11
Once you have pinpointed a target, your objective is to 
recover it quickly and neatly, leaving virtually no trace of your 
excavation. There are almost as many ways to do this as there 
are Treasure Hunters. Whatever works for you is good enough as 
long as you don’t break any laws, damage vegetation, or leave 
your search area looking like a World War II battlefield. 
  Generally speaking, beachcombers do little if any damage to 
the environment while recovering targets. However, if you plan 
to use your 1212-X on lawns or in parks, your target recovery 
method can be very important. Two of the most successful 
methods are illustrated in a separate booklet enclosed with 
your 1212-X. WHICHEVER TOOL OR METHOD YOU CHOOSE, 
REMEMBER THAT RESPONSIBLE TREASURE HUNTERS TAKE PRIDE 
IN THEIR ABILITY TO LEAVE SOIL AND VEGETATION INTACT AND 
UNDAMAGED. 
TARGET RECOVERY
RECOVERY TOOLS
1.  A  thin,  dull  probe  is  the  preferred  tool  for 
precise target location, such as heavy duty, blunt 
screwdriver. 
2. A sturdy hunting knife with a 5 inch blade will suffice 
in most soils. A high quality double-edged “survival” 
knife is an even better (and more expensive) choice 
since it will be almost impossible to bend or break. 
CAUTION: Using a jackknife without a locking blade 
is a good way to lose a finger! 
3. A narrow garden trowel will work in loose or wet 
soil. 
4. Several excellent digging tools are made just for 
the treasure hunter and especially designed sand 
scoops are available for beach combing.