In many ways, treasure hunting can be compared to playing the lottery. It will almost always require a substantial adjustment and the chances that you’re going to get something out of your venture are quite low. But, despite this lack of a guarantee, many people still opt to try their luck by hunting for lost treasure. And as absurd as it may sound, there are a number of people who have actually made a living out of treasure hunting.
Besides the chance that you could find something that’s of incredible value, both from a financial and historical viewpoint, the thrill of the search and the adventures that await may be more than enough to inspire people to take their chances.
But, in the same manner that staking a bit of money on the lottery entails that you take some risks, the same is true for treasure hunting, but to a higher degree. This is because of the fact that in order for you to begin treasure hunting, you need to invest quite a bit of money. That fact alone means that this is not for beginners in business. So, what are the things you need to consider if you want to be a modern day treasure hunter?
Equipment
What separates treasure hunters from foragers is the use of technology in order to conduct a search. Equipment such as metal detectors, shovels, and in the case of underwater treasure hunting, underwater hydraulic tools, not only allow treasure hunters to find things, this equipment also enables them to recover these discoveries. You can even consider recovering treasure from bodies of water, although that would present risks of its own.
Expenses
Depending on whether you’re doing this as a hobby or as a living, you’re going to be putting yourself in a risky situation if you don’t have a means to support your endeavors. This should not be treated like your primary source of income but rather, it should be treated as a form of supplemental income because of the fact that there are a multitude of expenses like transportation, accommodation, food, and in some cases, permits. All of these expenses vary depending on where you’re going to be searching so it’s best to do your research before heading out.
Laws
As you may have already guessed, laws will vary between cities and states. Some cities will require you to secure their permission before you’re allowed to use a metal detector in public places. In other cities, it’s illegal to dig up treasure that’s more than 75 years old without a permit from the state. Reading up on the laws regarding treasure hunting in your area will help you avoid trouble.
But in truth, treasure hunting is so much more work than what this article can cover. It takes a lot of time and effort to find hidden treasure, so much more than what movies portray. If this isn’t the thing for you, you might try other ways to make money. But if you intend to push through with your endeavor, may this information guide you well. Remember that it’s alright to pursue your passions as long as you do not hinder other people from pursuing theirs.
