Prospecting & Detecting
Taking Advantage of the Desert Rains
May 2023 by Dan Stanton
Advantages of Modern Prospectors
Modern-day placer miners have many advantages over the prospectors of the gold rush days. Our prospectors can reap many benefits from accumulated knowledge of the last 100 to 150 years, which is a long and impressive list.
Following Clues to an Old Mill and Vein Strike
My last update on this adventure was in the April 2012 issue and involved our search for the northern extension of the Cedarberg Mine. At that time we had found it and we were in the process of returning for some detecting when Mother Nature struck with a late rain and snow storm.
Surviving the Unexpected
In this article, we will talk about how emergency response works in back country areas and go over some different ways to improve your chances of obtaining a good outcome should you get into trouble.
Becoming a Successful Detectorist
During my adventures I’ve learned a few key best practices that help me to consistently find gold nuggets with my detectors. You can apply many of these best practices to any type of prospecting. These best practices are really common sense; however, they are easy to neglect.
Twenty Minutes on a Five-inch Dredge
The first thing I realized was this was not a toy—this thing had power and I needed to really pay attention. I got into position, took a deep breath, and pushed that monster into the hard pack.
Tips and Tricks: A Dredging Tip for Clearing the Tailings Pile
After a short time, the tailings pile can get very large, and can actually block the downstream end of the sluice box.
Subscription Required:
The Idaho Gamble Part 1
• High and Dry: Tips for Prospecting Hillside Deposits
• The Big Picture
• Odd People and Other Desert Animals
• Extreme Environmentalists Push for National Monument Designation
• Did The Gold Bull Market Just Start With A Jolt?
Free:
The Bawl Mill
• Legislative Update
• ICMJ Visits the Ghost Town of Bodie, California