One last trip

[Search_4_Atlantis]

Greetings from Alberta, Canada!

I'm coming to you folks today in search of knowledge. My father recently passed away. Before he left, he gave me a map of a river that is rumored to have gold in it. Told me I need a metal detector and hip waders, to go scan the river when the water flow is at its lowest, sometime in the spring he said, iirc.

We were supposed to go do this together, but now he's no longer here and I have no idea what to do. I have so many questions. I guess the first thing that comes to mind, is equipment. What sorts of equipment would suffice for this sort of adventure? I'm thinking I can't just go grab a cheap $300 detector, eh? The second thing that comes to mind is safety. This river is located in northern Alberta, in the heart of the Boreal forest. Think: BEARS. What do prospectors do to ward off wild animals without the use of firearms? Is prospecting even advised without one?

I'll post more questions as they come to mind. This was the last thing my father ever gave to me, so I owe it to him to see this trip out, gold or no gold. It's the adventure that counts.

 

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[Chilli]

Greetings from Alberta, Canada!

I'm coming to you folks today in search of knowledge. My father recently passed away. Before he left, he gave me a map of a river that is rumored to have gold in it. Told me I need a metal detector and hip waders, to go scan the river when the water flow is at its lowest, sometime in the spring he said, iirc.

We were supposed to go do this together, but now he's no longer here and I have no idea what to do. I have so many questions. I guess the first thing that comes to mind, is equipment. What sorts of equipment would suffice for this sort of adventure? I'm thinking I can't just go grab a cheap $300 detector, eh? The second thing that comes to mind is safety. This river is located in northern Alberta, in the heart of the Boreal forest. Think: BEARS. What do prospectors do to ward off wild animals without the use of firearms? Is prospecting even advised without one?

I'll post more questions as they come to mind. This was the last thing my father ever gave to me, so I owe it to him to see this trip out, gold or no gold. It's the adventure that counts.

Welcome aboard.
You will need something better than a cheap detector for gold. There's a reason its a precious metal. 😉

 

[vpnavy]

Greetings from Alberta, Canada!

1st - Welcome Aboard! Take a look at FORUM: CANADA for information (i.e., clubs, etc.) directly related to your country.

2nd - You might consider browsing and posting your question on Metal Detecting For Gold for additional exposure...

 

[GirlWithWolf]

Greetings from Alberta, Canada!

I'm coming to you folks today in search of knowledge. My father recently passed away. Before he left, he gave me a map of a river that is rumored to have gold in it. Told me I need a metal detector and hip waders, to go scan the river when the water flow is at its lowest, sometime in the spring he said, iirc.

We were supposed to go do this together, but now he's no longer here and I have no idea what to do. I have so many questions. I guess the first thing that comes to mind, is equipment. What sorts of equipment would suffice for this sort of adventure? I'm thinking I can't just go grab a cheap $300 detector, eh? The second thing that comes to mind is safety. This river is located in northern Alberta, in the heart of the Boreal forest. Think: BEARS. What do prospectors do to ward off wild animals without the use of firearms? Is prospecting even advised without one?

I'll post more questions as they come to mind. This was the last thing my father ever gave to me, so I owe it to him to see this trip out, gold or no gold. It's the adventure that counts.

I looked up what kind of bears you have there. The good news is the black bears usually won’t hurt people. But in the states (especially tourists areas) they are getting a more aggressive because people (usually tourists) keep feeding them. So they’ve lost their fear of people and expect everyone to offer them a snack. I don’t know if your area has that same problem.

Grizzlies are there too and that’s the bad news. I don’t know much about them except they are much more aggressive and like foothills more than mountains. I’d suggest carrying bear spray at the very least, I can’t recommend shooting one for cultural reasons.

Good luck and safe travels on your hunt.

 

[Cariboo5]

Bears as a rule will turn and take off, it's the Sow with Cubs that one has to be careful with as the mother is very protective. Give them a wide berth. As GirlWithWolf mentioned always bring Bear Spray and I also bring a whistle to make noise.

What river are you going to? If it is the Peace River I would suggest bringing a gold pan and shovel. At this time of year it is spring flood and once the water level goes down your chances of panning river flood gold will be better. Good luck with your venture....

 

[djackson7348]

Welcome from North Carolina and I am sorry for your loss.