My Lucky Thirteen Nuggets

May 2017 by Fred Mason

Even with my favorite top-of-the-line gold detector there were several false digs. Many of the hot rocks gave a solid signal that was too much like a nugget to ignore. After trying several tests I just dug everything because it is better to be safe than leave a big, deep nugget for a more diligent gold hunter.

Arizona's Youngest...and Oldest Prospector

June 2014
I started with, "Hey, Rusty, tell me about the time..." and that was all it took.

Benefits of a Detecting Partner

April 2013
“Metal detecting is not a social function.” So said a good friend of mine. And it’s true. But that’s not to say the benefits of having a prospecting partner don’t outweigh those of being alone.

Attention to Detail - Part II

September 2016
Ditches almost always started in the high country and contoured the mountainsides, making a long drop, usually many miles away, to the goldfields. There are ditches in Trinity County that originate at seven and eight thousand feet in the Trinity Alps that carried water almost thirty miles.

Contrary to Rumors, Couple Will Keep the Saddle Ridge Hoard

April 2014
Some media outlets have speculated the hoard of coins came from a theft at the old US Mint in San Francisco that was reported in 1901.

The Winning Hand

January 2017
The operation and techniques employed are highly successful in producing free gold with minimal work involved while maintaining an environment protection process through the use of recycled water and a settling pond.

Highbanking at the 144

October 2013
My third sample location proved to be my last and most interesting. I needed to look no further.

Bedrock Nugget Hunting: Tools of the Trade

January 2018

As a guide to those who are thinking of taking up this activity or those who currently practice this trade, I have created a listing of the primary tools and equipment I use when nugget hunting.

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