Metal detecting is a great hobby and can be rewarding at times. Finding class rings and returning them to the owners always makes me feel good. Finding a lost wedding ring or engagement ring or even a set of keys for a thankful person can be more rewarding then getting a cash reward.
Some times when I find an item that is very old it makes me think of the person that may have lost it and what they were doing when they dropped it.

Prospecting for that bright yellow metal in the ground is a very exciting hobby for me and very addicting. Not much gold in Wisconsin, but it can be found in small mini flakes in some of the streams in the area. I have prospected for gold in other states like South Dakota, Wyoming, Idaho, and Alaska. Went to Chicken, Alaska in July for one week with a metal detecting buddy (Larry), it was our first time using suction dredging equipment, but had a great time and came back with gold in our pockets.