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 Replies: 9 / Views: 3,790 |
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Valued Member
Canada
367 Posts |
Hey folks,
I recently became fascinated with gold panning. Although I have never actually panned for gold and only looked through some sand with my hands I hoped to be trying it soon. I plan to pick up a pan and one of those "Gold flake suction thingies" on the Bay. I'm only 14 years old, so it's hard to persuade my parents to go more than 2 hours away from my home in Montreal. I am looking for a place to pan in the north of New York and Vermont or in the south of Quebec. I tried looking for a few flakes in the Rochester area of Vermont. In the white river, a little north of Rutland. I did some research and found that it was a place where placer gold could be found. I was sifting the sand in my hand to no avail, but I doubt using my hands has any affect. I was wondering about other places in my area and if the place I went to is worth revisiting.
Thanks in advance gang,
Harry
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Pillar of the Community
United States
863 Posts |
You have to get a panning kit. It would also be helpful to buy some gold dirt off of ebay. It is not that expensive and will teach you the proper way to pan. It is a lot more work than it looks. it would be good to practice first. Also there are gold prospecting clubs here in ny. there might be some near you as well. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4008 Posts |
Gold panning is something that a lot of people do while hiking and enjoying nature. Be careful where you step, though, as creeks and streams sometimes also have poisonous snakes near them. Carrying a "walking stick" is a VERY good idea. You can use it to probe the trail or area ahead of where your feet are. Most snakes are timid and will flee if given the chance. They can become aggressive when shedding their skins, though.
BTW... that suction thingy is called a dredge. Small ones are often powered by a lawn mower engine which is mounted to a floating raft of some kind. A hose is used to vacuum up the sand or mud from a river or stream bed. Not sure what the separation mechanism is for ejecting the sand or mud while retaining the gold, though... maybe a sluice box of some kind?
One other thought... using a dredge may or may not be OK in some places due to the potential for damage to fish habitat. State agencies such as fish and game departments may know where it is OK and where it isn't. Best to check with them before doing any dredging.
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Moderator
 United States
16679 Posts |
I do it often here in California. Found some nice "color" in the local mountains here and the desert. That would be dry panning with my gold magic.
Good luck!
swcoin.ecrater.com
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Valued Member
 Canada
367 Posts |
Sounds cool guys! And for Ed, I meant that tiny little bottle that you use to suck the gold flakes out of the black sand. Haha. And also, I didn't even know there were poisonous snakes up here. Always thought it was too far north. Thanks for the info!
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Valued Member
United States
425 Posts |
Hello Harry, Not sure I can help you that much with your questions......... but here is my Two Cents. I am in Colorado and there was/is a lot of Gold/Silver mining going on now and in the past. I work for the local City and about a year ago a new Club started to meet in one of our public rooms. It is a Treasure Hunters Club and many of these guys pan for gold. They have all the equipment and once a month during the Summer they go down to a creek and look for gold, but mostly take new guys out to teach them. Others buy into a two or three week trip to Alaska, seems one or two guys have the equipment and the know how. If you could find a club like this in your area they may be able to help you get on the fast-track to gold panning and help you avoid buying any of the wrong/useless stuff. Hope that was some help to you, Good Luck! |
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Valued Member
United States
425 Posts |
Hello Harry, Not sure I can help you that much with your questions......... but here is my Two Cents. I am in Colorado and there was/is a lot of Gold/Silver mining going on now and in the past. I work for the local City and about a year ago a new Club started to meet in one of our public rooms. It is a Treasure Hunters Club and many of these guys pan for gold. They have all the equipment and once a month during the Summer they go down to a creek and look for gold, but mostly take new guys out to teach them. Others buy into a two or three week trip to Alaska, seems one or two guys have the equipment and the know how. If you could find a club like this in your area they may be able to help you get on the fast-track to gold panning and help you avoid buying any of the wrong/useless stuff. Hope that was some help to you, Good Luck! |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4008 Posts |
Quote:
I meant that tiny little bottle that you use to suck the gold flakes out of the black sand. OK, that sounds more like a squeeze bulb... a very tiny version of a dredge.  Quote:
And also, I didn't even know there were poisonous snakes up here. Always thought it was too far north It very well could be too cold for snakes if you go far enough north. Do an Internet search for Eastern Diamondback and range. That should tell you where these critters prefer to be. Note that such a range is an estimate, though, so there is probably some room for error in that. Quote:
Thanks for the info! You're more than welcome. Good luck with your gold panning.  |
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Valued Member
Canada
367 Posts |
I can always count on CC. Posted about this on a prospecting forum and didn't get near as much help as this. Thanks again folks :D
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4008 Posts |
Quote:
I can always count on CC. Posted about this on a prospecting forum and didn't get near as much help as this. Thanks again folks :D Anytime, Cazzuey. Folks here are always glad to help out if they can. |
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Replies: 9 / Views: 3,790 |
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Posted 08/25/2012 5:57 pm
