Anyone done this before? I've been considering buying/renting a metal detector and going to Nevada/California/Alaska/Australia for 2 weeks and trying my luck. Or maybe I'd be better off trying other places that are not as popular? Brazil? I assume I can't just go onto public property and metal detect? Would I have to find private land where the owners are willing to let me use a detector? If so, any idea what they typically charge? Any links to a newbie's guide to gold nugget shooting are highly appreciated!
You might check with a BLM office in your area. Generally they have a claim and reserved areas map ( or can give you the URL. Some times they also know someone who uses public land and may give you hints on good areas. It also will keep you off of military areas ( one of the 'old timers word' ) best gold area here, on public land is in the middle of a Navy bombing mountain range. It is generally one of the more back breaking, disappointing, expense gobbling things you can do on your own. A geology club or even prospecting club, can be invaluable to you. I still have 20 'dirt' buckets full, I haven't had the disposition to pan
I'm in Illinois. I don't think there's any gold out here, but I will look into clubs in areas with gold. I have plenty of vacation days (from work) left this year and want to use 2 weeks to go hunt for some gold nuggets. Maybe a few folks on the forums would like to join? Maybe, we can all go as a group?
