Part 1 - Gold Prospecting Rules - 2022 Washington GOLD & FISH Pamphlet. Without Timing Restrictions
Вставка
- Опубліковано 4 вер 2024
- **Important** Check comment section for updated rules and regulations. I will update when new info is given and this will be a great place to stay up to date! Thanks
6 June 2022 - Update - DNR entrusted lands (for example: Waddell Creek) are not allowing mineral prospecting of any kind. I called a DNR manager to confirm and this is legit. They review these rules and if it changes, I will update here. This change happened in the recent pass and was due to Salmon runs. Prospecting was allowed in the past but recently has been shut down. More to come. Thanks
In the video I'll explain the 2022 Washington State GOLD and FISH Pamphlet, specifically the section on pages 12 thru 13 explaining Mineral Prospecting Without Timing Restrictions.
So, if you're a current resident that needs a refresher or a visitor from out of state wanting to test the waters here in Washington, this is the one video you should probably check out.
Stay tuned for Part 2 where I'll explain the rest of this publication dealing with Timing Restrictions,
Let me know what you think... Enjoy!
Audio - 'Darkfall’ by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio. Dude is FIRE!
***Important*** about DNR land prospecting -> Thanks to a person who commented (no name given) I looked into prospecting on DNR entrusted land and made some phone calls to DNR (so for an example, capitol state forest), you can’t prospect on. You used to in the past but it’s closed down. So thank you to the person that brought this up. I really appreciate it and this is how we all get to know the right information so we stay in compliance. When it updates, I’ll let you all know. From what I was told, this will be reviewed from time to time and restrictions may change. Thanks
Omg I was in capitol Forrest today and prospecting, I didn't know it was illegal😢
It’s all good Jason. Yea WDFW I. Still believe has it shut down. A buddy of mine went there recently and was stopped by an officer. I’m still waiting to hear that the ban is over.
I am just now getting into the gold prospecting hobby and kept running into your video but never took time to fully watch it. Now I am back specifically to watch this because the rule book is so confusing and I was seeking clarification and I think my boyfriend was getting tired of hearing all my rants about the stupidity of it all. Thank you so much for providing this video which answered all of my questions!! I gave up metal detecting when I first moved here from Texas because I refuse to register, and was about to give up on prospecting because of the absurdity of it all. Was hoping by joining a club and having access to claims would be the work around, but the comments tell me otherwise. If they start messing with foraging, I'm kissing my boyfriend goodbye and moving back to Texas. He's the only reason I stay in this inept(governmentally speaking) state.
Reaggy! Thank you so much for giving this video another go and I completely agree with how you feel and how most commenters feel. The rules here in Washington are what they are and unfortunately we can’t change them. I have been hearing “chatter” that some laws may become more lax here in the future. Only time will tell. However, I can tell you that I still go out prospecting and if you follow the basic rules, you’ll have absolutely nothing to worry about. They may be strict, but they still do allow you to grab a sluice and pan and have some fun. As for metal detecting, yes, the rules here are awful and I’ll never metal detect unless it’s on private property. Anyhow, thanks for reaching out and good luck to you. Never hesitate for more info. I love answering questions, and depending on where you live, joining a group that has claims is awesome. That’s what I do. It just opens up the possibility of finding more and better gold. 😎
You know that the us army corps of engineers just finished a survey on the columbia River for a massive dredging operation determining their was no significant impacts. The dredging is approved and ready to go. So it's ok for a huge dredge to cone in to clear out massive amounts of river bottom with no significant impacts but gold dredging is not allowed anywhere in the state were gold is present. Someone please explain to me how this makes sense. I printed out this article and will be ready to sue the state if anyone tries to take away my mining rights!
I’ve read that too and it was really really good. Thanks for bringing that to attention. I’ve learned a lot these past few months from other viewers like yourself. Definitely not alone.
Please sue them 🙏
If you have tons of money then when you dredge it affects the ecosystem less. It's hard science 😅
I watch Dan Hurd a lot&since I live in WA state I was looking into how to get the newest gold&fish pamphlet,which brought me here! Since I'm completely ignorant you're videos are amazing & exactly what I need. My dream is to do exactly this for a living from a converted campervan full time. So thank you for the instructional videos &I look forward to other's in the future.
