SJMDC Fun Hunt

The South Jersey Metal Detecting Club held their fun hunt on April 29th at Atsion Lake Park, and a fun hunt it was!  The main organizers, Marc Spivey and Rich Sammartino, once again did an excellent job of running all six hunts with the help of a handful of dedicated members.  I know from experience these hunts sure don't put themselves on!

Hunt organizer Marc Spivey loads up on raffle tickets before running the day's activities.

Hunt co-organizer, Rich Sammartino (all in denim), takes a "Zen Moment" before diving into his hectic hunt duties.

Members of the South Jersey club pause for a group shot during the hunt. I'm proud to be a member of this great club in addition to the Mid Jersey club!

From left, Bob Truitt, Betty Sullivan, Greg German, me and Al Meier were some of the hunters that enjoy "dual citizenship" in both the Mid Jersey and South Jersey clubs.

I always think of South Jersey as a sister club to the Mid Jersey since a lot of us belong to both clubs.  This club definitely puts the fun in "fun hunt."  There were two general hunts, a "poker game hunt," a gold hunt, a token hunt and a "spoon hunt."  Hunters are paired off in twos  for the spoon hunt.  One swings a detector and directs their team member where to dig using only a plastic spoon!  Half dollars are planted for this hunt and the winning team found 16 halves.  I was paired up with Bob Petrilli and we racked up a respectable 10 halves.  Ha!

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Whereas most benches are for sitting, detectorists use benches to rest their "babies!"

Frenzy on the field as hunters scramble for the most targets and tokens!

Betty makes it to the second hunt field with her token and the shoot out for the most coins!

There were lots of raffles throughout the day and lots of happy winners.  The overcast cool weather was perfect for competition hunting and you couldn't ask for a better setting to hold it than Atsion Lake.  Beautiful scenery, a huge open air pavillion, convenient bathrooms and the hunt field is just feet away.  Kudos and much appreciation to Marc, Rich and the South Jersey Club for hosting the hunt and putting smiles on so many faces! - Amy

Four lucky raffle winners. The smile on the little guy's face is priceless!

My loot pile including clad, wheaties, silver, costume jewelry and tokens with small gold nuggets taped to them. Betty and I went home tired and happy!