I'm not asking for specifics but would like to hear about some good areas in general for nugget shooting near Yuma, AZ. Also interested in meeting up with other detectorists/prospectors to learn more about the pursuit. Thanks.
The only public area near Yuma that I know of, is about 10-miles south of Quartzsite. Crystal Hill, on HWY 95, at mile post 95, you'll see a sign for Crystal Hill. Go East on the dirt road for 2 or 3 miles, and you'll see the Information board. Go another couple of miles and Crystal Hill is on the left. The DesertGoldDiggers.com have some nice claims near Yuma as well. GPAA has some nice claims in La Paz County - Good Luck!
Be careful when you're out detecting. Last time I was down there I got harassed by a cop who even though he saw my detector in my hand he still accused me of being a drug runner. I also dealt with border patrol agents asking if I was American and if I had seen any Mexicans etc. I won't be going back down there any time soon.
Yeah there's a lot of illegal trafficking in the area and sometimes the local authorities seem a bit over anxious...but they're just trying to weed out the posers. I've never had any issues, but I was in that business for many, many years...LE, not illegal activity lol. Plus I always have my friend Mr. Glock with me!
The desert gold diggers do not have claims in Yuma at all. They have many in the Tucson area. The Kofa Wildlife Refuge surrounds Crystal Hill, and I do not believe you can detect within its boundaries.
Bricky, there are several places around Yuma to detect, but I suggest buying a book . "Placer Gold Deposits of Arizona" or Download this free publication through here..
I don't do much detecting in LA. I do my detecting when I travel. I do some digging at older properties when I get permission but that's about it. I have never had much problems with cops when out detecting other than the cop I mentioned.