Recommended Equipment for 1st nugget hunting trip

[thoughmas]

Hi everyone! I appreciate all the great conversations going on in this forum. Last year I picked up a Mineline X-Terra 70 and I've been detecting around my city (Sacramento). I can now say I really know my detector and I'm planning a trip to placer county, CA (motherload) this spring for some nugget hunting. I already have the high frequency coil for this VLF detector.

What kind of supplies should I bring? Here's what I have...

Detector with a few coils.
Miners pick with rare earth magnet at end
Bucket
Gold pan
Gloves
Shovels
Maps of BLM owned land and where claimed up land is located in Placer County, Ca.
A few knives

I'll be going up there with 1 or 2 buddies.

Do you think its necessary to bring a gun? I dont own one right now but I have enough time to buy one. If so what caliber is recommended? Is it necessary for the Sierras? Anyone ever have to use a gun while detecting/nugget hunting?

Any advise would help and if you could share your experiences from your first time nugget hunting that would be great as well.

Thanks!

[pippinwhitepaws]

a nice little pry bar is a wonderful tool...i have been up in that area, and while the rocks are round, they really stick together...sad to loose a nugget signal because you didn't have a prybar to check it out.

[thoughmas]

Thank you! Great idea!

[Yellow Hammer]

You might want to pick up a GPS unit. as far as the rare earth magnet I would say no because if it get near your detector box or your wallet it can wipe out the memory on the detector and destroy the mag strip on your c cards. As the gun goes small and compact I carry a HK 45 cal it heavy and not a compact. You should go no smaller then 40 cal. Don't even think about a 9mm. Take this advice from a 20 yr scout sniper.

[kuger]

You might want to pick up a GPS unit. as far as the rare earth magnet I would say no because if it get near your detector box or your wallet it can wipe out the memory on the detector and destroy the mag strip on your c cards. As the gun goes small and compact I carry a HK 45 cal it heavy and not a compact. You should go no smaller then 40 cal. Don't even think about a 9mm. Take this advice from a 20 yr scout sniper.

I ditto that entirely on the gun part.....but know the laws in Kalif,you might end up gun less and on the way to jail if you dont.

[DsrtBpr]

I good comfortable pair of "Non-Metallic" metal detecting boots for sure!

5.11 Tactical boot like the Desert HRT or Converse Foot Pursuit 100% non-metallic.

Happy Hunting! DsrtBpr

[Nullers]

Don't forget about a good pair of knee pads. Bruised knees suck lol

[Hoser John]

Read the map legend--it specifically states that it does NOT LIST plots smaller than "80 acres" and are purt' near worthless as to claims. You must hit the county tax office to ascertain who owns what in a specific area. With all the posted claimjumpers caught AND PROSECUTED in placer county--you don't want to be one of them with his mug on the internet for millions to see--printed out and put on the shoot first list!! I know of at least a dozen miners on multiple forums who have done this,even posted out on a claim in clear creek canyon too!! GREAT IDEA!!tons a au 2 u 2-John