The Cost of Hunting for Treasure

This article relates to The Marauders

In The Marauders, Lindquist, the one-armed treasure hunter, needs only his pirogue (a small boat) and a metal detector to search the swamps of Barataria, Louisiana for the rumored treasure of renowned and revered pirate Jean Lafitte. That's it. And he's had that old metal detector for many years, so his expenses are low. But treasure hunters can spend money. Lots of it. For instance, on the Treasure Hunter Depot website, there are many different brands of metal detectors - and they are only the tip of the iceberg.

If treasure hunting is your hobby, the costs can be mind-boggling. One type of metal detector, the Bounty Hunter Quick Draw II, goes for $249. And there's still other equipment to consider. You'll need a digging tool, and Treasure Hunter Depot highlights the Lesche Digging Tool, made of chrome moly steel, with one side of the blade slightly curved, going for nearly $36. How about headphones? You'll need to hear the pings of a metal detector without outside noise interference. A 4x4 off-road vehicle is also helpful for treasure hunting expeditions, because you might encounter mud that any lesser vehicle would sink into.

Oh, there's still more.

A headlamp is best for digging in the dark, when you absolutely cannot wait until daybreak to see what treasures you might have unearthed, if any. One type, the Lightwave Pro2020 Illuminator, boasts four super-bright LED light sources, with the LEDs lasting for thousands of hours. According to Flashlights Unlimited, it goes for $33.95. Add on a digital camera that's preferably shockproof, waterproof, and dustproof; as well as batteries and battery chargers, night vision goggles, perhaps a Samsonite hard-shell suitcase for your metal detector, and other items such as a pouch for coins and a magnifying glass, and you'll hope that any found treasure will not only recoup your expenses, but leave you enough to be rich afterward.

Portrait of Jean LaFitte, courtesy of Hohum
Bounty Hunter Quick Draw II, courtesy of Amazon
Lightwave Pro2020 Illuminator, courtesy of Flashlights Unlimited

Filed under Cultural Curiosities

This "beyond the book article" relates to The Marauders. It originally ran in March 2015 and has been updated for the November 2015 paperback edition. Go to magazine.

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