I have been getting business in a few neighborhoods that have very sandy soil. So bad that you can literally dig 2 feet down with just your hand. I have always used a long screw driver for the probe. Well, now I am having real trouble finding the tunnels because the screw driver just sinks into the ground so easy that everything feels like a tunnel. Anybody use a different type of probe?

I did a search for gopher probe but didn't find anything.

Thanks,

You might have to follow the tunnel from the mound. I normally use a 1/4 piece of round stock and my terrier.

80C I typically start at the mound and go down to the two way fork and place a trap each way, in this manner the probe isn't necessary, however
between mounds I like to set as well sometimes and I can see where finding that tunnel could be difficult in such soil. Our soil is often dry and those runs can be crumbly between mounds seeming like everywhere is a run though many are old relics.

Do you avoid the mounds for trap locations or use both in most cases? Maybe a fatter probe that has more surface area? What about a stake driver for footholds?

I built mine out of a 5 foot piece of 5/16" round stock. The business end is sharpened to a spear point and the top end is threaded with a ball knob installed, similar to a shift knob. Works perfect and is long enough that those of us with normal height (over 6') don't have to bend over.

HD i have not followed the tunnel down. I usually can't find that either. In picture on the internet you can always clearly see the plug but I have never seen it in real life. I have always probed around the mound to find the main tunnel and set.
Yeah, I guess I need something with a fatter tip.
I also like the idea of a 5ft probe so I don't have to get on my knees.