This was sent to me after one cleaned up his concentrates from dredging last
month at K River outside of Antlers, Oklahoma.

Keith

This years annual visit to the Texas Lions Camp for Handicap Children on June 8th-10th was our 14th year of working with the wonderful and excited campers and their councelors as always and so many smiling faces of happy children with a handful of foreign coins there was. We saw over 130 kids this year and like every year was able to teach them the joys of treasure hunting with new metal detectors that Garrett donated to the Camp three years ago. After our visit the councelors take over teaching the many new campers that come during the summer. Some 2000 campers are expected this summer and it is an activity that the campers look forward to. Remember many of these councelors are foreign students and that take what they have learned home with them in other parts of the world, so there is no end to how many benefit from our annual visits to the Camp.

This was a program that Nolan Underwood (Camp Activity Director--now deceased) and I started 14 years ago and it would not be possible without all of you in clubs that support this effort by donating your foreign coins you found or purchased--we never forget that! Behind the scenes with very little praise, is those that take the time each year to travel and be there to help with our annual visits, you know who you are. It cost them in many ways, but one look of the big smiles on kids faces and it is all worth it. These folks should be announce before your club for their efforts.

Has it dawned on each of you that visit to the Camp does in fact make a difference in so many of these children's lives. The letters I receive describe it best like this sample:

Dear Mr. Wills,

Your time you took to work with my daughter and teach her to metal detector for coins has changed her life. We had to buy her a detector and she started hunting our yard from her wheelchair right away, now we take her to the park several times a week so she can use that detector there too. She has even started knocking doors in the neighborhood to gain permission to hunt other neighbor's yards as well.

Before your visit to the camp this summer, she only set in front of her computer at home and would not go outside. My husband and I give thanks to you and yours everyday.

God Bless you everyone. The Tates.

Words are not enough, but thank you everyone and please remember to save those foreign coins for the kids--it is the ONLY way the program will continue for these campers.

Sincerely, Keith Wills

It is WWATS honor to announce Wayne (Nuggetbrain) Peterson of Durango, Co. as a State Director. Wayne is a longtime gold prospector and member of the GPAA and PLP. He has been deeply involved with land access rights, recreational prospecting, and has been right beside many of us defending our legal right to enjoy our hobby. Wayne will be and asset to us all and brings to the table many years of experience and dedication. I hope you welcome Wayne as much as we do here at WWATS. If you need to contact Wayne you can at his email: nuggetbrain1@msn.com

Thank you very much, Keith Wills, president

For some 13 to 14 years now we have annually help the many handicap children learn the pastime of metal detecting for treasure. Even with their problems, we can show them how they can still have an outdoor hobby they can do and enjoy. This year's dates are: June 9th & 10th, 2010, Wednesday and Thursday starting at 8:00 AM. On the 8th a number of us will arrive to install new batteries and set up table and etc. to get ready for the 200 kids we'll work with for the next two days.

Before I go any further, let me say this: "Everyone is Invited to Come and Help Us" If you can only help one day that is great too. The Lions Camp for Handicap Children in Kerrville, TX. really enjoys us donating our time and knowledge to these kids and one look at the faces of these kids and you know they are extremely happy to see us as well. Not only will the kids learn how to enjoy metal detecting for treasures, but they will discover that there is a outdoor hobby the can enjoy even if they are in a wheelchair, deaf or blind. These children are our future and them learning the hobby could someday change it for us all.

Lastly, we need helpers/workers and we "need Foreign Coins"  to hide for the kids. This has become an activity for all campers that visit the camp each year, thus the very reason why we also teach all the counselors as we are teaching the kids, so they can continue the activity with the foreign coins we leave with them and the dozen detectors that was donated to the camp. Each child will go home with a handful of foreign coins they found with the use of a metal detector. Please help this activity for these kids stay alive by donating your foreign coins, or you can buy them by the pound at coins shops fairly cheap.

If you need any more information or wish to donate foreign coins, please contact me.

Thanks so much, Keith Wills
                         1495 FM 49
                         Gilmer, TX. 75644
                         903-734-7773
                         kwills@etex.net

Thank you very much, Keith Wills
If you care about the future of our hobby, check out www.wwats.org

Your invited to bring your family to the largest treasure show in the USA. Over 20 years the Texas Treasure Show has been shown around the state where visitors can enjoy displays of all kinds of "Found Treasures" and meet the folks that found them. You will enjoy FREE seminars by the professionals, Free Kids Hunt on Sunday and a very large Open Pay Hunt with lots of prizes also on Sunday. Come and experience a lot of fun and learn. Don't forget Saturdays Open Banquet with guest speaker Captain Carl Fismer and his experiences as a professional diver of shipwrecks.  Hope to see ya there.

View the Flyer

Thank you very much, Keith Wills

WWATS 2009 MINI HUNT RESULTS
6/14/09

As always, another super and wonderful hunt and outing presented by WWATS at K River Campgrounds outside of Antlers, OK..

We had some 70 hunters and more on-lookers and a bunch of kids show up this year for some wonderful hunts over Memorial Weekend. Our good friends and fellow prospectors also was there to support us from the Northeast Texas Chapter of the GPAA; some great folks. We all had a wonderful laid-back fellowship with one another and enjoyed learning from the prospector folks about gold prospecting and enjoying some great hunts with lots of prizes, coins, silver, gold and metal detectors to win. I would have to say it was the most enjoyable hunt of the WWATS’ hunts thus far.

The “Speed-O Hunt” was a lot of laughs as always; “Kid’s Hunt” was very exciting to all—especially the wonderful kids and a lot of great prizes for them. Some of our adults even tried to buy a large toy tank donated from the young lady that won it and she wouldn’t sell it—it was her first win in a detector competition hunt.

There was some 4000 silver coins (dimes, quarters and halves) buried in the Sunday’s “Silver Hunt”, where the prizes were only silver, gold or metal detectors for tokens found.

Saturday morning’s “Famous WWATS Hunt” had a mix of coins of all kinds including silver and some 70 prize tokens for great prizes, coins and detectors to win.

The “Night Hunt” Saturday night was a big hit as always with many prizes for tokens including a detector to win. No lights of any kind could be used, you had to hunt in total darkness and excuse yourself a lot for bumping into the other folks hunting in the dark around you.

It was a weekend of hunts and fellowship that hasn’t been seen in our hobby for many many years. I think everyone learned something new about the hobby either in the field or around the campfires. I look forward to seeing everyone again next year and happy to call you all my friends!

2009 WWATS MINI-HUNT PHOTOS!

Keith Wills, president
www.wwats.org

Keiith:

I got the CD from Tim yesterday and uploaded the videos to youtube. It was 8 different sections as youtube only allows 10 minute videos. Here is a link to number 1 of 8, they can find the other 7 when they log into this one.

Jim

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kwlfg99DBTE

CLUB NEWSLETTERS -- THIS IS IMPORTANT!

For many years now I have been forwarding various club newsletters that I receive to you all, and I really love reading about your clubs activities and hope to read soon more of you working to improve the positive side of our hobby by more community service and support. This can be done by you asking for a photo and permission to post that photo with an article in the local newspaper when you do a service for an individual, group, community or law enforcement. It pays better than you will believe and also opens doors in your community to more hunt sites by advertising your good deeds to the public. This also puts a good light on our hobby when thousands read your article and it gives you something in print to build your club an excellent "portfolio" which is the best tool you can have to open closed areas to our hobby in your community. Don't ask for a reward for a good deed, ask for a picture and permission to do an article in the local paper or surrounding town's paper; someone will print it. Help the hobby and yourself--Advertise!! Be a part of the cure, not a part of the problem; in behalf of our hobby we so enjoy.

Also, to save so much time, rather than me forwarding so many of your newsletters to you all, please take the time and go to www.wwats.org and read the newsletters and alerts, for that is the place I send all newsletters and time sensitive material when I receive them.

PLEASE care more about your hobby and it's future, put this message in your newsletters for all members to see and hopefully work to make it a more enjoyable hobby without so much interference; I'll be looking at the newsletters to see if you care.

Remember: "You are responsible for your actions in the field--First and Foremost, not anyone else!"

Thank you so much, Keith Wills, president  WWATS

I'm featuring a WATTS video on LTT (Lost Treasure Tube) - check it out and upload more videos and invite the Texas clubs to do so.

This service gives Lost Treasure OnLine visitors a chance to see what happens at club events. A GREAT way to increase awareness and promote your clubs.


WWATS Video at Lost Treasure Tube - http://losttreasure.tv/index.php?page=videos§ion=view&vid_id=100359


Thanks in advance

John Housley
Lost Treasure

About a month to go and the hunt will be on, get your entries in soon, to help us buy coins and prizes for the event.

Thanks, Keith Wills

Flyer below......

3rd ANNUAL

FRIENDS OF THE EAST TEXAS CHILDREN
ONE-DAY OPEN HUNT
Presented by:

“FRIENDS OF THE TATUM PUBLIC LIBRARY”
To Benefit the building of the new Tatum Learning Center

Huntmaster - Keith Wills

· Saturday May 17th, 2008 · On Hwy149

          RAIN OR SHINE              Just before city limits of Tatum, Texas ·

· Look for unusual prizes in addition to metal detectors and gold coins. · Fund-raisers and raffles at hunt.

· Everyone has an equal chance for all prizes. · Early entry deadline is May 2nd, 2008 will enter you in drawing for special prize. · Concession. · Port-a-pots.

HUNT SCHEDULE
SATURDAY – May 17, 2008                                  
7:30 ~ 8:15                                    REGISTRATION                                    ENTRY FEES       CHECK YOUR ENTRY

8:30 ~ 9:00                                    “SILVER/CLAD DIME HUNT                $ 5.00                            ____________                        

9:30 ~ 10:00                                  “PLAY 21 HUNT”                                   $ 20.00                            ____________

10:30 ~ 11:00                                “TREASURE CHEST HUNT”                 $ 20.00                            ____________

11:00 ~ 1:00                                  LUNCH & “CAKE AUCTION”  

                                                            (Special prizes under each cake)

1:15 ~ 1:45                                    *KIDS HUNT”                                            FREE                              ____________

2:15 ~ 2:45                                     “DOLLAR HUNT”                                    $ 15.00                            ____________

3:45 ~ 4:45                                     “ALL SILVER MAIN HUNT”                  $ 70.00                          ____________                          

5:00 ~~~~                                       AWARD PRIZES

                                                       “WRAP-UP HUNT” (Free to those that paid for all hunts)               ____________

MAKE CHECK OR MONEY ORDER PAYABLE TO:                                               Total Paid:  ____________

“FRIENDS OF THE TATUM PUBLIC LIBRARY”

MAIL TO:   Keith Wills, Huntmaster                       Your Name: ________________________________

                      1495 FM 49                                                Address:  ________________________________                                      

                      Gilmer, TX. 75644                                                      ________________________________                    

                      (903) 734-7773  Email: kwills@etex.net   Phone #:  ________________________________                        

NOTE: The Sponsoring Members, Land Owner or Hunt Officers connected with this Hunt will not be responsible for theft, injuries or damages while Hunt is being held

                                                                         *** Your Signature Here:  ___________________________________                                      

HUNTS:                                                                                                                      

                PLAY 21---Find enough targets to make 21 points and trade for Silver Dollars as many times as you can.

