Forum

   When first starting out, the greenhorn prospector ( beginner ) may have a bit of trouble in securing a location to do some prospecting.   There are a few ways to find a place.  You can do some studying, find out areas that have known gold occurences and just go out and try your luck at finding a location on your own.   However, unless you know exactly where you can prospect, you may end up on someone else's claim or on government or private property  (watch for posted signs ).

   There are many "pay to dig" sites throughout the country that you can go to, pay a nominal fee and dig for a limited amount of time.  Pay to dig sites are great for beginners and families.  It is almost guaranteed that you will at least getsomecolor in your pan.  Most places will have a knowledgeable staff to help assist if needed.

   I feel you will be doing yourself a favor if you can join a local prospecting club in your area.   Clubs offer many advantages over just being on your own.  There is the companionship with others that share the same interests.   this can really help if you require some technical assistance from someone that may have more experience than you.   They might even introduce you to mining methods that you have always wanted to try out.   Remember, you can never have too many mining buddies on your list.   It seems there is always someone planning a trip that you may be able to join up with.

   Many of the clubs will own claims for all the members to enjoy, giving you a guaranteed place to prospect.   Some club members may even own their own private claims that you might persuade to let you go on.   Most clubs offer regular outings set up for the club members to get together and do some prospecting, have picnics or other social events.   Clubs will hold scheduled meetings usually once a month at a common location to discuss ideas, hold lectures on techniques, equipment, trips or "show and tell" on items found.

   Quite a few prospecting clubs are actually free to join or have a very low annual membership fee.   It would be well worth you checking into joining a local club.   In time,  you may want to be a member of several clubs to expand your choices for places to go and enlarge your base of prospecting buddies.   Do a little research, find a local group and join the club.