So… you’re thinking of hunting for treasure either as a hobby, a recreation, or a vocation. How do I know this? You’re reading this article. Congratulations. You’ve taken the first step into a world larger than you can imagine. It’s a world of mystery, intrigue, fascination, frustration, and elation. It’s a world of anticipation and discovery. And, it’s a world of search and research… planning and preparation… actions and accomplishments.

But, where do you begin?

First, what interests you? Does the searching for, working for, and finding of raw gold interest you? Does the searching for, working for, and discovering a long-lost ledge of gold or silver interest you? Does the searching for, working for, and discovering a buried cache of “loot” interest you? Does the searching for, working for, and discovering an old dumping ground of century old bottles or other relics interest you? Does the searching for, working for, and discovering of coins, rings, necklaces, buttons, badges, tokens or other “droppings” at old gathering places of people interest you? Does the searching for, working for, and discovering relics of passing wagon trains, marching armies, or long forgotten battles interest you?

Before you can take the second step down this path, identify for yourself what it is that you want to “go for.” It makes a big difference when it comes to planning, preparation, research, and ultimately searching for and discovering your “treasure.”

As an example, if the thought of dredging for gold in a river just down the road (a river well-known for having good amounts of gold) piques your interest, the WORST thing you can do is to just strap on an air tank or a hookah rig and jump in the water. The risks of diving in a river are just as dangerous (and maybe more so in some ways) than diving in the open ocean. Acquire the knowledge, skills, and abilities you need to have BEFORE venturing out. The same can be said for some more “seemingly” safe activities. Jumping behind the wheel of a truck and driving deep into the mountains, continuing on-foot to a given area is safe enough… unless… you wrench a knee or have an encounter with local wildlife. Maybe you’ve decided to venture into that abandoned mine a few miles out-of-town, and inside find rotten timbers, sweating dynamite, bat guano, or a startled cougar.

I’m not trying to discourage anybody. I am, however, trying to get a simple point across. Part of “going after” a treasure involves properly preparing ourselves… not just buying a bunch of gear and throwing into the pickup. In these articles, where going to talk about the above like “eating an elephant”… one bite at a time.

I will bring up some thoughts, ideas, and experience I’ve had over the years in my pursuits. Hopefully, you will be able to learn some of what to do, and some of what not to do.

Where do you begin? Just… begin.