                DOLLAR HUNT--- Painted coins for different Bills and dollar coins.

                SILVER/CLAD DIME HUNT---Silver and clad dimes buried in the field.

                KID’S HUNT---Mixed coins and tokens for prizes buried to find. Free Hunt to kids 6 to 16 years of age.

                TREASURE CHEST HUNT---Six Treasure Chest in the field, clad quarters, halves and keys buried.

                ALL SILVER MAIN HUNT---All targets buried are silver coins and tokens for many prizes & detectors.

                WRAP-UP HUNT-- Left over targets, FREE to all those that buy the hunt package; $5.00 to those that did not.

Special Early Entry Hunt Package Pricing (If paid before May 2nd) FREE Entry in 3 ea. $100.00 Bill Drawings.

Directions:

Exit off Interstate 20 at Exit 595--Estes Pkwy & Hwy 149 exit and go south on 149 approx. 13.1 miles to Hunt Site on your Right. Look for signs, park and go to registration table.

Motels at Interstate 20 exit.

Guest Inn    @ Interstate 20  Exit 595  (903) 753-0350            Stratford House @ Interstate 20  Exit 595  (903) 758-4322

Days Inn     @ Interstate 20  Exit 595  (903) 758-1113

Over 30 Metal Detectors, 28 Gold Coins, 200 Silver Rounds, 4-10oz Silver Bars, and thousands of dollars of other great prizes have been given away in the last two years of this Open Hunt.

Don’t Miss This One!!

  OUR KIDS NEED YOUR SUPPORT!

Tatum Open Treasure Hunt, proceeds go towards helping support the “New” Tatum, TX. Children's Learning Center. This event is OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, you are invited!

Our goal is to benefit the East Texas Children in the building of the new Tatum Children’s Learning Center. We feel that furthering children's education through the many programs the Library offers the children during the summer each year is very beneficial to the our children and helps them become better adults. Each year these programs have had to turn away too many children wanting to participate due to lack of room within their small library, this New Learning Center will solve this problem. We ask you to get involved and contributed to this effort and the future of the East Texas Children. Contributions can be made in many ways to this effort, either through the up coming hunt event in donations of coins for the folks to find or prizes to give away making the event more attractive to those participating. Also cash or check donations are very welcome too. Attending or supporting this upcoming event, is supporting this worthy goal.   Donations would save countless dollars that will benefit in the construction of the new Center.

Thank you for your time on this matter, Sincerely, Friends of the Tatum Public Library

Donations can be sent to:

Friends of the Tatum Public Library C/O  Keith Wills, Hunt Master of the Event

1495 FM 49 Gilmer, TX. 75644 (903) 734-7773 or Email: kwills@etex.net

PLEASE make all checks payable to: “Friends of the Tatum Public Library”

Handicap Children’s Treasure Hunt

At the Texas Lion’s Camp for Handicap Children
In Kerrville, Texas

Dates are: June 18th & 19th (Wed & Thursday) 2008.

As always, everyone is welcome to come out and help us with the kids and enjoy teaching the handicap children that there is an outdoor recreational sport that can enjoy even with their handicap. Please consider joining our regular group of Texas Council of Treasure Club members to work with these kids, even if you’re not a member we would enjoy having your help.

Also, special thanks should be given to Garrett Metal Detectors for donating 12 new detectors to the Camp to replace the older units we have been using for the last 12 years. I also don't want to leave out the NEED for many more foreign coins for this activity for the kids.  

Each year for 12 years now, after our annual visit to the Camp, we leave the counselors "trained" to continue the summer program to some 2000 more children campers for that year and foreign coins are dearly needed to keep this activity going each year, besides the kids learn foreign coinage as well, by using such coins--they all are excited to get them. So please consider donating to these wonderful kids more foreign coins. Many coin shops sell them by the pound if you care to purchase some. You can ship them direct to me or send them by someone in your group that is going to visit.  

To see photos of past years of working with the kids, go to www.wwats.org and bring up the photo page and click on kid’s camp. This is a very exciting part of the Camp’s summer activities and the kids really enjoy it. Your donation will put many smiles on these kid’s faces.

Hope you can help,  

Keith Wills
1495 FM 49
Gilmer, TX. 75644
(903) 734-7773
kwills@etex.net

Help the Handicap Kids


For 12 years now, the Texas Lions Camp in Kerrville, Texas ( www.lionscamp.com ) handicap campers have enjoyed learning the recreational hobby of metal detecting and treasure hunting regardless of their handicap. Twelve years ago when the Texas Council of Treasure Clubs www.texascouncil.com started this program with the Camp it was aimed at building esteem in the  many campers and to show those campers there is a recreational hobby they can enjoy regardless of their handicap. Both the Texas Council and the Texas Lions Camp are very proud to announce the great success of this activity offered to each camper every year.

Twelve years ago, several dealers in Texas, distributors and many metal detector manufacturers donated 12 detectors to the camp for this program to be a success and it has become a highlight every year to all the campers to learn to discover treasures buried beneath their feet using a metal detector. Also, each year a dedicated group from the Texas Council helps the new  counselors visiting from foreign countries to also learn the hobby so to continue the program for the many campers visiting the Camp each year. However as an added bonus, many of those counselors take this new knowledge of such a program back home with them to share in their alike Camps for children in their country.

Now This is the Important Part: for this program to continue, the Camp is in great need of "foreign coins" to hide for these campers. Without donations of foreign coins, the program will die! The Camp relies on your kindness of donating any foreign coins you may have found or wish to purchase for the kids. Why "foreign coins"; because the children of the camp can not have money to use in counselor's vending machines; the kids only drink healthy fruit juices or water at the Camp which is free to all the campers as is all the facilities of the Camp. Also the children learn more about foreign countries and their money by using foreign coins hidden for this activity.

At this time, the Camp's supply of foreign coins is very low. The Camp is in need immediately of donations of foreign coins so the activity for the kids will continue this 2008 year. The Texas Council of Treasure Clubs and I ask you to please consider donating to the Camp such foreign coins for this activity. You can ship the coins to me at:
                                                Keith Wills
                                                1495 FM 49
                                                Gilmer, TX. 75644
                                                      or
Directly to the Camp at:            Texas Lions Camp
                                                P.O. Box 290247
                                                Kerrville, TX. 78029
If you do send them direct, please contact me and let me know you have done so at: kwills@etex.net

A Sincere Thanks to you all, and for photos of the Camp and kids enjoying this activity, checkout www.wwats.org  under "Photos".

Garrett Metal Detectors new 2008 calendars, well I'm your fold-out for the month of April 2008 (scary isn't it). And yes, while on a product photo shoot with Garrett's photographer here in East Texas, I was holding a detector for him and started playing with it, no digger or pouch. Yes, as luck would have it, I actually found the 1952 silver half dollar and had to go back to my truck to get a digging tool to dig it up. This is one photo that several can testify the coin was dug in front of them.

Keith Wills

"East Texas Metal Detectors" and "WWATS" will be set up at this location for this event. The Austin Club will be sponsoring a metal detecting hunt there for ONLY $4.00 entry fee. Any donations for the treasure hunt would be very much appreciated since the hunt fee is so cheap, so to help get this annual event going. See or contact Keith Wills, Larry Vickers or any Austin Club member. Hope to see some of you there.        Keith Wills  

Please Come Join us at the Goldengem Rendezvoux & Knap-In  Sept.28-30
in Llano, Texas Featuring The State Gold Panning Championship

Click Here For More Information

NEED FOREIGN COINS.....                                                                                  6/17/07

Well we again for the 12th year enjoyed our annual visit to the Texas Lions Camp for Handicap Children and we saw a little over 100 kids and some 40 counselors to again teach them about how to find treasures with a metal detector. Since we donated 12 metal detectors to the camp and keep a good supply of foreign coins coming in for the counselors to hide so the kids can find them with a metal detector, this program has been a hugh success and the Camp looks forward to our visit each year.

We had a good group of folks show up to help us train the counselors and teach the first week campers our great recreational hobby. A recreational hobby that most all the campers can enjoy even with their physical handicaps, which can not be said about most all other recreational sports. However, for us that come each year and give of our time to teach these wonderful kids and watch the big smiles and excitement on their faces (even the kids that are blind) when they dig their first handful of foreign coins; our reward is obvious and heartfelt.

Click to View Photos!

We are asking you to please help us--help those kids! They are running seriously low of foreign coins that keeps this activity going for them during summer camping sessions. In most cases, foreign coins are cheap and sold by most  coin dealers by the pound. We ask you to consider helping the many wonderful kids by donating foreign coins to keep this activity alive at the Camp. You would be doing a wonderful deed for children you'll never meet, but each time they look at the coins they found with a metal detector, they will remember the great time they had in discovering the unknown and the hobby of treasure hunting; something that will stay with them all their lives.

Clubs, please consider placing this plea in your club newsletter so any of your members can if they wish donate. I have sent you some photos with this letter of this year's visit to the Camp I hope you enjoy them. More photos you can find on www.wwats.org site of this year's and years past visits.

If in your hearts you can find that donation of foreign coins for this activity to continue for the future campers, please send them to me at:                        

                                                         Keith Wills          
                                                         1495 FM 49                          
                                                         Gilmer, TX. 75644
              
                                                             OR

send directly to the Camp at:    Texas Lions Camp
                                                    P.O. Box 290247
                                                    Kerrville, TX. 78029-0247
                                                    Att'n: Stephen S. Mabry
                                                                             (Chief Executive & Administrator)
Note: Please try to send only foreign coins and they be at least the size of our US American dime or larger. It is very hard for the kids that have limited vision to see any coins smaller than that.

Thank you,
Sincerely,  Keith Wills

I purchased a Arc-Geo Logger from Tim Williams at the 2005 Tyler Show at the Texas Treasure Show.  I wrote an article for American Digger Magazine on my Arc-Geo Logger.  That story will be coming out in the fall issue of that magazine.   Please look for it this fall and when you sign up for the three year free membership at WWATS, your name will be placed into a drawing for the new Arc-Geo Mini imaging system to be given away in December 2007!    Here's how you can register to enter the drawing for the Arc-Geo Mini with free shipping in the USA.   Sign up and join WWATS at this web site, www.wwats.org !   That's it!   In the fall, watch for an article on the Arc-Geo Logger in the American Digger Magazine.  In December Keith Wills, President of WWATS, will draw the winner's name from the WWATS member list.   So join and support WWATS and you may be the winner of a new Arc-Geo Mini unit!   If you don't win the Arc-Geo Mini logger, your still a winner with your membership in WWATS.  

You can find some helpful information on the Arc-Geo Logger at the LRLMAN web site.  Check it out here:  

http://lrlman.com/Pages/AG_Mini/AGM.htm

Jim Fariello VP WWATS

Arc-Geo Mini Give-Away!

As a way to say thanks to my customers I will give away an Arc-Geo Mini imaging system in December 2007! Here's how you register to enter the drawing for the Arc-Geo Mini with free shipping in the USA. Sign up and join WWATS at www.wwats.org ! That's it! In the fall, watch for an article on the Arc-Geo Logger in the American Digger  Magazine. I want to thank WWATS for their support over the years for our hobby. This December Keith will draw the winner from the WWATS member list. So join and support WWATS and you may win the Arc-Geo Mini!

