Metal Detectors for finding shot in upland birds

[Walkathon]

Looking at getting one of the small hand held metal detectors to try to find shotgun pellets in my pheasants, grouse, etc...

I found 2 online and don't know anyone who has used these before, so I don't know if they work, for starters, or if one is better than the other. Huge cost difference between the two.

Pinpoint handheld metal detector $20
Garrett Pro $130

I eat quite a few birds every year, and I end up biting a pellet every now and then, even though I run the pieces over a mag light (like an x-ray) to find most of the pellets

Anyone have experience with these types of detectors and finding shotgun pellets? I'm 49 and I don't need another crown

 

[thomas89]

I went with a $16 one I found on Amazon. Haven’t crunched a pellet yet, and pretty confident it’d work as I tested it pretty extensively with the size shot I’d be hunting with. (I.e, pheasant/#4, duck/#2, goose/BB) the thicker breasts I did have to flip and scan the other side, didn’t reliably pickup a pellet just on the surface through a ~2” goose breast, if that makes sense.

Honestly any of them are cheaper than a crown, I would have gladly upgraded to the Garrett but just didn’t see a need from the $16 one I got.

 

[okie archer]

I actually metal detect as a hobby. I have used both types of pin pointers meaning a cheap one and a more expensive one.
I will tell you the more expensive pin pointer picks up sound all the way up the sides
The cheap one you have to be touching the metal directly on the end.

 

[Walkathon]

I actually metal detect as a hobby. I have used both types of pin pointers meaning a cheap one and a more expensive one.
I will tell you the more expensive pin pointer picks up sound all the way up the sides
The cheap one you have to be touching the metal directly on the end.

Thanks for the input. I have zero experience with the detectors, and don't know anyone who uses one, so any real world info is very helpful.

 

[Schutzhund]

Buy once, cry once...get the Garrett. For what you are trying to do why cut corners? I agree with walkathon, there simply is no comparison between knock off brands and Garrett for detecting itty bitty metal pieces. Garrett pinpointer will serve you well.

 

[th88]

Ive been using the Garrett pinpoint the past 3 years to pick up small TSS shot (#8s) in wild turkey breasts.

 

[sccritterkiller]

Garret carrot and be done. Been using on for years on ducks, turkeys, dove, quail, ect.

 

[Nick87]

Asked for one for Christmas this year, after breaking a molar off with some steel shot out of a goose snack stick couple years back.

 

[crock239]

I had no idea these even existed, thanks HT!

Will add to my wishlist...definitely need to keep my kids from biting into shot in pheasants etc.

 

[MTGunner]

In the past I’ve employed my teeth. Have yet to break a tooth as yet. But, never say never. Luck, I’m assuming. My dentist just got a chill. MTG

P.S. The fog I experience on occasion is most likely from the lead shot I have consumed.

 

[Walkathon]

Great feedback from everyone. I appreciate it. I'll pick up a Garrett. Pretty cheap dental insurance if they work that well.

 

[JShane]

If you run the raw meat in the microwave for about 10 seconds the pellets will arc and give away their location.

 

[VikingsGuy]

In the past I’ve employed my teeth. Have yet to break a tooth as yet. But, never say never. Luck, I’m assuming. My dentist just got a chill. MTG

P.S. The fog I experience on occasion is most likely from the lead shot I have consumed.

I assumed (but may be wrong) that this thread is about steel shot. It is much harder and can definitely crack teeth. I am not sure any of these devices would help with #6 lead shot.

 

[okie archer]

If you run the raw meat in the microwave for about 10 seconds the pellets will arc and give away their location.

Gotta try this.

 

[crock239]

Just picked up a Garrett pro pointer AT for $70 off the bay.

Planning to chase some pheasants this weekend hopefully will be able to report back on effectiveness.