[ISLANDJOE]

I actually from a nice one at Sears. I was surprised! It had a 24 or 26" inch T- handle and a decent size shovel. I carry on my early morning hunts or night time hunts and attache it to my back pack.

Bob