For more information on the Arc-Geo Logger check it out here:

http://lrlman.com/Pages/AG_Mini/AGM.htm

Tim
lrlman@charter.net

WWATS Ganes Creek Alaska Nugget Hunt

Below is the website to Gaines Creek, Alaska and a WWATS sponsored nugget hunt for 2007 that some of us have discussed.

http://www.clark-wiltz.com/servlet/content/alaska_mining.html

The pricing is on their website and it shows that they can handle only ten people per week for this trip. However, if enough want to go, then we can have one group leaving and another of our groups coming in for following week. If after you read over this website and are serious about going in 2007, for the dates of: July 22-28 open for a full group and the following week of July 29-Aug 4 available which would give us back to back weeks; you will need to have $500.00 to make your deposit to hold that date and have the other $2000.00 ready to send in 30 days before the scheduled dated of arrival. Also you will need to make your own travel arrangements or airfare as early as possible as the website describes. Please look over their website, this will be a great time and some very large nuggets have come out of the area, then get back to me if you feel you are interested and can make this event this summer in July.

NOTE: as the website article by one visitor stated, it is not neccessary to own a prospecting type metal detector, the nuggests are of size that even a coin type detector can find them, for there is little or no mineralization in this ground to have to deal with. A list of items to pack and bring with you is on the website.
If we can not fill at least one of these two weeks, then we'll cancel this outing until next year. I do need to know if you wish to attend this years as soon as possible.

Thanks, Keith Wills, president kwills@etex.net

TO  ALL  WWATS  MEMBERS

We at WWATS sincerely hope each and every one of you enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday and enjoyed it in good health. Soon will be the holiday of the birth of our Savior and then a new year, 2007 and again WWATS hopes for each of you and your families a very wonderful holidays and filled with good health enjoyed by all.

WWATS is very proud in the accomplishments we have made or assisted in, in the year 2006 and we are looking at even great strides for our hobby and our rights in 2007. It is our hope that each of you will care a little bit more for your rights you enjoy in America today and your right to enjoy your hobby, especially on public lands. However this cannot be accomplished by any one person or one group, it must take every one of us, United, so to make a positive future for our rights and our hobby.

WWATS is so very proud that two of our major manufacturers has dedicated themselves to support WWATS and it’s efforts, without them it would be very difficult to move ahead with the goals we all want to achieve. Yet it is not only left to our manufacturers whom produce the equipment we use everyday to support our rights, but also it is also yours and WWATS interest to support those same goals. I can not express how much easier it would be if every person cared enough about the future of his or her hobby and their right to enjoy it on public lands that is supported by their tax dollars, if you was to spend as little as $5.00 a year as a donation to that cause and a positive future, by donating to WWATS and our efforts to accomplish those goals.

I can not tell you how many times I have heard the statement from some that: “I’m not having any problems in my area where I enjoy my hobby, no one bothers me!” However, in the last 3 years I have heard even more make the statement: “I can’t believe this is happening, what gives them the right to ban our hobby from public lands or call me a looter?” More and more everyday others attack our rights and our hobby, because less and less of you are standing-up for your rights—you want others to stand-up for your rights for you. Remember, no one is closer to the problem you maybe experiencing in your area, but you. It takes everyone working together so to build a positive future for us all.

WWATS is here to help, support and to inform you. Become a dedicated supporter, for trouble can and most likely will be coming your way someday soon, we need each other to win our fights.

I can tell you this, 90% of our troubles would be over if most everyone was educated about our hobby and what ethics we stand for. When you help someone thought the use of our hobby, then inform others by placing a simple article in your local newspaper about your community support. This allows many thousands of others to see what our hobby is about and assures what they have possibly heard or read in the past from those that attack us, as not being the truth. This is the greatest contribution you can make for your hobby and you’re right to enjoy it. Try building a portfolio of the good you and your club members do for your community, it is the strongest tool you could ever use in keeping areas open to your hobby.

Let’s all make a stronger move and become even more dedicated to our hobby and our right to enjoy that hobby in the New Year 2007. Please keep WWATS informed and share with us your efforts to support our hobby and your communities and/or even those that might attack you and the hobby. WWATS is dedicated to keeping you informed and support those and other organizations with goals for a better and more secure future for us all!

The best of holidays to you all and May God Bless,
Keith R. Wills, president WWATS

WWATS Gold Coin Giveaway
October 22nd, 2006

You are about to miss out on a beautiful $5.00 Gold Coin to be given away to the lucky winner at a drawing at this years annual open "WWATS Rally and Free Hunts". The event will take place at K River Campgrounds outside of Antlers, Southeast Oklahoma this October 20th to 22nd. For reservations at the campground go to www.kriver.com  and see all their activities they have, and to download a copy of the registration form for the event go to www.wwats.org .

To help support this event, you can donate $5.00 that will enter you in the chance to win a excellent $5.00 Gold Coin and maybe more but you have to send your donation before October 1st. to be eligible. Twenty Dollars will enter you four times in the drawing and etc. You can mail that donation to: WWATS/ Keith Wills, 1495 FM 49, Gilmer, TX. 75644. You do not have to be present to win, we will see that the winner receives the item. You do not have to be a WWATS member to donate.

Also, we have another Gold Coin drawing for all those coming to the event and have mailed in their registration before Oct. 7th. This will help us get a good head count on the number that are participating. A chance for this gold coin cost you nothing but to mail in your signed entry form. This year we will have a $20.00 late entry fee for those registering on the date of the event, so get your registration in early!

Remember to send your donations now so to enter the drawing for the beautiful $5.00 Gold Coin. Even if you can't make the event this year with all the free treasure hunts, GPS Hunt, Kids Hunt, Ladies Hunt, Speed-O Hunt, Brown Bag Hunt, Night Hunt and much more, you can still have a chance to win a $5.00 gold coin. Don't forget, last year we gave away 30 new metal detectors and some 260 other prizes to the folks that attended last years event. All prizes were donated by folks like yourselves. Everyone had a wonderful time in the deep scenic woods of Southeast Oklahoma on the banks of the Kiamichi River. Don't you feel you and the family deserve a weekend of fun and excitement in a beautiful site like this! Come join us, all hunts are "open to the public". For those wanting to register for the All Silver--All Metal Detector Hunt on Sunday evening, there is a $65.00 entry for that hunt before Oct. 7th, so send in your check with your entry form signed.

Thank you, Keith Wills, president

Dear Keith,

We would like to place a back-link on your website and would appreciate a
reciprocal link, if you find it appropriate?

Your link is as follows: http://www.historicmapsrestored.com/links

Maps of the Past, Inc., has become THE destination for family genealogy,
historians, geologists, treasure hunters, mineral prospectors and anyone
else interested in historical maps. Our current library and archives with
numbers reaching 10,000 offers maps from as early as the 16th Century, in
categories including, but not limited to: US maps, State maps, County
maps, Township maps, City maps, Plat maps or Landowner maps, Railroad
maps, Civil War Battle maps, Mining maps, Colonial maps, USGS Topo maps,
USCS Nautical Survey maps, River maps, Lewis and Clark maps, Panoramic or
Bird's Eye View maps, Territory maps, Statehood maps, Political maps and
charts, Census maps, Demographic maps, and Indian Territory maps,
including maps of Europe. For the avid genealogist we specialize in one of
a kind Land Ownership maps. This is the fulfillment of all dreams to
locate an ancestors name on our remarkable list of real estate property
maps. Approximately 1500 of these maps have been painstakingly restored,
whereas. the remainder are being restored upon request. With access to
hundreds of thousands of additional maps, most requests can be fulfilled
for maps of areas with populations of 40,000 or more, including old world
maps.

We specialize in county land ownership maps for family genealogists. One
of our largest collections contain  California property ownership wall
maps of the 19th century.

We also have the necessary full size printers to produce, outstanding
colored prints in our collection.

We have special discounts for teachers & students.

We are a family business run by a retired university professor, who has
been collecting maps forever and his grandfather before him. The majority
of the cartographic collection, that represents thousands, have never been
catalogued or even scanned.

Our main objective is to restore the historical maps to not quite
perfection, for future preservation. We are the Leader in Archival
reproductions of high quality HISTORICAL MAPS, of which we sell through
auctions, to the general public, commercial and government agencies.

Our maps have been acquired by many prestigious academic institutions,
such as John Hopkins University.

We also have a growing collection of Spanish Southwestern & Eastern
French, British Colonial period maps, including maps of Early Arizona
territory.

Please visit our website and navigate the progressive gallery of maps,
dating back to the 15th century.

http://www.historicmapsrestored.com

Yours Cordially,
MAPS OF THE PAST, INC.,
Jarrod Walters
1-877-353-6891
service@historicmapsrestored.com

I am sure some of you wondered why the web site was down all day yesterday. Well the host somehow managed to wipe out everything on the server taking the wwats web site with it. They have restored from Junes backup which means that anything posted since then is now gone.

If you notice anything that was posted but is now missing please let me know and I will try to get it back up. Meanwhile I am searching for a new host even though it might cost more. Our hosts performance during this latest problem is unacceptable to me.

Sorry for any inconvenience,

WWATS Webmaster

As you will read below, here are just a few photos taken yesterday at the
Tatum Hunt a fundraiser hunt to raise the funds for the "Friends of the
Tatum Public Library" to buy the land next to the library to build a new
Learning Center for the many programs offered by the library for the East
Texas Children. For those of you at the hunt that looked at the photos of
the post programs for the East Texas Children on display at the hunt, you
could see how over crowded the kids were in the library--thus the reason for
such a Learning Center needing to be built.

Well I'm proud to announce that after all fundraisers efforts from this
event was counted yesterday, that the Tatum Hunt success also created the
necessary funding for the last needed funds so to purchase the property for
the future Learning Center. Once this was discovered yesterday, Mrs. Janice
Breedlove, director of the Tatum Public Library, sat there looking at the
total in tears. Several long hard years were put into this project she
headed to raise the funds necessary to purchase the necessary land and then
build the necessary building for the East Texas Children. It was the Tatum
Hunt 2006 that final ended the need for the funds necessary to purchase the
land, and Mrs. Breedlove was speechless.

We have all those of you that contributed both items and donations to make
this event a success and in the end a success for purchasing the land of the
new Centerto thank. Thank you so much for supporting their fundraisers, for
believing in their good efforts for the kids and those kids future.

Words are not enough to express both mine, Janice and those that support
this project appreciation and special thanks. This event also involved the
local public more than any event has in the past. many in the East Texas
area now know what a fun past time metal detecting is and can be in their
lives. Looking at the pictures below will show you many wonderful East Texas
Children that turned out for this event and again learned much about the fun
you can have finding treasure with a metal detector. No words can describe
the excitement of the kids, nor the appreciation of their parents in this
FREE Hunt we offered to the kids.

Thank you manufacturers, my friends, dealers and distributors that donated to
make this a multi-successful event for all. As you can guess, I'm sure next
year funds will be needed to finish building the New Tatum Learning Center
and we look forward to all of you again attending and supporting the 2nd
Annual Open Tatum Hunt effort for the kids of East Texas. Thank you all from
our hearts,

Keith Wills, huntmaster
Janice Breedlove, Library Director
& all of those "Friends of the Tatum Public Library"

Winners of the WWATS Fundraiser at the Texas Treasure Show 2006

Aaron Judkins--won Replica 1863 Sharps Carbine Rifle

Jim Weaver--won Replica 1861 Confederate Pistol

Janice Stuart--won Replica 1864 Pepperbox Pistol

B. Fontenot--won Replica 1862 Shelby CSA Sword w/scabbard

Janice Stuart--won Replica 1864 CSA Dress Officer Sword w/scabbard

Congratulations to each winner and thanks to all that supported our fundraiser and our hobby.

