Shovel choice....Yep another one with a twist though.

[Kenmitch]

Gearing up for some prospecting/metal detecting adventures later this year.

I plan on making multiple trips up to Northern CA. Although I really don't intend to go too far off the beaten path at this time, nor do I intend to really sway too far from other humans, the temptation might win in the end.

Currently leaning towards a couple of Lesche shovels.

Mini Sampson T-Handle Shovel with Serrated Blade 18"

and

Lesche T- Handle Heavy Duty Metal Detecting Shovel with Serrated Blade 31"

Torn between the two of them currently.

The twist....Those dang critters such as bears, mountain lions, etc.

I know they probably wouldn't mess with me unless really hungry or somehow provoked....Figure preparing for the worst is best in the situation.

The mini would be more manageable size wise

The Heavy Duty would do all that the mini would do....While giving an xtra 13" of reach which probably would come in handy if the situation would arise.

Thinking the Mini might be more prone to diggers tunnel vision.

Thinking the HD would be less prone to diggers tunnel vision allowing a person to be more aware of his/her surroundings....At least for a longer time.

Overthinking this or what? Probably wouldn't stand a chance either way?

 

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[DannyB.]

Buy the tool for the digging job you want to do.. nothing less than a large caliber revolver or hipower rifle will help you against a bear attack.. and still very iffy. I would be more concerned about two legged predators and snakes. ( if I were concerned at all )

Make your presence known in the Busch and you will be fine. Make noise when you walk; kick a few rocks, sing a tune.

I can tell you.. I feel much, much more secure in the woods than I do in the city park.

 

[Kenmitch]

Are you sure a Lesche down the throat wouldn't take down the bear?

Two legged critters? You mean Sasquatch? lol....I know what you mean.

I'll probably just get the lomger one anyways. Seems like the length of it is perfect for comfortably dragging it with my left hand while sweeping with the right hand. Guess depending on terrain it'll kind of mark where I've already checked anyways.

 

[rogueaviation]

I spent some time where bears are a serious safety concern. The folks up there carried 12 GA. pump Remingtons with buckshot and slugs alternating in the magazine. That tells a bear "no!" in a pretty reliable way, it's pretty cheap to get, and legal damn near everywhere.

Those three reasons are why they were so popular.

 

[patiodadio]

12 GA pump for sure. Mossberg makes some less expensive models.