Q: Great! I'll check out you're videos right now! I just bought some gold equip at a garage sale yesterday so thats why I'm looking into it. Its a small but complete set up. Ya know, dredger, sluice, pans, etc. Probably a dumb question but do you HAVE to have a claim to use this stuff or are they any open areas where nobody cares? Heh.. again, probably a dumb question.
A: Dredges are iffy, depending on where you are at. In California dredging is illeagal now, same here, unless your on a private claim so I woudl'nt use it until you know the rules. Panning is legal in all national forests and BLM areas UNLESS they have rules stating otherwise. If your new start off small, just learn how to find gold with your pan and work your way up. Alot of guys give up shortly after they start because they just cant find the good stuff. Be Patient and use ur head.
Q: Watched the videos. Pretty cool. Very exciting. I'm very curious as to why so many people post videos on youtube about how to find gold. Aren't you all afraid that you're making competition for you'rselves? I mean, why give away the techniques that you all worked so hard to learn? Seems odd.
A: I have told these "secrets" to so many people over the years, and for some reason it just does'nt stick. I'm at almost 20 ounces since 2005 because my hobby has become an obsession, its very challanging and most people just give up or are content with finding a few flakes. Theres alot of gold out there, but do you have drive and the sense to find it?
Q: Hmm... How much is it to buy an average small claim in AZ? I'm sure it depends on a lot of factors but just a ball park figure would be good.
A: DONT BUY A CLAIM!!!! If you do the research and stake you own claim it's $150.00 per year upkeep fee. If you BUY a claim it can cost thousands of dollars and there is NO guaratee there is any gold on it. Steer clear of people who sell claims, most just stake a claim and never set foot on it, then sell it to some poor fool.
Q: Yeah, I can imagine most people giving up if they don't hit it big on the first day. lol. Do you think the price of gold will continue to rise?
A: Dunno, As gold gets higher the dollar gets weaker, so not sure wishing for $2500.00 dollars per ounce is such a good idea.