Keith Wills, president

A special thanks to Mike Skinner of Dallas, TX a member of the Lone Strar Treasure Hunters Association for his kind donation and printing of WWATS new membership cards. This kind of donation is what makes it possible for WWATS to continue to help you and support our hobby.

WWATS and the membership want to express their special thanks to you Mike for this special donation. We wish we had many more like you, thanks again.

Sincerely,
Keith Wills, president

Reminder of Life Magazine Article on Treasure Hunting....

is due out this Friday. Besure to check on Life Magazine's website for the local newspaper that carries Life Magazine insert. For folks here in Texas, only Fort Worth Star Telegram carry the Life Magazine insert.

I just received a phone call from Fox News in New York that has seen an advanced copy of Life Magazine and she told me I'm the featured photo on the front of the magazine and the article is exciting and informative: I haven't seen it myself yet! However, it should be great PR for our hobby, I hope. Fox News in New York has requested to do an interview on the AIR, so I have turned that over to our WWATS State Director in New York State whom is very familiar with being in front of the camera as director of his own television show for treasure hunting there. This again will help promote excellent PR for our hobby I'm sure. So don't forget to find you a copy, you may all get one before I find out myself what they said about me. Several more excellent hobbyist are also featured in the article, well worth reading.

Keith Wills

WWATS Fundraiser
at
Texas Treasure Show 2006
April 29th & 30th, 2006
Amon G. Carter Exhibits Hall
Fort Worth, Texas

ITEMS  
                                                                            
Replica Sharps Carbine Rifle – Antique Grey                            

Replica Confederate Pistol – Antique Grey                                

Replica Pepperbox Pistol – Antique Grey                                

Replica Shelby CSA Sword w/ Scalbert                                                        

Replica CSA Dress Officer Sword w/ Scalbert                                              
                                                                        

“Do Not Have To Be Present To Win”

5 Items and 5 Winners
All Items are Replicas and actions work, but will not fire.
$5.00 Shipping Charge if has to be Shipped to Winner!
Drawing is April 30th, 2006

Donations: $1.00 per ticket or 6 tickets for $5.00

MAIL Donations To:    WWATS Fundraiser
                                    c/o Keith Wills
                                    1495 FM 49
                                    Gilmer, TX. 75644

WWATS booth at Texas Teasure Show--Fundraiser

Texas Treasure Show on April 29th & 30th, 2006 at Amon G. Carter Exibits Hall, in Fort Worth, Texas (flyer located at: www.texascouncil.com ).

WWATS (World Wide Association of Treasure Seekers) www.wwats.org
Fundraiser Items for this event:

1. Replica Sharps Carbine Rifle--Antique Gray

2. Replica 1861 Civil War Confederate Pistol -- Antique Gray

3. Replica 1860 Pepperbox Pistol--Antique Gray

4. Replica Civil War Cavalry Sword w/ Stainless Steel Scabbard

These items will be given away seperately (four chances to win). Donations for tickets are $1.00 each or 6 tickets for $5.00. You can pre-sell tickets if you wish, just send payment to me. Any amount above cost will be profit for WWATS operating fund to help keep our hobby free and public lands open. Drawing for winners will be held at the last day of this event April 30th.
You DO NOT NEED TO BE PRESENT TO WIN!

Address to send payment for tickets wanted: 1495 FM 49, Gilmer, TX. 75644

Thanks for your support of the Hobby!
Keith Wills, president.

“WWATS BULLETIN”

FROM BOB (BUGLER) SLOAN

To: All WWATS Clubs, Members, and Treasure Seekers of the World.

I am very proud and happy to announce that Steve Phillips and his sons Spencer and Forrest have accepted the position, WWATS State Directors of Alabama. 

They have worked endlessly for all of us for over 30 years and won a terrific battle with the State of Alabama. We all need to thank them for a job well done. This will open many doors in all States for Treasure Seekers.

Steve, Spencer and Forrest will be available for your Question about Treasure Seeking in Alabama, at 4515 5th Avenue South Birmingham, AL 35222, (205) 595-3052 or ssdsupply@aol.com

Lets all give our Alabama State Directors a big hand, by calling and emailing them.

Best Regards,
Bob (Bugler) Sloan
WWATS

From the Southwest Michigan Seek & Search February Newsletter:

For many years our club has been a member of the 'Federation of Metal Detector and Archeological Clubs.' I know how much many of you enjoy their great hunts, conferences and seminars. All of these things are important and certainly help promote the hobby.

      Today, I think we are going through a critical time politically in this country. For the first time in years, the people who seek to strip us of our freedoms, who have been so powerful in government, are losing some of their strength. I'm talking about those who have been looking for new ways to bully the outdoor enthusiast, regardless of his sport.

      There needs to be more done in defense of the hobby. And over the past few years, we have been watching a fairly new group start to work in a proactive way to defend our freedoms. That group is the World Wide Association of Treasure Seekers.

      Instead of buying F.M.D.A.C. memberships for each club member, we want to encourage you to continue on, if you wish, by ordering your own personal membership directly from the Federation. If you need help to do that, just ask any of the board members and they will see to it that you get help.

     This decision was not made to condemn the F.M.D.A.C. I for one intend to keep my membership current. It's just that we feel that we should get behind and support the people who are on the front lines, taking a stand for this great hobby!

     For over 30 years, I have been trying to get groups who share similar interests to band together to fight our mutual enemies. That is the intention of W.W.A.T.S. founder, Bob "Bugler" Slone. Here is a section from Bob's founder's letter:

"WWATS can and shall be the answer, for you, and for me, starting today. How can we accomplish our goals? First by asking and enlisting all those that share our desires: prospectors, coinshooters, relic hunters, water hunters, divers, prospectors, rock hounds, off road, trail riders, cache hunters, the list goes on, to join with us to building good relationships with our local, state and federal elected officials. By working with lobbyists and the many small advocacy groups, we must become someone that they can count on in their time of need. We have all heard the saying that United we stand and divided we fall!"

      Bob is right on target! Many other people who are involved in outdoor activities are frustrated and feel helpless, like we have felt! We need to find ways to bring these groups together!

      By meeting time, I will have a chance to sit and talk to a good friend of mine who is the president of the Federation of Historic Bottle Collectors (F.O.H.B.C.). This is a national organization for antique bottle clubs and collectors. My friend, John Pastor, is the president of the F.O.H.B.C. and is also a member of the Kalamazoo Antique Bottle Club, where I also belong.

      There just has to be some way to get the antique bottle clubs into W.W.A.T.S., because they certainly have similar interests. Many in the antique bottle collecting hobby are white-shirt-and-tie types who wheel and deal in antique bottles with values over $60,000.00! Now these high rollers don't usually have any dirt under their nails, but they know that they would be sunk without the lowly privy diggers who belong to the same club and sell at the same bottle shows.

     More and more, the enemies of the detecting crowd are banishing the bottle diggers from the same lands we are being pushed out of. In my write-up about the evidence search in the Allegan Forest, I spoke in anger about the dig my wife found. It was an 1870-1880's pit that was dug and the bottle diggers left all the broken trash laying all around their unfilled hole!

      When you outlaw digging, you don't stop it; you just stop the good diggers. The looting pigs will still sneak in and make their mess. Sometime this spring, I'm going to get back there and undo the wrong, but I won't use a shovel because I don't ever want to try jail.

       The bottom line is that we need to band together to stop this insanity that we see all around us. Universities sell a product and that is education. Whenever they see a need, they put together a educational package that they can sell.

      Whether they find someone to teach the program who knows a darn thing about it, or the students learn anything, doesn't matter one bit! It is all about money! The student pays in, the government pays in, and soon we are talking hundreds of millions. Then when the college pronounces the student an archaeologist, or an environmentalist, the government steps in and hires them! Then the government pays them, with our tax dollars, to screw up our lives based on junk science and greed! How do you stop this madness?

The State of Our Hobby

I has been sometime since I have gotten to communicate with all of you directly, but it has not been wasted time.

I have been communicating with several senators and representatives of several states and several in the US House and Senate. From all indications it seems our hobby is growing and more have been confronted with our problems and the discrimination against our hobby and those enjoying it. In every case and with ever government representative I have spoke with, all agree they would rather come to a middle ground for everyone's concern than to put all their support in only one interest group. They also agree that each day is shedding more light on what some of our government agencies and environmentalist will do to threaten our rights to enjoy the hobby on federal, state and even private property. As I have assured them all that we are just as interested in preserving our national heritage and history as we have proven so many times with our wiliness to donate to museums and share our sites with archeologist if significant.

Yet where we as a group fail, is that the environmentalist and archeology community can and does keep constant pressure on our elected government representatives and we as hobbyist do not. This is a result of too many of our fellow hobbyist that could care less either because they are having no problems in their own area (yet!) or that they feel to contact one of your elected officials would only make the problem worse, so to say nothing is better, or they just don't give a dam until they themselves loose their rights and see one of their parks closed in their area. Suddenly then and only then, do they start caring. But how do they start caring? By raising their voice and pointing their finger at their own fellow hobbyist that has been telling them all along that such restrictions are coming, yet they would not listen then, but now want to know what your going to do for them in their area.

Now, let us look at what could of happen with just the minimum of interest by all hobbyist and a tiny bit of dedication.

Ask yourself this: If you had a chance to enter a park that has been closed since the 1930s and you know is full of silver coins and jewelry, would you pay $5.00 so to hunt that park and take the chance and have faith that you could possibly find some wonderful targets in that site for just $5.00? Sure you would and so would I, yet you won't donate the same amount to WWATS or an organization of your choosing that works to help you assure a positive future for the hobby. Even if you are asked to just have faith in that organization that is trying to help you, at worst you have only spent $5.00. Now multiply that amount for every member and hobbyist out there and suddenly the organization has the income to get something done for you and everyone in the hobby.

For some reason, too many trust in one person or a few to get a job done that takes support of hundreds or even thousands, and expect this without ever supporting them.

In short, don't point a finger or complain if you never bother to at least support any organization that is trying to help all hobbyist whether your a member or not. As I have said too many times before, in the Chain of Command of whom is responsible, "it starts with you!" You are the person with the local problem, a voter in the district with much more power than any other you may point a finger at, and your closest to the problem so you would know the answer to solve it. Secondly, you have an organization standing ready to support you, help you, fight for you, experienced for you and willing to advise you day or night. You know, the organization you are not supporting.

How can you beat an organization like that, that has faith in you that someday you will wake up to the fact that all hobbyist need and must unite to become strong and accomplish goals.

Would you go to work everyday expecting no pay for the work you do? If your not paid, how would you accomplish any of your goals in your lifetime? Where would you turn for help to make those goals a reality for you? Well your blessed, for we at WWATS are fighting for you, dedicated much more than many others in accomplishing our goals for everyone's benefit and the hobby's future, and we are not paid a dime for this, in most cases send our own funds so to help many of you and others.

