Answer another newbie question please.

[OwenT]

Not a complete newbie anymore but still can use help. Got out to the river this week an spent like 4 hours sampling around, it was looking pretty good. I decided on a spot, set up the bazooka and started feeding it. My sample came from about 8" below the surface of a dry channel of the river. When I cleaned out 2 hours later I got much less gold than anticipated. I think the gold was near the surface (in an iron sands layer?) and I dug past it, 2 or 3 feet down. Should I be trying to find where that gold up top is or will there be good gold further down and I should keep digging?

 

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[KevinInColorado]

It depends. Really. Sampling is the only way to know. It certainly CAN be true that the best gold is closer to the surface.

 

[OwenT]

It certainly CAN be true that the best gold is closer to the surface.

Good to know.

 

[Jeff95531]

Sounds to be like a thin layer of flood gold. Sample the top six inches where you found it and work out from there. It's not always on bedrock.

 

[ratled]

It depends. Really. Sampling is the only way to know. It certainly CAN be true that the best gold is closer to the surface.

^^^This^^^^

You can always, and should, do a quick pan as you go down. Color change? Do a pan, not seeing the gold anymore/as much? Do a pan. Not sure if you are still in it? Do a pan......... I'll even do this when working in the water. It's easy to grab a pans worth and come up

ratled

 

[Jeff95531]

Now that I re-read your post, have to ask was the flow sufficient for the Bazooka? In other words, were there any differences on this last set up?

 

[KevinInColorado]

When I run a Bazooka in an area I don't know well, I dig for 10 min, dump in a pan to check for gold then dig another 10. Since the cleanout is so quick, you can run bigger samples and get a better view of where the gold is hiding. It's a quick way to learn a lot!

 

[Jeff95531]

When I run a Bazooka in an area I don't know well, I dig for 10 min, dump in a pan to check for gold then dig another 10. Since the cleanout is so quick, you can run bigger samples and get a better view of where the gold is hiding. It's a quick way to learn a lot!

I'm gonna try that this Monday Kevin. Difference is I'll have to bring the material a pan full at a time to the sluice but I'll still use the same time frame. Lots of new ground and not much time. Thanks!

 

[Nitric]

Just keep digging! It might only be a few feet further down!!! When you can't reach the bottom? That's too far! Or just one more foot!

I'm joking! That's my problem anytime I've went. I think.....Well? maybe it's just a little further. Or maybe over this way a foot. I KNOW it has to be here somewhere? It has to! I can just feel it!

 

[OwenT]

I'll sample that top layer and keep digging. Bedrock should be close, It's visible just a few feet away. When I was doing my initial sampling, I did a pan, then came back later and ran a bucket of dirt then cleaned out, both looked good. I don't think the bazooka was the weak link because my sample was as expected but I was running it kinda fast and steep, which I've since learned isn't the best for the sniper . Definitely enough flow.

 

[ratled]

I'll sample that top layer and keep digging. Bedrock should be close, It's visible just a few feet away. When I was doing my initial sampling, I did a pan, then came back later and ran a bucket of dirt then cleaned out, both looked good. I don't think the bazooka was the weak link because my sample was as expected but I was running it kinda fast and steep, which I've since learned isn't the best for the sniper . Definitely enough flow.

If its that close and visible, start at the BR and follow it down

ratled

 

[goldenmojo]

Its not only down its right and left when working an area. Yes you should sample the layers and carefully check to see if the layer changes color or size of gravel. You can also move sideways and sometimes find more or larger gold that has been lain down in a streak. Like Kevin said it is all about the sampling. Know the material you are putting into you Bazooka before you set it up and you won't be second guessing your results. You are on the right track and you will soon have enough experience. Good Luck in all your pursuits and much gold to you.