Need Advice

[H&F909ORO]

Hi all,

I need some help. I am going on a trip up in Northern California for my first gold prospecting trip. I am new to mining and I am not sure if I have everything I need. I have a sluice, pan, snuffer, shovels, buckets, classifiers, rock picks and other little tools for getting gold out of cracks. I want to make sure I'm ready for the trip and don't forget anything. Does anyone have a list of basic materials that you HAVE to bring? I also wanted to know if anyone had any good tips for the beginner.

 

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[DizzyDigger]

Your list seems pretty complete to me, and that's all
I typically take along.

Most important is getting an understanding of the potential
gold bearing areas in the ground you'll be prospecting. Are you going
to an established claim area, or public prospecting areas?

 

[Hoser John]

Northern kalif is HUGE so will post a few public gold bearing areas for ya as ya seem to have your equipment together. Mariposa-go toward Yosemite ,turn left at Briceburg BLM station ,cross river,hang a left and go to the BLM recreation area downstream. OR Go to the Auburn Recreation area. Office on HiWay 49 north outta Auburn. Multiple areas to work at Cherokee Bar,off Slager Mine Road past Cool. Drivers Flats off the Foresthill Divide area has been a righteous producer for over a 100 years. Hi Way 49 north of Auburn will be the Bear river camping/mining area. OR BLM public mining in the rec area on the SF Yuba outta Nevada City off Brunswick to Purdone crossing and much poundage to be had. COLD in the motherlode this time a year--oops I mean in a normal year as dryer than a popcorn fart right now as drought hits the fourth year in a row-John

 

[goldenIrishman]

... And don't forget the "Bathroom stationary" !!! Plenty of warm clothes for this time of year, waterproof gloves that can stand up to the rigors of sluicing unless you want cold, wet, chapped hands

 

[delnorter]

Knee pads.

Mike

 

[Sample Pan Dan]

This time of year male sure you've got some rubber boots or waders too.

 

[Fullpan]

The waters edge in most places, is much lower than normal, so if you find good bedrock cracks near the water, you can figure they were under water in past years, and more difficult to work. Opportunities there - GL.

 

[H&F909ORO]

Your list seems pretty complete to me, and that's all
I typically take along.

Most important is getting an understanding of the potential
gold bearing areas in the ground you'll be prospecting. Are you going
to an established claim area, or public prospecting areas?

Going up to Auburn to mine. I going to the American River probably by the North Fork. Also I went on to Youtube and looked up some ideas on where the gold is. Got educated by the Gold Hog people.

 

[H&F909ORO]

Thanks all really helps. I got warm cloths all set. One thing I found out, if you want water proof gloves just buy a pair of dish washing gloves, then take some warm gloves first and put them on your hand then put the dish washing gloves over. I do have boots that are waterproof and I think I got some knee pads laying around somewhere.

Thanks Everyone!

 

[ALewis]

Don't forget the Beef Jerky......

 

[fowledup]

Something to put your cons in -freezer bags work well. Plastic cup, something like a casino change cup or paint cup. Wrap it in a layer of duct tape, bet you use it more then a trowel. Water, Lighter, Basic survival gear, first aid kit, back pack, hat, bandana, walking stick or ski poles. Back in the car I'd have a sleeping bag or blanket, change of clothes, and a towel.

Dude on my other shoulder says don't forget to tell him -ice chest, ice, and frosty beverages.

 

[MinerFortyNiner1952]

Let us know how it went and good finding to you.

 

[Jeff95531]

A hand suction dredge. You will NOT be happy if you can't get to the bottom of the hole. Trust me on this

 

[H&F909ORO]

Thanks Fowledup, totally forgot about cons, sounds like a great idea on the homemade tools.

Jeff don't worry I got that all figured out.....I think.

 

[B H Prospector]

Welcome oro, Have two pans. One to pan into. I have my first ever pan as my safety pan which is an old steel pan.

Good Luck and have fun!!

BH Propsector

 

[mcordell]

Old tablespoon.