So in closing, I'll take this opportunity to wish each and everyone of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Please, in this new year, lets think about others that are trying to help and support you and the hobby, and find it in our hearts to show them some dedication and support as well. Help us to help you! I just know 2006 will be our best year yet for us all!

We pray that all of you and your families in the coming year are blessed with good health!   Sincerely, Keith Wills, president

P.S. Keep an eye on WWATS website and see what is happening in behalf of your hobby for 2006.

The website to go to for learning more about what the laws are and events happening in the state and clubs within the state of Texas is www.texascouncil.com

The Texas Council of Treasure Clubs, Inc. has been in existence since 1982 and each year produces the "Texas Treasure Show", the LARGEST treasure show in America. This is an inside event with an outdoor Sunday morning Open Treasure Hunt like no other. Over 30,000 silver coins buried and usually 25 to 30 metal detectors, gold coins and silver bullion to give away in an one hour event.

The Treasure Show inside it filled with treasure/prospecting clubs and collectors showing "found treasure", the manufacturers that build the equipment we use today to search for such treasures, free seminars for those attending by the professionals in their fields, and dealers and distributors in the area. Just the FREE seminars alone is enough reason to attend this Show each year. Many have walked away from these seminars and improved their fines many times over afterwards. If you have never attended a Texas Treasure Show, then you have missed out on one of the best experiences in treasure hunting.

Also, the Texas Council of Treasure Clubs, Inc. has many activities throughout the state like our annual visit to the Lions Camp for Handicap Children so to teach those children and counselors that there is a recreational activity that can be enjoyed by the children that are wheelchaired, blind and deaf. The Texas Council supports several museums and have dedicated plaques at several historic sites throughout the state. We also help in different clean-ups of historical areas and more. If the clubs in your state has yet to organize a state organization, I would suggest it. It is a true step forward in your efforts for great PR and a positive future for our hobby in your state. If you get time, checkout the Texas state website mentioned above and keep an eye-out for 2006 Texas Treasure Show. I understand it is to take place in late April in Ft. Worth, Texas.

Keith Wills

To: Pete and Linda Bennett
       West Palm Beach, Florida

Dear Linda and Pete,

I can not tell you how much your donation is truely appreciated by all in WWATS. It is folks like yourself that makes it possible to go forward in creating a more positive future for our hobby we enjoy and allows our children to enjoy the same. You both are truly dedicated folks and again we sincerely appreciate your donation of $50.00 to our cause.

Sincerely,
Keith Wills, president

WWATS State Director helps families of Katrina disaster

Below you'll see one of WWATS State Directors "Gordon Osborne" in Vermont helping locate families for the survivors of Katrina. We at WWATS are very proud of Gordon and his efforts there and for WWATS.
Way to go Gordon! Keith Wills, president

Hi
Doing what I can to help people around the world connect with their loved ones. Would you believe it right from here you can make a difference. Here are the pages from the paper.  Hope they come through ok.    Gordon

The State of our Metal Detecting and Prospecting Hobby is weak at best!

There are a number of folks and organizations trying hard to provide a more secure future for generations to come for our hobby and to keep public lands open to all. Some are very active and some are not. Our hope is that you are supporting at least one of them instead of setting back and doing nothing to ensure that your children can continue to enjoy the same hobby you have enjoyed for so long.

It does seem at times that for every step forward we take in behalf of a more positive future for us all, someone or something happens like new legislation being introduced or someone trespassing to give us all a bad name, jumps in and gets more publicity than we will ever receive from the many good deeds those in our hobby do across this country; "bad news travels fast". Yet there is little to do but to continue the fight and look for new avenues to shed a new more positive light on our hobby and those in it, so we must keep marching on.

Unfortunately, we seem to be more unorganized as a interest group than ever with such a variety of talent within our ranks in this hobby and too little support. So the answer is clear, we must organize ourselves better, join forces with other interest groups that have the same problems as we, look forward and not back, design a positive plan of action, seek out all the support we can, educate those in our hobby today that are not aware of what is truly happening around them and convince them that it might just happen to them someday as well. Of course, we are aware that not everyone will in fact "give a hoot" for they see no problems in their area and would just prefer to stay out of the political arena as long as possible. We may never change those folks thinking, but you can be assured that there will always be those out there looking to restrict your hobby and enjoyment in some way and it may just happen next time in your city or state.

So if you have folks that are dedicated enough to offer to help fight for your rights, as well as their own so to continue to enjoy this hobby for years to come, then why not support them in anyway you can! Such is the direction and purpose of WWATS (World Wide Association of Treasure Seekers, Inc.) www.wwats.org .

WWATS has searched for the most serious of those within our interest to be board members, many of which also are heads of like organizations with the same problems we face daily. Theory; join hands with other like groups to make us stronger and to work together as a team effort to solve those problems. WWATS has several attorneys and a Washington DC lobbyist as board members as well, so to be more proactive in our concerns and well educated in our plans of action. "WWATS will make a difference".

WWATS membership is free and a three year term, you can join by going to our website www.wwats.org . WWATS website has the latest of news-worthy events and legislation that is pertaining to our hobbies as well as hobby related events, good deeds by others in our groups, many great suggestions from those that are interested and dedicated to our hobby's preservation, and education for those that may have questions or are new to our hobby and wish to get started in the correct and law abiding direction. WWATS website will keep you informed and is something that you as a concerned hobbyist should be checking at least once a week so to keep others around you of the same interest informed, we don't want to see anyone in trouble because 'they just didn't know'. Also WWATS is "worldwide" because so many today are interested in travel and other country's laws pertaining to metal detecting and prospecting. WWATS gives you that one location to find such information and also to learn of other WWATS organizations in other countries around the world. Most importantly, WWATS has and is continuing to establish State Directors in each state in America so to assist in watching for new legislation that could spring-up and affect our hobby in a negative way. Our WWATS State Directors already have made a huge difference in "blowing the horn" on sneaky legislation in several states that might have never surfaced until it became Law in those states. We continue to need more State Directors to support this effort and be our eyes and ears, so why not volunteer.

So as I said, don't just act as if there is not anything happening to you or your brothers and sisters in this hobby out there, be a part of the solution and support an organization, support WWATS. Join, donate if you can and offer your assistance in your own area and state. WWATS board will continue to attack negative legislation and bad PR in your state and at national levels, but we can't do it without your help! This will be what makes us all successful. If your looking for a reward for your efforts in this, do as I do, teach a young child or handicap child the hobby of metal detecting or prospecting for the first time and look down at their big smile when they make their first find; now that is a true reward for your efforts. Let's all see to it, that the children can continue to keep smiling and keep that right to enjoy their hobby. Thank you, Keith Wills, president

Hi All

Looking for relatives, friends, neighbors, and metal detecting buddies, after this disaster is very frustrating to say the least. Also how can you inform your family that you are safe.

There is a web site where you can register yourself, if you have been affected by Katrina, or your relatives, friends, neighbors, and metal detecting buddies.

The web site sponsored by Gulf Coast News. Com located here:

http://www.bergedalen.com/katrina/survived.aspx

Attached is a letter of thanks for the foreign coins I sent to the Camp for the kids on behalf of WWATS. I also emailed a copy of a letter sent to me for WWATS Belguim to Jurgen Genesse for their kind donation of foreign coins to the kids.

Keith Wills, president WWATS

Here recently I have had a number of folks contacting me about their state parks and wildlife management areas. This is very good, for all detectorist SHOULD BE concerned before they enter property without knowing the rules and regulations of those properties from those that manage them. We are now seeing beautiful weather and with that comes more activity in the hobby we so enjoy. However, every year we are faced with the person that bought his detector from a chain store without the advantage of a dealer and that dealers experience, more so in good ethics. Thus we have many every year taking-up our hobby but have no idea it only survives because many of us adhere to a "code of ethics" when we hunt.

It is part of our job as good ambassadors to our hobby to help others, not just learn the enjoyment of the hobby, but it's rules and regulations we all abide by each day. Yet it is impossible for us to keep up with all those that might buy their first detector tomorrow, as hard as we may try. Yes, one 'bad apple' could spoil the barrel, so what can be done?

This is the very reason why such organizations as clubs are started, not to just promote the hobby, or share experiences with others that also love detecting, but to also protect the right for you to enjoy your hobby in your community, state and country. WWATS nor any other organization can do this alone, we must have your help!

So encourage those that you know detect to join a local treasure club, if no more than for a year so to learn those ethics in our hobby. If you don't have a local club, then look into starting one for no other reason than to protect your hobby and your right to enjoy it in your own back yard (community). If you have a local club, then advertise it so others from surround communites will know you exist and have the chance to visit, maybe join.

If you have a question ask WWATS, any of our officers and state directors will be glad to help. WWATS will make a difference and we want you right there by our side when we do. Keith Wills, president

Does Your Club Care?

Since 1982 I have been a member of several treasure hunting and prospecting clubs, I think I'm a member of about 14 at this time. Also as a past officer of many of them and as a person very active in the pursuit of a better future for our hobbies, I have a hard time understanding why more clubs do not take an active row in their communities so to give our hobby more positive PR, especially with all those in our government that oppose us today. We truly need more good PR for our hobby, since we can't afford to advertise our fun sport on national TV, why not in local newspapers for our good deeds and special events the club sponsors? Is it that your membership is so self absorbed in only seeing what the club can do for them, like more raffles, door prizes and hunts each month to benefit themselves only? How much of your membership sits back and doesn't support your club in anyway, but are usually the first to complain if something is suggested that would use time of the club for something other than what they would not profit from? Is it any wonder that those that are fighting to keep our rights to enjoy this hobby can make a positive step forward, only to find out the government creates another restriction, or some hobbyist loots a historic site and sets all our efforts back three steps or more.

We will never win the battle unless every club decides that part of their reason for existence is to support the hobby in dedication instead of profit for membership. For in the long run, such positive activities in the clubs community will be a greater benefit for that club by increasing membership, more open areas to enjoy their hobby and building a better future for those that follow us in this hobby.

Some simple examples as we do here is like the support of the Texas Lions Camp of Handicap Children each year. Where we visit the Camp annually so to teach the handicap children that there is an outdoor activity they can do even if the have no legs, or they are blind or deaf, they can enjoy the activity of metal detecting and treasure hunting.

How about your local library that is always looking for special programs so to draw more youth to use their community library. Offer them a program once a year on metal detecting where they can invite the youth. Show them some of your treasures you have found enjoying the hobby and set up a plastic swimming pool with sand, hide foreign coins and lend them a detector and let them learn first hand how to search for that treasure, find it and keep it. Such an event would be news-worthy for the local newspaper, great PR for the hobby and your club. Possibly help increase your membership and makes folks in the community aware you exist if they or a friend need help someday. Increase in membership, results in more activities for the club, better income, and prizes.

What about the next time you find a lost item for someone and return, if you request to advertise it in the local paper instead of payment, they love this kind of stuff. Again it Builds great PR for the hobby.

There are so many projects for clubs today if they would accept them that would improve good will amongst those that oppose us and defeat the programming that much of our opposition offer accusing us as looters. However, this will only work if most every club realizes the importance of such dedicated by the club and it's membership.

Please don't put this off, for we are already months behind where we should be as a club and as a dedicated ambassador to our hobby.

Sincerely Keith Wills.

