A new past time and reason to get the TC out!! A friend in Great Falls MT invited me over to MT to do some gold mining this July. I don't know a thing about it, but I will. I am fortunate enough to live in Boise, home of Summit Mining Equipment factory and show room. I visited them today and picked out a High Banker sluice. Now if I can just afford it by July!!I also have a friend here in Boise whose son bought a mining claim in the gold rich country of Custer ID 15 years ago and never used it!! :EIs it possible to get gold fever without finding any yet?

Heheh, I have a friend down in Nevada, recently Gabbs moving back to Winnemucca, who sets up the Mining labs and he recently got a buggy... to hear him talk when he goes out, every ride he's a millionaire.. heheh, Gold is the specialty, but so is Platinum and anything else.. so yes you can get it without finding a thing... funny...

Can't wait for that trip report. DJ strikes it rich in Montana!Those Highbanker sluices have a big range in $$

my wife was mad at me for buying my gold equipment and the kids made fun of me. NOT any more!

~DJ~ wrote:Is it possible to get gold fever without finding any yet?Absolutely! Look at all the people that crossed the continent to find gold in California and Alaska on a rumor.In fact, my heart is racing just reading this thread. :EThat is why I carry a gold pan in the TC at all times.

~DJ~ wrote:... Is it possible to get gold fever without finding any yet?You need only to go back in history to see the answer is Yes.I think it was Mark Twain that said the definition of a gold miner was a fool standing beside a hole in the ground. Fact is, the merchants made the money, not the miners.In times past, I had a weld/fabrication shop. For several years I built gold retrieving equipment. I never got the fever. Those that did, lost lots of money.I live on ten acres, near Placerville, California, in the center of gold country. I have a creek running through the center of my property. My part is about 450 feet. During the gold rush in California, the miners routed over 300 feet on each side of this creek looking for gold. Their tailings were obvious when I bought the property. I have allowed a couple of friends tio pan or run a slouch. They get some gold, but I have yet to see enough to get the fever.It could be a fun hobby, but I think foolish to think it profitable.Wayne

Gold Mining!! | Good Sam Community

profdant139
Explorer II
Mar 31, 2015
We often see folks in the Sierra who are using motorized vacuums to slurp up gravel from under the rocks in the mountain streams. It looks cold and difficult, but they seem to be enjoying themselves.

Someone mentioned Mark Twain -- I strongly recommend "Roughing It," his description of the era just after the California Gold Rush. Very interesting, and some of it is laugh out loud funny, which is amazing for something written 140 years ago.
Dave_Pete
Explorer II
Mar 31, 2015
Yep. A good way to help you stay active. There's gold in them thar hills!
CptnBG
Explorer
Mar 31, 2015
Good luck DJ!! Sounds like fun, hope you strike it rich.
Reddog1
Explorer II
Mar 31, 2015
As long as it is thought of as a hobby, it can be great fun. It is exciting to think there is a possibility to find some really worthwhile gold. I agree with Jfet on when people scoff at doing a little muscle work. I'm thinking working out in a gym is just another hobby, and it ain't free and does require work.

I have had, and still have, many hobbies through the years. There is always someone to scoff at them.
Jfet
Explorer
Mar 31, 2015
At least with the gold prospecting you stay in shape AND get some shiny microscopic particles in a glass vial. :-)
Mello_Mike
Explorer
Mar 31, 2015
Sounds like fun, DJ. Looking forward to seeing your report.

Mike
Dave_Pete
Explorer II
Mar 31, 2015
Have fun DJ. Sounds like a ball.
Jfet
Explorer
Mar 31, 2015
We hope to do some prospecting on our adventures.

I am more inclined to build, rather than buy (as you probably know from our build thread, I am not talking out of my ...)

I am unsure if I will stick with a simple pan and river sluice or build something a bit more automated. My wife refuses to allow me to go under the water or under the mountain, which limits me to open air placer mining.

I might experiment with a few designs, but probably will not sink significant money in anything unless I get access to some decent claims.
Dakota98
Explorer
Mar 31, 2015
~DJ~ wrote:
A new past time and reason to get the TC out!! A friend in Great Falls MT invited me over to MT to do some gold mining this July.

I don't know a thing about it, but I will. I am fortunate enough to live in Boise, home of Summit Mining Equipment factory and show room. I visited them today and picked out a High Banker sluice. Now if I can just afford it by July!!

I also have a friend here in Boise whose son bought a mining claim in the gold rich country of Custer ID 15 years ago and never used it!! :E

Is it possible to get gold fever without finding any yet?

Another source, if you become interested in Metal detectors is HERE

He is one of the very best in the country & very well regarded, Sales, Service, & outings. i purchased mine Gold Bug from him & went on an outing 3-years ago.

He's located in BOISE !!!!
Dakota98
Explorer
Mar 31, 2015
delosholly wrote:
After watching several seasons of gold hunting shows on TV, my wife and I think we would like to buy a good Minelab gold detector and spend time hunting for gold, once we retire.

We figure it would be good exercise, we'll see a lot of pretty areas, and just perhaps we'll find enough gold to pay for the Minelab.

Good luck with your hunt!!

I'm sure you'll do your research.

Depending upon what areas you will be hunting will determine the type of detector to use.

VLF-Very Low Frequency or PI-Pulse Induction

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