LeRoy! My MAN! I appreciate that so much! I so appreciate the compliment and Sub! I'm happy you found my content... I dabble in a little bit of everything and hope to keep you happy with new content. I have a full-time job so this is just something I like to do in my free time. Good luck with your adventure in the future if it comes to light! It sounds like fun and most I know would be jealous of what you're about to do :) Don't ever be afraid to stop by and chat it up. Appreciate you!
Gold luck with that man we can't even mine in Washington state anymore
@@travismickelson9011 I hear ya Travis. I was just trying to simply state what rules are in place. Do I agree… hell no! Just go out and do what you do and be respectful, that’s it. I prospect everyday and I’m finding more gold then ever before. Appreciate your comment my friend. Hope you have a great weekend!
Thanks for this! I live north of Seattle and buy the paydirt bags to pan as a hobby and was wondering about going to beach and panning. I will print up a copy and read it!
Hey no problem Jarrod! Get out there and have some fun! I haven’t done a beach part yet for the rules but it’s pretty straight forward. Just a couple pages. I’m not going to lie, prospecting at the whore is much harder now with the current rule set. But if you go, I wish you luck and let me know how it goes if you remember. Take it easy my friend 😎
Excellent job explaining the unexplainable my friend!!!
I’m super glad the simplified the rules for us… NOT!
Haha, hey Jeff! Yea no worries my friend. Yea there are just too many damn rules! Just let us find the gold. We aren’t the ones creating the problems out there… other do. Appreciate you 😎
Glad I found this. Been looking to getting into prospecting, and wasn't really sure where to begin. Live in Bremerton, can't wait to get out and play in some rivers with my kids while prospecting.
Sloth’s Workshop! I’m glad you found this too! Yea, Washington is very regulated. Some I agree with and some I don’t. I just basically wanted to get info out. Don’t hesitate to ask questions. There really are a lot of spaces up on the peninsula. Good luck!
@@StoneyCreekSparkchaser I was wanting to go check dosewallips or duckabush here when my kids get out of school. Get them out let them run wild lol. Should do a video on the paperwork to file for a claim lol that shit confused me alittle.
That sounds like a lot of fun. Yea I haven’t done any paper work to prospect yet. If you do it on land that doesn’t require additional permits, that pamphlet is all you need. When I get back from camping this weekend I’ll look into those 2 rivers for you and see where you can go! Oh, btw, I don’t work for the state in any capacity for prospecting. Just having fun 😎
@@StoneyCreekSparkchaser much appreciated 👍 been going over maps and plss to figure out where I'm able to go. This video alone has already helped a lot. Enjoy your camping trip, be safe and stay healthy!
No worries! Enjoy your Memorial Day and I’ll get with you later 👍🏻
Excellent information. Thank you. I didn't realize from the DNR pamphlet that the scour zone was open year round. I've done a bit of panning of black sand ribbons on the shores of a river in Western WA and found some gold flour, so I know gold is in the state and was wanting to do more recreational panning. Your information is super useful for this amateur prospector.
Oldskool Driver! Fantastic! First off, I really appreciate the view, comment and support! It means a lot and without you, my channel doesn’t grow. As for the info, I’m super glad it helped you out. Although I don’t agree with a lot of the rules, it’s the world we live in and we have to abide (mostly) 🤣 And you’re correct, a lot of people don’t realize you can prospect year round on all rivers and streams, it just depends when you can remove material from the water covered areas. As for gold found, there is actually a lot out there from flour gold to some nice pickers. Just depends where you go and where the gold is hiding. Anyhow, don’t hesitate to ask any questions and good luck with your prospecting adventure! May your pan be filled with gold 😎
GREAT TUTORIAL ! WA COMMIE STATE" imho. CHEERS" from Idaho!
