There are many methods for getting placer gold from where it is now into your bottle. The method of choice depends on many factors such as the amount and size of the gold, whether there is water nearby, the terrain, where the gold is located and how fat your wallet is. You can use a pan, sluice box, drywasher, highbanker, dredge and a metal detector or a combination of these devices. This section of Minin' Gold includes some excellent articles mostly submitted by the visitors to this site. Here's hoping you find lots of gold no matter which method you choose.
Introduction to Prospecting by Mark R. Roberts
Mark spent a summer traveling around the country panning for gold. In this article, he shares what he learned along the way. If you are going out for the first time, take a look at this one first.
Moss Mining by Steve Katz
Think of Steve Katz as "The Moss Guy". He has spent a number of years perfecting his moss mining techniques and as far as I know, he is still at it. If you find yourself in an area with a lot of gold bearing moss, be sure to read Steve's suggestions.
Winter Methods by Russ Ford
Russ Ford has been mining for 25 years using a variety of methods. This is a series of three posts to the alt.mining.recreational newsgroup that Russ graciously let me use. Although these articles are mainly meant to help keep your tush dry and warm while prospecting during the winter months, they are great suggestions that may be used any time of the year.
#1 - Bench Gravels
#2 - Metal Detecting
#3 - Crevicing/Sniping
Nugget Shooting - Tips and Stories from the California Gold Hills
I was sitting at the computer one night poking words into Google and came across
this super article by John Brewer. It was in SOUNDOFF, the Eureka!
Treasure Hunters Club, Inc. newsletter.
Nugget Shooting Hydraulic Mines By Bill Westcott
Sorry folks, it still ain't done.