Arazona Prospecting

[Stevovtx]

Does anyone know what the mining season is in Arazona? Is year round mining possible? Also, what is the dredging season? Thanks in advance!

 

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[TerryC]

I don't dredge, can't help you there BUT mining season is year-round. That is IF you want to mine in 110+ degrees! Mining "season" is decided by mother nature. The usual season is from Roughly October to May.... the cooler months. If you are a casual miner and can get off the desert on a daily basis, go for it year-round! A call to the Stanton, AZ LDMA camp (AZ) will help answer that. Jack and Lisa Tucker run the show there and will answer your questions. The "monsoon" season has started. DO NOT set up camp in the bottom of washes as you may return to camp to find local thunderstorms may have ruined your equipment and stores! TTC

 

[TerryC]

Welcome to the Best treasure hunting forum on the net! TTC

 

[goldenIrishman]

It's year round as long as you're crazy enough to put up with the heat. (Kind of like me) This time of year is the Monsoon Season so you have to keep an eye on the weather. It may not be raining where you're working, but some of these washes go for miles and miles. Rain that's 10-15 miles away can come tearing down a wash and ruin your entire day.

Do some research into the area(s) you want to prospect in and trace any washes to their point of origin. Then keep an eye on weather between your site and the start of the wash. If it starts to rain anywhere between points A and B... Get out of the wash ASAP!!!!!

This time of year I do a lot of testing at different sites to get an idea of where I want to hit it hard once the weather cools off. Remember to bring lots of water and to drink it even if you don't feel thirsty. If you're feeling thirsty then you're already on your way to dehydration.

 

[leadnugget]

the heat will cook you. no joke.
you really have to be prepared for it.



that being said i have dry washed moristown, little san domingo, rich hill at night in the summer.
it was not too bad. i would not do it in the day time.


you do have to drink at least a gallon or more of water every 3 to 5 hours to stay hydrated.

the harder you work the more water you need.

i will not go out mining without at least 5 gallons any time of year.

when the suns up, a long sleeve cotton shirt and a wide brim hat are a good idea.


November to May would be better. its cooler and less rattlers.

if you head up north its only about 90 degrees or so in Prescott this time of year.

lynx creek has some nice gold if you can hike a bit and dig to bedrock


dredging season, there's not much water in Arizona.


i have done some dredging in az and have found i like detecting and dry washing much better. being bent over all day dredging is hell on your back.

 

[goldenIrishman]

LOL At my age and mileage EVERYTHING is hell on the back! Like I said... I'm crazy and refuse to let little things like having my back broken in two places while in the Army get me down. I've lived with the pain for going on 40 years now so it's like an old friend. It keeps reminding me that I"m still alive.

PAIN: Mother Natures' way of letting you know you survived that little bit of stupidity.......

 

[LP13]

Half of Arizona is mountainous and higher elevations cool - cold. Are you asking what the mining season is in the western desert portions of Arizona? Or just Arizona in general. There are some diehard miners here who have adapted to the heat and can function just fine during the summer. Others will work at night during the summer with lights on their operation.

 

[ywevis]

So is there a law against dredging in Arizona? I was looking at around the san francisco river or the gila river down the south east corner of arizona.

 

[Clay Diggins]

In Arizona there are no laws against dredging and no restrictions. No permits needed or available.

Very little of the San Fransisco or the Gila are available for prospecting. Between private land, big mines, closures and claims if you did find a few feet you could dredge it would be unlikely to have enough gold to pay for gas for your dredge.

 

[preshrunkmilk]

Lots of land that is not private is national Forrest and there are rules for some areas. I would always check demending on where your going.