This is a photo of Victor Maralies, the winner of the Shelby Officers Sword from the WWATS fundraiser at the Texas Treasure Show last week. The winner of the Six Gun, Holster and Ranger Badge was Billy Herring of the Smith County Treasure Hunters Club. I'm sorry, but we did not get a photo of him or the name and photo of the winner of the Poormans Officer Sword also given away in this fundraiser. These folks were not present when they won the items. Keith Wills

FREE SEMINARS SATURDAY

10:30-11:30

“Long Range Detectors”               Jim Thomas          Room 1                    
“Fisher Dealer Only Seminar”                                  Room 2                                    

11:30-12:30

“Getting Started in Metal Detecting”    Keith Wills      Room 1
"Whites Dealer Only Seminar”                                 Room 2                                        

12:30-1:30

“Gold Prospecting” Phil Chaffey  /Rod Johnson / Don Brisendine      Room 1
“Whites Public Seminar”                                                          Room 2                                        

1:30-2:30

“Ghost Towns & Mining Camps of the Great Northwest”--- Part 4 ---   Dr. Roy Roush PhD      Room 1                            
“Garrett Dealer Only Seminar”                               Room 2                                          

2:30-3:30

“Civil War Weaponry”                 Muddy Waters                   Room 1
“Garrett Public Seminar”                                                   Room 2                                          

3:30-4:30

“Confederate Currency of Texas Towns & Counties”  (Did you know your county issued Confederate money & that you can still collect it)
Mike Bloodsworth                  Room 1
"Shadow Public Seminar”        Room 2                                          

4:30- 5:30

“First Gold Dredging Permit in Texas”  Earl Theiss                 Room 1
“Texas Tokens 1870 to 1950”      Robert Stone                    Room 2

                    SUNDAY

12:00 to ----

“Garrett Detectors--Crime Scene Search School”    

      Sponsored by WWATS       Jack Lowry             Room 1

      (For pre-registered participants ONLY)

3:00-4:00

“WWATS -- Know Your Opponent”  Bob (Buglar) Sloan              Room 2

SCHEDULE

Saturday   9:30 am- 6:30 pm             Open to the Public

                    9:30 am – 5:00 pm      Hunt Registration

                    7:00 -                     Entertainment and a Meal

Sunday     7:00 am – 8:00 am       Hunt Registration (at the hunt field)

                   8:30 am – 9:30 am       Silver Hunt Extravaganza

                  10:30 am – 4:30 pm      Open to the Public

Texas Council Clubs

Austin Metal Detecting Club
Centeral Texas Treasure Club
Corpus Christi Exploration & Metal Detecting Society
Cuero Metal Detecting Club
Cowtown Treasure Hunters Club
East Texas Historical Research & Recovery
East Texas Treasure Hunters Club
Fannin County Artifact Recovery Club
Galveston Treasure Hunters
Golden Triangle Explorers Society
Houston Archeology & Recovery Club
Lone Star Treasure Hunters Club
Montgomery County Artifacts & Recovery Club
Rusk County Treasure Hunters Association
San Antonio Area Metal Detecting Club
Smith County Metal Detecting Association
Waco Artifacts & Coinshooters Organization

Silver Hunt Extravaganza

Caravan will leave the Convention Center to the off-site Huntsite at exactly 6:30 AM Sunday morning.  You can register for the Hunt from 7:00 to 8:00 AM at the huntsite or during the show at the front entrance.  Hunt will begin at 8:30 AM.  It is a One-Hour hunt with over 20,000 Silver Coins buried along with many tokens and up to 15 metal detectors, plus gold coins and 10 oz silver bars.  

THIS IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!

You will need the assistance of a “Metal Detector” to find the buried targets.  All Silver Coins you find are yours to keep. The Texas Council of Treasure Clubs is not responsible for any injuries, accidents or theft at the Huntsite.

This is a letter from Lt. Col. Travis commander of the Alamo in 1836 this
day. It is still a very strong and commanding letter and in my heart, one we
should all live up to. WWATS will stand on the words that Lt. Col Travis
states here and we will hold our ground for the rights given to us by many,
including those that fought at the Alamo many years ago.
Keith Wills,  president
****************************************************************************
February 24, 1836,

"Commandancy of the Alamo-

To the people of Texas & all Americans in the world --
Fellow citizens & compatriots --
I am besieged by a thousand or more of the Mexicans under Santa Anna--
I have sustained a continual bombardment & cannonade for 24 hours and have
not lost a man --
The enemy has demanded a surrender at discretion, otherwise, the garrison
are to be put to the sword, if the fort is taken --
I have answered the demand with a cannon shot, and our flag still waves
proudly from the walls --
I shall never surrender or retreat.  Then I call on you in the name of
liberty, of patriotism & everything dear to the American character, to come
to our aid, with all dispatch --
The enemy is receiving reinforcements daily & will no doubt increase to
three or four thousand in four or five days.  If this call is neglected, I
am determined to sustain as long as possible & die like a soldier who never
forgets what is due to his own honor & that of his country --

VICTORY OR DEATH
William Barrett Travis
Lt. Col. comdt.

I'm very proud to announce Michael (Pappy) Springfield SR of North Carolina as our new State Director for WWATS in that state. We welcome Michael and are here to support him as he supports WWATS and our hobby's better future. Thank you Michael for your dedication to our hobby's future.

Sincerely, Keith Wills

Notice To All US Members

Many of the WWATS members live in Rural America and may be very disatified with main media news coverage of military actions. Many of us haved served in the military and have first hand knowledge of the way the military operates.

Some of us may have loved ones serving our country at the present time. The information provided here may provide comfort and needed assurance for the families of our service members that are on active duty around the world.

Now we can recieve un-biased news coverage of the military actions around the world, direct from the military, through the "Pentagon Channel".

Recieve on your computer: http://pentagonchannel.feedroom.com/

Dish Network on your TV: Ch 9405.

This morning I sent to WWATS Belgium Director 39 new memberships in Belgium, Holland, Netherlands and New Zealand. I have forwarded membership cards to our Director there to make mailing easier for us. I'm very proud that many folks see the benefit of WWATS even in other countries. We at WWATS "Will Make A Difference" for our many hobbies and members. Please continue the great work.

It was also reported to me yesterday that WWATS website just passed 10,000 page views for the day. It is reported that our website has as many as 80 to 100 viewers at any one time on our site. As many have told us, they can spend days on our site and not see it all. Folks continue to thank us for a wonderful, informative and entertaining website without the garbage they find on many others. They are telling us that WWATS.org is what a hobby website should be and offer their congratulations to all the officers and directors, especially the webmaster.

I wish to express my sincere thanks to all of you officers, webmaster and directors for doing an excellent job and your dedication for a better future in our hobby for us all. Sincerely, Keith Wills, president

As all of you are aware, WWATS memberships are free. We survive only on donations from members and sponsors, and we really appreciate all donations of cash, prizes, and time. We also believe that manufacturers and businesses that support us should get something tangible in return for their donations. Traffic and memberships are growing every day, and because of this we are now in a position where we can indeed offer something substantial in return for your support ... the exposure of your business to hundreds of metal detectorists and outdoor enthusiasts every day who visit our web site.

WWATS is starting an advertising program on our web site. Traffic is growing every day and here is your chance to promote your business to a targeted market of detectorists and outdoor enthusiasts. Get in now while rates are low and you can lock in your monthly rate for however long you wish to prepay! Rates will increase as traffic increases, that is certain, so sign up now and get your business noticed by the right kind of people. Support WWATS, support our hobbies, and promote your business at the same time!

Exchange Program: Because we think manufacturers and businesses who support WWATS with donations of metal detectors and other merchandise should get something solid in return for their investment, WWATS will exchange advertising for your business for merchandise donated to us!

What this means to you is that if you donate merchandise for WWATS to use as a prize or promotion, we will give you advertising equal to the full retail value of the merchandise! For example, donate a new metal detector with a retail value of $600 and we give you 6 months of large banner ads on every page of our web site, or any other combination of advertising of equal value. Now your donations of merchandise or services can really pay off ... instead of ten minutes of promotion when a prize is given away at a hunt or rally, your business gets repeated exposure to thousands of customers interested in exactly what you have to offer them!

We have developed a simple starter ad program and will be adding other features and options as time allows. Any new ad programs will be posted on our web site as they become available. We will provide you with banner performance statistics at your discretion and traffic statistics for the WWATS web site. You can change your banner graphic as often as once a month.

Currently there are four banner ad sizes and locations:

Large Banner	full size banner up to 468 by 60 pixels that displays in rotation at the top of every page of the site	$100 month
Medium Banner	smaller block banner or text ad up to 150 by 150 pixels displayed in rotation on the left side of every page of the site	$50 month
Sponsor button	88 by 31 piixel micro button banner displayed in rotation on the top of every page of the site where you now see our paypal donate buttons	$50 month
Small Banner	banner or text ad up to 150 x 50 pixels displayed in rotation in a special sponsors block on the right side of the home page only	$25 month

Interested? Need more information? Contact us now at:
webmaster@wwats.org or kwills@worldnet.att.net

I'm very proud to announce Michael Long of Maryland as our new State Director for WWATS in that state. We welcome Mike and are here to support him as he supports WWATS and our hobby's better future. Below are Mike's stats if you wish to put him in your address books. Thank you Mike for your dedication to our hobby's future.

Sincerely, Keith Wills

Michael Long
1928 Willow Spring Road
Baltimore, Md 21222
410-284-4813
pulltabmike@cavtel.net

"WWATS is sponsoring a certified Crime Scene Search School"

I'm proud to announce that WWATS will be sponsoring a certified Crime Scene Search School at the Texas Teasure Show March 13th Sunday starting at 12:00 Noon in Tyler, Texas. This is only available to those that have not already taken the School in the last two or three years and it will only be available to a limited number. It is very important that those interested get their full name and phone number and/or email address to me immediately. Your name must be printed as you would want it to read on your certificate. If the number of folks is too large, then we will draw for those that can attend and notify you before hand. If your not sure as to if your attending the Texas Treasure Show on March 12th & 13th this year, please do not sign up for this School. You must sign up before March 3rd deadline.

Contact: Keith Wills  (903) 843-5555 or kwills@worldnet.att.net

Over the last week I have notice a huge increase of membership and number of folks viewing our website at one time. One day we had 29 new members join WWATS and 80 viewing our excellent and informative website at one time. I checked again last night and there were over 60 actively viewing and hopefully gaining something from our WWATS website. www.wwats.org

WWATS direction is to keep all hobbyist informed, alerted if need be and have some successful stories for everyone to enjoy, when viewing our website. WWATS has many programs in the works at this time, that will soon be an extra benefit to it's membership.

We are very proud of our new additions of State Directors at WWATS. Each and everyone of them have been doing an excellent job of keeping a sharp eye and ear out for new Bills or changing Bills within the state they are in. We still have a number of states not yet covered with a state director, so if you feel you are dedicated enough to help us in this way and help keep a communication line open with the many hobby clubs in your state, please let us know. For you will not just be a help to WWATS, but will be helping the entire hobby and it's future. Just as our State Director in Virginia caught the new Bill there that would affect our rights in that state, he has communicated with the legislative delegates, those that are on the committee to see this Bill and the many clubs in Virginia that needed to be alerted to this Bill and it's affects if passed. We are proud to say with our State Director's efforts and those many dedicated hobbyist in the state of Virginia, it looks as there are twice as many delegates against the new purpose Bill than there is for. This is the perfect example as to how we should handle new Bills introduced against our hobby. We have done this with the highest respect, ethics and professionalism towards the state's government. Now the delegates are showing their appreciation for that to us all. However, this only works when you have someone in your state that cares enough for you and your right to enjoy your recreational hobby, looking after any changes or purposed new Bills in that state. So again, if you feel you up to the job and dedicated enough to want a secure future for your children to enjoy the same hobbies if they so desire to, then contact me and let me know you would like to help as a State Director.