Hey thanks J Dean! Yea and you’re right, this state is something else. Super appreciate the love and comment my friend. Cheers mate :)
Thank you very much for the video. It’s very informative. You should post more about this all new people don’t make mistakes
Hey Shawn! Thank you so much! And yes, I’m already working on Part 2 that will go over the rest of the book. I’m also commenting updates and putting updates in the video Description so we can all keep up-to-date, so make sure you check those out too. New prospectors and old could always use some refreshing… just like me :) Have fun out there and get that gold. Thanks for commenting and subscribing! Appreciate you 😎
Thank you for this! Just getting started in the hobby and wasn’t sure how to read the regs. I thought I had to wait til July to do any prospecting. Thank for the help
AdFennturer! Thank you so much for commenting and watching this video. I’m glad it helped and wish you the best of luck prospecting. The gold is out there and it’s out there on a lot of rivers in this state. Stay persistent and just have fun. Also, make sure and read the regs one more time. I don’t work for WDFW and interpreted them the best that I could. The big thing is… you can work all creeks, streams, and rivers throughout the entire year as long as you get the material from the dry banks. And you’re only allowed to prospect in the waters during certain times of the year on each specific creek. If a creek has no name, then it generally falls in with the county time frame, but some creeks fall into other categories because they are tributaries of larger river systems. I know it’s a lot but it’s in there :) Anyhow, let me know if you need anything again and good luck out there. Appreciate the support!
Awesome brother! I'm from Washington state (Spokane), and didn't know the actual rules. Awesome information.
Nice brother! I definitely don’t agree with a lot of them, but I guess we have to follow them… 😎
Can you please do this for PENNSYLVANIA? pretty please! Literally the first video i found about any rules out of watching dozens. Not one person ever mentions rules and regulations. This is a must know. Pretty please with a cherry on top. Thank you.
Yes yes yes 💪😎👍
@@StoneyCreekSparkchaser awesome! Thank you! I literally can't wait lol
In British Columbia you can not put the sluice water back in the river and Creeks even the small ones , You have to let the water go into the dry ground so not to create silt in the water ways
That sounds incredibly frustrating. I get why we have regulations (for protection) but some seem so overboard. I also bet someone not prospecting can walk all over the water and stir up all kinds of material. Thanks for the comment and support. Good luck out there!
@@StoneyCreekSparkchaser I am assuming you might know the prospecting laws in British Columbia a bit ?
@@squamishfish I actually don’t to be honest, even though I’m just south of there. I figure though in todays age, everything is a bit extra and we are limited in what we can do all over the place. So yea, if I ever did get the chance to go up there, I’d have to research the rules thoroughly.
@@StoneyCreekSparkchaser there is a UA-camr Dan Hurd who has a very popular prospecting channel, He has claims on the Fraser River and also other claims around when he gets ore to be smelted down he goes to Bellingham to do this ,
@@squamishfish oh yea, I definitely follow him. He has some great content and like watching his videos. I think we all aspire to live his dreams. 🤣
They sure don’t want anyone to find gold!
They definitely make it hard don't they. Thanks Don. I appreciate the support.
Good to keep up with the basics
Thanks Ehren and I agree! Good luck out there on your adventures!
You cover some great information here. I had a run-in pre pandemic with a wildlife officer that had never seen a gold and fish book he stated that I was unlawfully prospecting in the river until I was able to enlighten him and show him the error of his ways. I ended up sending him home to study with the extra pamphlet I had printed for backup Incase I happen to fall in and ruin it. I suggest having one in your vehicle and one on your sight. Could be the difference between a fun day out prospecting or a ruined expensive trip.
Hey Vic! First off, thank you so much for coming by, leaving a comment and your support! It means a lot! As for your story, that’s so weird how an officer would tell you you’re doing something wrong without even knowing that there is a rule book. That’s scary but you handled it well and made the situation better. I also keep a book on me as well because I don’t want to take any chances. All we can do, is keep going out there and having fun. I follow the rules because I have to, not because I want to. 🤣 Anyhow, thank you again for coming by and I’m happy you enjoyed the content. Good luck out there and welcome to the channel :) Heavy Pans my friend!
It might be a good idea to just try not to be seen, even though we are obeying the law. Those people are scary!
Cool info fam. Just get in a gold club claim fam. Avoid the BS out here lol. Keep on having fun getting that au and living the dream fam. Gold Squad Out!!!
Respect all the way GS! Appreciate you and great info! Clubs are some of the best ways to meet new people and find new spaces!
