Metal Detecting for Gold: An Interview with Nugget Shooter Bill Southern

Bill Southern, better known as NuggetShooter, is a seasoned expert in the art of metal detecting for gold nuggets. His name is well-recognized in the gold prospecting world. With over 34 years of experience, Bill has not only mastered the terrain and techniques of gold prospecting but also operates as an authorized dealer for Minelab and other top brands. He provides equipment and training to fellow enthusiasts through his website, nuggetshooter.com, and his store in Morristown.

Bill’s deep knowledge and passion for unearthing gold in the Arizona desert landscape have made him a revered figure within the prospecting community. In this interview, we explore his advanced tactics, equipment insights, and personal anecdotes that have shaped his journey from novice to expert in the challenging and rewarding field of gold prospecting.

Bill’s Background in Gold Prospecting

How did you get into gold prospecting?
While watching the GPAA Gold Fever show with Buzzard Massie, I became intrigued and decided to buy a metal detector.

What is the biggest gold nugget you have found?
A 27-pound quartz specimen containing 19.5 ounces of gold in it.

Bill’s Metal Detecting and Prospecting Tips

What are the key geological signs you look for when choosing a prospecting site, and how do these influence where you decide to detect?
Researching government publications describing placer gold deposits in Arizona and other states, studying the geology of these deposits, and understanding how they were worked by the old-timers. Then, it’s boots on the ground.

What are some techniques you recommend for using a metal detector for gold nugget hunting in challenging terrains like steep hillsides or streams.
Be sure to move slowly and carefully—detecting gold nuggets is a whole different game compared to coin or relic hunting. Gold field soils are notoriously challenging, often requiring the very best detectors specifically designed for gold nugget hunting. These specialized machines excel in handling the highly mineralized environments where gold is typically found.

In what scenarios would you switch between a Double-D coil and a Mono loop coil while using your Minelab for gold prospecting?
A detailed explanation is necessary here, as metal detectors have advanced significantly since I first started. Historically, a DD coil was preferred for reducing ground interference in areas where a mono coil would struggle. This is still true for older detectors and brands other than Minelab. However, with advancements in technology, such as the introduction of the GPX 6000—a pulse induction detector—the role of the DD coil has shifted. Today, it is primarily used to mitigate electromagnetic interference rather than for ground stabilization.

With Minelab’s innovative GeoSense technology, a mono coil can now handle most environments with minimal ground interference, making it a more versatile and effective option in many situations. This evolution in detector technology has greatly enhanced performance and simplified the selection process for users in various terrains.

How do you apply advanced discrimination settings to minimize the detection of hot rocks and ferrous materials without missing small gold targets?
I NEVER use discrimination when nugget hunting because I want to detect every potential target. Most Minelab PI detectors don’t have discrimination features, as it’s unreliable with pulse induction technology and is primarily intended for coin and relic hunting. While some VLF models do offer discrimination, it is often inaccurate, causing people to mistakenly walk away from gold nuggets. My rule for nugget hunting is simple: DIG ALL TARGETS!

What modifications, if any, do you make to your metal detectors to better suit extreme prospecting environments, such as desert heat or mountain cold?
None other than a protective cover.

Which companies or refineries are reputable for converting raw gold, such as nuggets and dust, into cash?
When I sell my gold, I sell it to Gold Rush Nuggets. I haven’t used any other buyers.

Minelab Detectors for Gold Prospecting in United States

In terms of depth and sensitivity, which Minelab model do you find most reliable for gold prospecting and why?
The Minelab GPX 6000 is my go-to detector for its stability and ability to detect very deep targets, as well as tiny, shallow nuggets. When using a VLF detector, I prefer the Gold Monster 1000 for similar reasons.

What developments or features would you like to see in future Minelab models to further aid gold prospecting?
A PI detector capable of accurately discriminating between ferrous and non-ferrous targets would be incredible, but the technology to achieve that reliably remains a challenge. And how about a detector that could hear gold only? Wouldn’t that be amazing?

That said, Minelab continues to lead the industry, which is why I exclusively use their detectors and have for many years. If there were a better option for nugget hunting, I’d be using it instead. While other companies produce excellent coin and relic detectors, in my opinion, Minelab is unmatched in the gold fields.

As our conversation with Bill Southern, also known as Nugget Shooter, draws to a close, it’s clear that his passion and expertise in gold prospecting are as profound as the Arizona soil he explores. With his invaluable insights into advanced detecting techniques and equipment optimization, both seasoned and novice detectorists can learn a great deal. Bill’s dedication to educating others and his commitment to the prospecting community underscore a career built not just on successful finds, but on fostering a spirit of community he has built. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your prospecting skills, Bill’s experiences serve as a golden blueprint for anyone eager to pursue the allure of gold prospecting in the wild and rugged terrains..