Please also remember; WWATS works only on donations. We have FREE membership for a three year period, we supply you a FREE on-line newsletter and we have a wonderful FREE website for you to learn from and stay alerted to what affects our rights and our hobby. So if you desire to help WWATS even further, please think of donating what you can to the cause so to secure that good future for us all. We certainly could use your help.

Thanks you, Keith Wills, president

P.S. WWATS will have a booth at the Texas Treasure Show March 12th & 13th in Tyler, Texas: "Still the Largest Treasure Show in America"  WWATS will be sponsoring a certified Crime Scene Search School at this Show (available to limited number--sign up to get on the list before March 3rd deadline and see if your drawn for the class). Hope to see ya there.

WWATS Treasurer is:          Al Simpkins
                                          9975 SW 152 Place
                                          Dunnellon, FL. 34432
                                          (352) 237-2402

I'm very proud to announce John DeRosa of Missouri as our new State Director for WWATS in that state. John brings with him experience as a moderator of two differnet Internet metal Detecting sites/forums and as a long time metal detector user. We welcome John and are here to support him as he supports WWATS and our hobby's better future. Below is John's stats if you wish to put him in your address books. Thank you John for your dedication to our hobby's future.
Sincerely, Keith Wills

John DeRosa
1299 S. Summit Dr.
Holts Summit, Missouri 65043
573-896-8207
zimdimzwowie@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.geocities.com/kcearlock/JD123104.html

The two sites John helps moderate:
http://spanishsilver.proboards15.com/index.cgi &  http://www.ighunters.net

1.  Type up your "Permission to Search Form" but do not leave the back side blank. Print the WWATS Code of Ethics on this side, and the property owner has a copy.

2. Members living in a state or country where you have a WWATS Director, email your director and let them know of you.

3. How about those old Post Card collections that Grand Parents, collectors, and some gift shops seem to have. These are good prospecting tools, not only do you have a photo but a caption with lots of information. Happy THin.

I am proud to announce our first foreign Director, Jurgen Genesse is Director of the country of Belgium with WWATS and preforming the same duties as WWATS State Directors. His personal info is listed below. We believe he will be a true asset to WWATS and for those here that wish someday to possibly do some metal detecting in that country. His nickname is (Mozes) and you are welcome to call him by that. He will be forwarding his country's laws as to use of a metal detector soon.

Sincerely, Keith Wills

Hello Keith and Bob,

Thank you very much for the warm welcome. I really look forward to be a part of WWATS. Please ignore my grammatical mistakes since English is only my third language. My mother tongue is Dutch and my second language French. I will send you a recent picture next week. I will try to translate the metal detecting law of Flanders (Dutch speaking part of Belgium). You can rewrite it in comprehensible English. I will also send you information about meritorious detectorists in the near future.

Jurgen Genesse
Kabbeekvest 20
3300 Tienen (Belgium)
0032 (0)16 814185
prospector.vlaanderen@skynet.be

Date of Birth: 3 April 1968
Background: Master of Archaeology and Art Studies
Former occupations: archaeologist, employee, history teacher
Current occupation: owner Belgian chocolates shop
Hobbies: metal detecting (founder, board member and webmaster of Prospector Vlaanderen www.ppvl.be ), reading, jogging

Best regards,

Jurgen Genesse (Mozes)

I'm proud to announce Gregory Bittinger of Treasure Quest as WWATS new State Director for the state of Pennsylvania. We at WWATS look forward to working with Greg for a better future for all our hobbies. Below you will find his infomation. We are building a strong and dedicated group.

See it at WWATS first! Sincerely, Keith Wills, president


Gregory Bittinger
240 Tunnel Rd
Smithfield, PA  15478
(724) 569-2365

www.treasurequestxlt.com

I'm proud to announce that WWATS State Director for New York State is:

Frank Pandozzi
Executive Producer of ExploringHistorysTreasures.com
315-380-5205
Chittenango, NY.

Email: detector99@yahoo.com to learn more about Frank, here is his profile on his website

http://www.frankpandozzi.com/About-Frank.html

We at WWATS all Look Forward to working with Frank in the future.
Keith Wills, president

We at WWATS welcome Terry Bram as a State Director for Virginia and thank him for volunteering to help. Please contact him and communicate with him even it it has nothing to do with his state of Virginia. All of us here at WWATS look forward to working with Terry to keep our hobbies alive and well in Virginia and elsewhere. We have positions open for directors in lots of states and would appreciate any volunteers.

You can view our current officers and board members and contact information here: WWATS Officers & Board Members

Special thanks go out to Gordon Osborne for volunteering to be our state director for Vermont and Butch Turner for stepping up to be state director for Colorado! We have positions open for directors in lots of state and would appreciate any volunteers.

You can view our current officers and board members and contact information here: WWATS Officers & Board Members

I want to thank the couple members who have already purchased some WWATS logo merchandise from the new store! I myself have purchased a small collection just so that I could make sure the items are nice enough for you to buy. The shirts, cups, buttons, and mousepads are all very nice! I will have a few of these as prizes in our next contest.

I also just added a new shirt with the WWATS logo on the front and the logo and our Code of Ethics on the back. Of course I ordered one for myself and will let you know how they turn out!

I know that the holidays are a time when we find ourselves strapped for cash, but I hope that soon members will take a look at the store and order a few things to show your support for WWATS. We hope that all of you had good holidays with your families and friends.

All of us at WWATS want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year with silver in every hole and gold in every pan!

Thanks for your support!

WWATS Team

WWATS Store Opens!  

The WWATS store is now open where you can purchase merchandise with WWATS logos on it. We know that the prices might seem higher than you would expect, but this is because we have the products made to order one at a time. We don't have the budget yet to purchase in quantity and resell to members, but we will definitely do so as soon as we can. I put a lot of work into designing the different size graphics for the store items so that they look real nice. If you would like to see different logo arrangements on any product just email me at webmaster@wwats.org and I will create them for you if I can.

Items in the store are priced so that we make a small amount per item so please show your support by purchasing some nice stuff that shows people you are a member of WWATS and proud of it. If you don't want to buy anything you can still support our cause by using the PayPal donation button on the home page, every dollar is greatly appreciated and is put to good use making sure that you can continue to enjoy your hobbies.

Clubs take special notice of the buttons which can be bought in bulk packs at a good discount. You can buy a pack and give them out to your club members and support us at the same time. (hint, hint )

For those of you who do not like to give credit card info over the phone, the store allows you to place phone orders toll free, just write down the product numbers and sizes you want before calling.

Use the link below to visit our store and check out the merchandise!

Visit WWATS Store!

Here are the winners in our contest!
1st - Terry Bram (Sailor5252) - 6785 points
2nd - Gordon Osborne (Gordie) - 3370 points
3rd - Martin Legare (Martin(Qc)) - 930 points

For all of his effort Terry wins a Garrett Treasure Ace 150 metal detector with Christmas package donated by Keith Wills of www.brokendetector.com

Gordon will be sent a 3 piece molded black glass bottle from the early 1800's.

And Martin gets the brand new book from Charles Garrett, Treasure Caches Can Be Found. This is an excellent book also donated by www.brokendetector.com

These guys really worked hard submitting content to the web site and we really appreciate their efforts. All members will benefit from the stories, photos, links, and clubs they have contributed to the site. We want to thank all who participated and we are already planning our next contest, so keep watching!

WWATS State Directors Needed!

Some have asked about how WWATS is structured and about the necessary “chain-of-command”, something every organization needs in order to be successful. As you have already discovered, most everything WWATS does or promotes is Free-of-Charge, doesn’t cost its membership anything. We offer three-year memberships, Free of Charge! We offer an annual open treasure hunt, Free of Charge! We provide every hobbyist an unbelievable, informative and educational website, Free of Charge! We even mail each member his or her own membership cards, Free of Charge! Why?

Because we want to help you, the hobbyist. Now days, help usually comes with a big price tag in anything you do in life. All that WWATS asks of its members is to donate towards the future of the hobby you so enjoy and ensure that hobby’s future for other generations to come.

WWATS works entirely off the donations of its members and supporters. Example: average cost for me to go to Washington DC and visit with a government agency is around $500. to $700. I make these visits in order to start a dialog with these agencies, which sometimes leads to a national policy for metal detecting on the lands that agency controls, such as I did with the Army Corps of Engineers in 1989. Now if every WWATS member only donated $1.00 each, then that trip is more than paid for (cost of airfare, travel, motel and meals). Same is true about the annual open Free Hunt we sponsor every year, no entry fee. The membership donates to the open Free Hunt and everyone enjoys a wonderful weekend with the family of fun and laughter that everyone can afford. It also is true that some of the membership helps by donating funds for postage that is necessary for WWATS to operate. WWATS needs those donations and appreciates every member’s dedication of heart and funds for our hobbies to stay alive and well. However, this is not all that we ask of our membership, for there are times we need your support in numbers so to strike a strong blow in favor of the hobby you love. Thus a strong structure is very important to us all and to WWATS, yet it is a very simple structure for all of use to follow.

WWATS Organizational Structure

As President, along with the other national officers: our job is to be your voice in Washington DC, to look after the laws that exist and are introduced that might harm our ability to enjoy the hobby we love. Also to seek ways to co-exist with government agencies, educate them to the many good deeds done by our hobby every year by folks like yourself, to seek that neutral ground for both sides involved.

As a State Director: your job is to keep us informed of the changes that are happening in your state that might affect our hobby’s future. Generally keep and eye on the legislation introduced each year within your states government so it might enable us to head-off any such damaging laws coming to legislation. For once it is made a law, then it becomes very difficult to change or reverse that law. An example is what just has happen to New Jersey to state and public lands. A very bad blow to our hobby and many states, including your own can and will someday see what the New Jersey state legislator did and try to follow the same lines. We must stay on top of what is happening in each of our states if we care enough for our right to enjoy our hobby we so love. We need State Directors, please consider volunteering!

And finally as a Member: your job is at the local level, your city, and community. We need your eyes and ears and your dedication to be the best ambassador to our hobby as possible. Try promoting more community activities in your local clubs and as an individual. Stay on top of any changes at the local level in laws that might affect our hobby and it’s future. Keep us informed, be proactive and step up to the plate to open those closed areas and keep areas within your communities open to our hobby, remember WWATS is behind you to support you and your efforts for us all. Publish the good deeds done by yourself or others in our hobby to your local community. Educate those that are not in our hobby to the good family recreation that they are missing. For every hobbyist is responsible for themselves and their actions, first! So any future, education or prohibiting laws starts with you first. Have the dedication to know your rights as an American and stand up and be counted as one not to allow our government to take those legal rights from you and your children. Support WWATS, donate your time and dedication, so we can also help you and others for a more secure future in the hobbies we enjoy.

Sincerely, Keith R. Wills, president

Since this is our first contest of course we are learning things along the way which require us to make changes in some cases. When it comes to members posting stories, we had some members submitting stories that were news articles from outside sources. Without express permission to reprint such articles we would be violating copyright laws if we displayed them on our site.