Where can one join one of these clubs. Here in Washington state. I'm in spokane
@@brandonclum2395 what’s up again :) So I used to belong to the GPAA (probably going to join again), but they are a nation wide club. They have claims all through out the US. When you join, you get a book that list all of there claims and your free to go on them. If that’s not one you want to join then just try and google Spokane gold prospecting clubs or something like that. Or if you have like gold prospecting shoes that come to local fairgrounds this summer, I guarantee there will be some folks from clubs with info on how to join. Hope this helps Brandon 😎
Thank you sir, appreciate this ... good luck with that leaky boot!
Hahahaha! Thanks Kyle! Good luck out there… by the way… I still have that leaky boot! 🤣🤣🤣
Hey Stoney...I've heard so many different things about getting buckets of black sand from the beaches, how many buckets, permits or no permits, classify first or not, etc....what are the rules?? we are rookies at prospecting and what to follow the rules...
Hey hey hey! Welcome and thanks for the questions. I know I won't be too much help, but I'll try my best. So on the handbook, there's a section in there about beach prospecting. I'd review that if I were you, but it sounds like from your questions, you're going to just take some sand home.
In that case, I'd play dumb. I'd just grab some buckets, fill them up and go. Specific beaches may have rules about what you can pack out of there, but some probably don't. If it were me, I'd drive out there, find a good spot, dig a few buckets and leave. Then I'd run it all at the house.
You don't need to classify it (personal preference), you don't need a permit (unless you are running a highbanker) and the rules are in that book for actual prospecting.
I hope this helps and let me know if you need any other help. Thanks and good luck out there!!!
This booklet is always intimidating until u have read it 100 times then after many years you just look at the updates lol thanks for making this vid I wish more people knew about this . I Cary copies with me so I can hand them out to people that just do not know . I feel like if people followed the rules and the rules were unforced properly we would still be allowed to dredge in wa. I just bought another dredge just before it was banned
Hey thanks Casey! I really appreciate you coming by, watching the video and commenting. And yes you’re absolutely right. It’s definitely a shame we have to be at this point though having all of these rules, but on the other hand, I can accept it. Well I don’t really have a choice right?!?! Anyhow, thanks again my friend and I hope you like the channel and can find it somewhat useful. I hope 2023 is a great year for not only you, but your family 😎 Stoney
Dredging was taken out of the manual because of the fly fisherman, in olympia they are the reason why we can't use Dredges
@@011CJ that what I'm doing, i won't stop dredging because of some loud mouth wants to spout out lies.
Dredging for gold does nit harm fish. It takes gravel from the river wahes it threw a sluice box and it goes back into the river. Dredging cleans the river of toxic fishing weights, mercury, metal and any other heavy toxic items. This mat seem crazy to everyone but fisherman kill fish not gold dredgers
Dredging most definitely can harm fish, fish breeding grounds, breeding grounds for other organisms in the ecosystem.. like, what?
Hey Zachy, I’d definitely agree with you that dredging can hurt fish, just like walking in the creek, horses in a creek, playing in the creek, or atving in the creek if you’re on top of a fish egg laying area. Most people (can’t speak for all) know what these areas look like and stay away from them as outlined in the law. The people that use the creek without knowing the law (people that go there for recreation) don’t know any better and disturb these beds and destroy habitats. I think Travis, and a lot of prospectors are saying is that, when dredging is applied safely and not disturbing fish egg laying areas, they are actually bringing up organics for other fish to eat which is good for them. I’ve had state officially even tell me that dredging doesn’t harm fish. There’s always a few that ruin it for the rest of society and that’s why the rules are what they are. To be honest, we should hold all people that use our waterways to the law if we want it to be more equal. It shouldn’t just be the people that prospect and fisherman that get the shaft when it comes to the law. I’ve seen families on the river while prospecting destroy habitats by ripping out greenery, throwing rocks carelessly and stepping on everything not caring about what’s below. It can go both ways. I’ve never dredged personally but I’ve been around dredge operations both big and small and most are don’t by the rule of law and during times when fish aren’t laying or spawning. Just my 2 cents. I hope you have a great day my friend and I apologize for the rant.
Where do you think fish spawn? On land?
@@MrAspdenthey spawn in very specific locations, amd at specific times of year. If you avoid those locations and times of year, there will be no harm to the fish.
@@TwoStageTriggerdumbass, micro organism building blocks within that gravel feeds the fish on up.
Duuude! I watched this video months ago before I met any of you lol this is how I found out about the pamphlet and told me how to prospect in wa! Wow now we friends n stuff🤣 I just seen the video again and was like wait what.. I should have subscribed and commented on this video!
