:Forest Folk

Gold panning is a great outdoor activity that can be fun for
people of all ages and health. If you can walk slightly off the
beaten path, you can pan for gold. Despite the metal detectors,
sluice boxes, and other large equipment often associated with
this activity, the equipment actually needed to successfully pan
for gold is limited, affordable and light weight.

The Quest

The quest for gold is hardly a new thing. We all know of the
gold rush and have heard stories about the vast amounts of gold
that were found. While the large deposits of gold are not as
easy to find now, the total amount of gold available has not
decreased significantly. There is still plenty waiting — for
you.

It is estimated that only about 15% of the gold available was
found during the gold rush. There are approximately 1 billion
ounces of gold flowing through the streams in North America
right now.

What You Need To Know To Start

One nice thing about gold panning is that there really isn’t
much that you need to know in order to regularly find gold. The
necessary information to get started is fairly basic and any
good prospecting shop will have the answers for you.

Find out about the local laws on gold panning and claim staking.
Typically, it is legal for a person to pan gold anywhere that
they like, as long as they are only using a gold pan. Some
exceptions include native reserves and wild life reserves.
Landowners usually do not own streams that pass through their
land, but it is wise to seek permission in case of dogs or other
dangers. As a hobbyist you can even gold pan on a staked claim,
but the owner of the claim may become agitated and possibly ruin
your day — or worse.

Research the geology and history of the area where you are going
by talking to a prospecting store. If there is no gold in that
area, then there is no point in trying. However there may be
other valuables there, such as silver, platinum, or precious
stones that can be recovered.

Learn how gold flows along a stream. For example, gold often
stops moving when it hits slow moving water. Because of its
density, gold will quickly sink to the bottom of any dirt and
rock. This means that gold is usually found behind a rock in a
stream as the water eddies.

Get some basic training on how to gold pan. Gold panning isn’t
hard, but proper technique can mean the difference between
finding lots or just a little.

Learn to identify gold in your pan. Once you’ve seen it, there
is no mistaking it. Most prospecting stores have placer gold
flakes on hand and if you ask nicely enough, they may allow you
to put a flake in your pan along with some water and fine
gravel.

So what are you waiting for?