WWATS does think that members should be made aware of any news articles pertaining to our hobbies, both good and bad, but we can't break any laws to accoplish this. So a decision was made to go ahead and allow stories to be posted that contained LINKS to outside news articles but not containing the actual content. This way members can still be informed on news that might be important and which they might not otherwise be aware of, and WWATS would be staying within the law.

THE PROBLEM arose when it was pointed out that a member would be given the same amount of points for a story that was really just a link as a member would get for a story they had taken the time to write for themselves. We think that it is unfair to give the same points across the board, but we still want members rewarded for submitting links to other news articles. So what I have done to make and keep things fair is:

I put all of the link type articles that had already been submitted into a special news topic named Treasure in the News.

I rewrote the member points code so that stories in this special topic would get 20 points each for the member who posted them.

All normal stories that members take the time to write themselves get 50 points each and an extra 10 bonus points if they fit into the Good, Bad, Ugly topic as explained in the contest rules.

Points have been reset and then re-calculated from the contest start date using the new points scoring system, so members who had already submitted link type stories still get points for them, just not as many as they were getting.

I apologize for posting any link type stories before we worked this all out, but I did not want to turn down any good content for our site. Now I think we have a system that is fair and legal at the same time. If anyone disagrees with the change or needs further explanation just contact me directly at webmaster@wwats.org

Thanks to everyone who is adding content to our site. By doing so you are helping WWATS to get traffic so we can spread the word and try to unite all of us against those who would like to see our detectors stay in the closet.

Woody

We need members to start posting some photos so we have increased the points given in the contest to 15 per photo! Just grab some pics of your finds or the places you hunt and share them with others by posting them here.

Member Contest Photo Gallery

Special thanks go out to Mike Ulik (Lowrider) WWATS Special Needs Director for adding well over 100 new links to our Treasure Links Database!

Click to View Our Treasure Links

WWATS Christmas Contest

As most of you know, in an effort to get members to contribute content for our web site we have started a member points contest where you can earn points by doing things as simple as adding a link to our Web Links directory or a club to our Treasure Clubs directory. If you really want to rack up some points take a few minutes to write a short story about a good day you have had detecting or prospecting or bottle digging and submit it to the site with a couple photos. If you have trouble submitting your story just send it to me and I will post it for you, but include your member nickname at the site so you can get the points.

A few members have already contributed content to the site and it is appreciated very much. We would like to see a lot more participation. Please take a few moments and add your club to our listings or post your favorite treasure links. Having new content at the web site draws traffic, and traffic gives us more opportunities to spread the word about threats to our hobby and what we can do to fight to preserve our rights. So by posting content at our site you might win a prize and at the same time be helping an organization working hard to keep you all out in the field enjoying your hobbies.

Dig responsibly,

Woody

We know we just sent out a newsletter Friday but we just started a Christmas Contest at the web site and we wanted to make sure all of our current members got notified about the contest, so we are sending out another newsletter today. We hope you don't mind but we thought it only fair that all members get the same amount of time to compete for points. Notice in this newsletter the contest announcement and a section that will show the last three photos posted by members for part of the contest. If this contest goes well and we get lots of people signing up for WWATS and posting content at the site we will definitely have more contests for our members. Your feedback and suggestions are appreciated and can be sent to webmaster@wwats.org. You can also email the webmaster if you have problems with or questions about how to submit content for the contest.

Have fun and post lots of good stuff!

A search and salvage agreement you can print and use has been added to our File Downloads section:

Click to View

I have just added 50 new links to treasure research, legal, forum, and club sites to the Treasure Links database on the site. These were all provided by Keith Wills to share with our members. Please check out the links and of course feel free to share your favorites with our members by adding them to the site, it's easy!!

WWATS Treasure Links Database

http://www.billingsgazette.com/index.php?ts=1&display=rednews/2004/10/23/build/wyoming/25-mining.inc

Mining drives need for archaeologists
Associated Press

GILLETTE - Two men are crouched over, stabbing orange and blue flags among the hillside sagebrush while two others scan the hilltop.

"Found a scrape," one yells, referring to a tiny rock tool that likely was used to scrape animal hides clean hundreds of years ago - not significant enough to place in the National Museum of American History, but one of the big finds of the day.

This hillside near Gillette is littered with rusted cans, scrap wood and bits of porcelain left over from a homestead that must have been here a century ago. Each remnant is examined, recorded and left where it was found. After these pages of history are filed in government books, this hillside and all its homestead relics can be dozed over to make way for a drilling rig or coal shovel.

  
When archaeologists discover an American Indian stone alignment, tepee ring or some other significant artifact or structure, however, any mineral extraction activity must avoid the site.

"Sometimes you find things that have historical significance, and other times it's just trash," said Sean Wilson of Sheridan-based ACR Consultants Inc. "A lot of times you'll find something that's 90 years old right next to a 1985 Pepsi can."

Archaeologists like Wilson are in high demand all over Wyoming, a demand driven by the burgeoning natural gas industry, most of which is centered on federally owned minerals.

Before a company can gain permission to go after the minerals, it must complete a long list of requirements, and one is to conduct a cultural survey to comply with the National Historic Preservation Act.

Anything 50 years or older must be recorded. Most of the cultural survey work is conducted in the Powder River Basin, where coalbed methane development casts a wide web of wells, power lines, compressor stations and pipelines. The Wyoming Historic Preservation Office estimates it has doubled its inventory of cultural resources in the basin since the beginning of coalbed methane development.

Convicted Oregon Cave Looter Faces Charges

http://www.thefacts.com/wire.lasso?report=/dynamic/stories/M/MURDER_FOR_HIRE

Provided by Larry Armstrong

Ads on the WWATS Web Site

Most of you have probably noticed the new advertisements on the web site and wondered why we are doing this? Well, first of all WWATS membership is free and we want to keep it that way, so we need ways to earn a few bucks to pay for expenses we have to host the web site, send membership cards to everyone, etc. Of course we accept donations of cash or postage or items to give away at our outings, but those are hard to come by.

By running ads from Google and other places we can earn a little money. I will try to keep the ads from interfering with the web site content and also make sure most of them are of actual interest to treasure seekers. By clicking these ads you can support WWATS and maybe even find something you want to buy for your hobby. We hope that members can understand the need for these ads on the site.

If you have a product or business of interest to treasure seekers and outdoors enthusiasts and would like to promote it on our site send an email to webmaster@wwats.org and maybe we can work something out.

Woody
WWATS Webmaster

The Benefits of Joining WWATS

Becoming a member of WWATS adds your voice to an organization that is working hard to preserve and protect our rights to enjoy our hobbies in the great outdoors. In addition registration at our web site allows you access to many things you can do at the site like these:

Enter our chat rooms
Submit news or stories for publication
Add your treasure club to our Treasure Clubs Directory
Add your favorite treasure seekers web links
Post messages and photos in our Forums
Exchange instant messages with other site members
Upload your photos of finds or events to our Photo Albums
Write product or web site reviews for posting on the site
Add your club or group events to our Calendar

By participating at the web site and adding content you are supporting WWATS and your hobby in a very big way, the more content and activity we have at the site the more traffic we will get, and more traffic means more treasure seekers will have the opportunity to be informed and educated about threats to our favorite pasttimes and what we can do to protect our rights. So please consider adding something to our site, every little bit helps and our webmaster will help you with any problems or questions you might have.

Thanks for your support, JOIN WWATS NOW!

WWATS-WWATS
Bob “Bugler” Sloan.

The very first thing that I would like to tell you is that I am a True Treasure Seeker. Some of you may ask, just what is a treasure seeker? To me a Treasure Seeker is anyone that is looking for something very special to them, such as prospecting, metal detecting, hiking, fishing, hunting, boating, bicycling, bird watching, looking at flowers, watching the sun come up, enjoying a sunset, anyone that loves “We the People” land and natural resources.  

I am the founder of the World Wide Association of Treasure Seekers. We have one goal in mind and that is to make sure our hobby of Treasure Seeking will survive for our children and our children’s children. As it is, it is endanger for us, right now.

The Worldwide Association of Treasure Seekers was born out of the need of the preservation, the protection and the promotion of the Recreational Treasure Seekers throughout our world. In today’s times there are numerous groups and individuals out there that are shouting out their views to anyone that will listen. We all have heard them and have seen first hand what they have done. They have the numbers and that is why they can cause changes. This is the very reason why we, must act now, not tomorrow, not next week or wait until it comes to your hometown. We must Unite and do it now. The time for waiting is over.

WWATS can and shall be the answer, for you, and for me, starting today. How can we accomplish our goals? First by asking and enlisting all those that share our desires, prospectors, coinshooters, relic hunters, water hunters, divers, prospectors, rock hounds, off road, trail riders, cache hunters, the list goes on, to join with us to building good relationships with our local, state and federal elected officials. By working with lobbyist and the many small advocacy groups, we must become someone that they can count on in their time of need.

We have all heard the saying that United we stand and divided we fall, this is a fact! The Worldwide Association of Treasure Seekers will be free to every man woman and child, we don’t want your money, We Need Your Support! By joining WWATS, and becoming part of One Voice, we cannot and will not fail. We will be heard around the World. This will be our opportunity to become a recognized voice. By doing so it will make it possible for you and I, through WWATS to provide the needed information to educate the entire world of our love and the caring for our land and natural resources. Now is the time.    

I am asking every club, organization and most important I am asking you to join WWATS, The World Wide Association of Treasure Seekers. It is so easy; all you have to do is say “I want to be a member of WWATS”

Sign up as a member of WWATS Use the Registration Form at www.wwats.org

Your support, dedication and donation will be Greatly Appreciated. Thank You!

To request a membership in WWATS use the contact information listed below.

For information about our staff use the links below:

• WWATS founder "The Bugler"
• President
• Vice President
• Special Needs Director
• Webmaster
• Lobbyist for WWATS

WWATS Mission Statement

Preserve, Promote and Protect the right to the use of the Land and Natural Resources for "We the People" now and in the future.

WWATS Code of Ethics

• I WILL protect our land and natural resources, and act as a good will ambassador at all times.
• I WILL respect all public and private land.
• I WILL always obtain the owner's permission to gain entrance and use.
• I WILL NOT destroy property or buildings on public or private land.
• I WILL NOT litter.
• I WILL remove as much litter that I find as possible.
• I WILL NOT contaminate wells, creeks or other water supplies.
• I WILL fill ALL excavations.
• I WILL respect all others use of the land and natural resources that are operating within the WWATS Code of Ethics.
• I WILL attempt to approach, educate or report those that do not follow the WWATS Code of Ethics.
• I WILL report the discovery of items of significant historical value to a local historian or museum in accordance with governing laws.
• I WILL bring all charges of WWATS Code of Ethics rule violations through WWATS and not publicly defame any person without having done such.

Join us here at the World Wide Association of Treasure Seekers and be part of a this new adventure that continues to grow from one man’s love and dreams. If you can send some US Postage stamps or a small donation it will help cover some of the expenses we have. A donation is not a must and we just want you to enjoy your rights in this wonderful United States of America….

World Wide Association of Treasure Seekers
c/o Robert (Bugler) Sloan
2340 S.Pucketts Mill RD
Dacula, GA 30019