Mytimetoshine: Yeh there are keyboard warriors on the forums lol I appreciate your info and I like the set up you have. That's similar to what I am looking to do as well
Dude I'm just trying to help. I get why people are discreet on their way in and out when it's to keep a spot secret. But having to hide to get into a place where your allowed to dig, no way. I send people to open blm land all the time, I make sure they know to fill in holes and not appear "destructive"
ASRA has been back and forth for hands and pans threat off and on for years. Used to be numerous sluices at the confluence on weekends....Hanging out at the confluence is super fun on weekends.........NOT
The fact that there is a place where it legal but, there are hundreds of volunteers waiting behind practically every bush, to harrass you..must be different in different spots in the State Rec. area because it is not the story I hear from numerous people.
I know a guy running a pump right by Ruck a chucky on the El Dorado Side. DFW knows he's there he's been there several season
I have insurance to take people out, I have spent time at the county and blm making sure I'm not telling customers the "wrong" thing
I have never ever had an issue in ASRA or any open areas along the south fork.
It is a sad day when a citizen convinces themselves they have to behave as if they may be busted. For nothing!
More people acting like that is not a good thing. If everyone is doing it then it will appear to be status quo. You already can't get a straight answer from a "volunteer" for a reason. There is nothing wrong with being right as a prospector.
Once your at a spot all your stuff is out your just as likely to get harrased, Factually if there was anything to be caught doing it would be at that point. So, what is the point of hiding what you are carrying and why, if your not doing anything wrong?
I carry my hand tools in my pack....angus strapped to the back or walk in carrying a bigger sluice with my pick on my pack. Walked past hundreds of people over the years waved at many green shirts never had a problem.
Go ahead and get insulted call me a keyboard warrior whatever. I'm just trying to encourage people to not let their tactics work.
The attitude just makes me more glad it isn't something I have to deal with. Sorry it is a hurdle for you guys.
By the above comments and reasons given it is working on some, I would say it's not my problem...but, it could be for customers so, I'll speak up and try to help.
Just a bummer to see guys feeling like they have to hide when they don't need to and when their proud presence would be a much better thing for the community.