Tips for Nugget Shooting NW Arizona

[cwp1979]

I'm headed out west next month to spend 4 days metal detecting. We're staying in Laughlin, NV and will likely spend most of our time in the Gold Basin area. We went on the same trip last year with no luck. I do have a better machine this time (Minelab Xterra 705 gold pack) but I was hoping for some tips on finding productive spots. There's 1000's of acres of nothing out there and I have no idea what a good spot looks like. For example, is it good to cover the areas at the foot of mountains? Also, are the washes good areas to search? Also, if anybody knows any other good areas within an hour and a half of Laughlin I would be very interested.

Thanks in advance!

 

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[Terry Soloman]

Most of those areas are under claim or private property. You should join a club with claims there. Welcome to our site Mohave Prospectors Association | Gold Nugget Prospecting Havasu Gold Seekers

 

[Lanny in AB]

Like Terry says--then you'll have an in and won't have to worry.

All the best,

Lanny

 

[paratrooper]

I think the biggest problem will be the weather. I live 40 miles south of Gold Basin and the temp tonight is expected to hit 14 degrees. The high tomorrow and for the next few days is expected to be in the low 30's.

 

[cwp1979]

Sound like you're getting some cold weather! We'll be there Feb 18th to 21st. We were there the same week last year and afternoon temps were 60's and comfortable with a sweatshirt. Hopefully this cold snap ends before I get there.

Any thoughts on the best types of terrain to search (washes, plateaus, foot of hill) would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[TerryC]

You may also find meteorites in the Gold Basin. Check with Terry S. I hesitate to pinpoint the locations of space rocks found by GPAA members for obvious reasons. As with any placering in AZ, usually in the washes. Gold basin is a good place. As Terry said, do not trespass. They are serious about that in AZ. Good luck. TTC

 

[cwp1979]

Thanks for the advice. I'm sending my check to Mohave Prospectors Assn tomorrow. We were GPAA members last year but had a tough time finding the claims. Honestly of the 3 days we spent in Arizona there was only time that I was 100% certain I was on a GPAA claim. The $75 renewal fee was a bit salty so I am happy to pay $35 to MPA for the opportunity to search their land.

 

[TerryC]

Thanks for the advice. I'm sending my check to Mohave Prospectors Assn tomorrow. We were GPAA members last year but had a tough time finding the claims. Honestly of the 3 days we spent in Arizona there was only time that I was 100% certain I was on a GPAA claim. The $75 renewal fee was a bit salty so I am happy to pay $35 to MPA for the opportunity to search their land.

Some GPAA claims are hard to find. A GPS unit is always a help. I have 3. Maps are my PASSION, and the related GPS uses. TTC

 

[shepcal]

Might consider GSSN (Gold Seekers of Southern Nevada) also, same price and great claims

Shep

 

[paratrooper]

If you do join the MPA try your best to get the package for new members. It contains detailed maps to all their claims.

 

[H-2 CHARLIE]

PARATROOPER is kingman area better then around needles or mohave valley ?

 

[cwp1979]

Aside from Gold Basin does anybody know the general area (nearest town) of other MPA claims?
Just curious, should receive the maps in a couple weeks.

 

[cwp1979]

Is it preferable to use automatic ground balancing or active tracking when prospecting for gold in the desert? I have a Minelab Xterra 705. Thanks