Hahaha! It’s all good MJ! Yea isn’t that weird?!?! Super glad you found it though and it sparked some interest in your new found love of prospecting! That saying holds true… small world we live in :)
I actually had to rewatch this whole time I misunderstood the rules I didn't think I could put my sluice in the water during the off times
Yea the rules are pretty confusing at times. I’m pretty sure I interpreted them correctly but I’m sure I made a mistake here and there. I did however call the office and spoke to one of the guys that wrote it and had him clarify some things. I plan on doing an update once the 2023 rules post :) thanks again for watching. I know it’s pretty dry material
@@StoneyCreekSparkchaser I loved it! When I first watched it I figured you worked for fish and wildlife lol. It's a very well done video and very thorough! I would never have tried going out by myself if I hadn't gotten some direction from that video. I watched lots and that's the only one that made sense to me!
Nice MJ! That’s really cool! I’m definitely not a Gamey! Most come on here to yell at me about the rules… even though they are not mine :)
Yeah the Washington gold rules are hard to understand. It seems to contradict itself every other page. I thought I could only mine during the timing limits, it took me a few years to realize that wasn't really true.
Morning Vaden! Hey brother thanks for coming by and checking out the video. I totally agree with you with the rule sets. There are too many and it does become muddy. I just go out and have fun. It’s all I can do to make it enjoyable! Thanks for the support and I’ll see you around my friend!
Rule number 1 always honor and respect the land,that's what I go by
You got in Manuel! Appreciate the support my friend :)
I just go where nobody goes. That's where the good gold is anyways.
That’s a solid point! Thanks Mr Lead Ghost.
Who would of thought there’d be so many rules to washing some rocks. Appreciate you coming by and commenting. Super awesome if you 😎
Thank you for the info. Where do the rules stand on recirculating operations? With bilge pump?
Hey Matt! Thanks for stopping in! As for bilge pump info in a recirculating config… unfortunately, the way the rules are written I would say it’s a no go, but to be honest, I’ve never had a clear answer on that. Me personally, I’d say go for it, but I’m not the law and have nothing at stake when giving advice. I was just pointing out what the book has written. Thanks for the comment and support again. Heavy Pans Matt! I hope you strike it rich!
@@StoneyCreekSparkchaser thanx for the reply. I am 1/2 way through part 2 and you do a great job explaining the bilge pump question at the beginning. I am coming home to WA after almost 30 yrs and doing prospecting. Great info to know beforehand. I’m just thinking about like a GoldCube in the nonwetted area or the upper bank
@mattboyer7812 no worries my friend. I’m glad I could help. Like I said before, I’d personally go for it. Haha. Welcome back to WA… a lot has changed!
The mining laws of 1886 trump all these rules in the state. Sad that no one stood up for them.
That’s fascinating D Page. I’ve heard of these laws but never actually looked into them. I will now though. Thanks for bringing that to my attention. Have any recent cases stood up to the ones from 1886 and won against them?
@@StoneyCreekSparkchaser Research G.P.A.A. A lot of insightful videos and content.
@@dpage1844 thanks brother. Appreciate you :)
Thank you
You got it Tigereye! Thanks for checking this video out! I’ll catch you again soon :)
Personally, I am just waiting for the Cascadia Subduction Zone to activate.
Me too Larry! Lol! It would solve many problems! Appreciate you :)
Just want to say thanks for the video it was a good enlightening video on how stupid and ignorant Washington state is they don't seem to realize that there is a lot of things that happen in nature that will pollute and kill the fish have also I am more of an environmentalist then you realize and that may sound funny because I also am a minor I love to get gold everything that I do is to protect the stream I use a power drench to get my gold but I put everything back and if these idiots would look at what goes on when we are dredging they would stop telling us all these stupid rules because the fish go nuts when I stir up the water it releases a lot of food for them to eat I stay away from fish nests and frog nest and if I see it I go into another spot but I'm not going to harm them at all all this video does for me it shows me how stupid the environmentalist and the government are thanks for posting the video it really did open my eyes to how stupid people can be
Grandpa Gold Shark! I couldn’t agree with you more. I’m on the side with you and agree that we’re not the problem. I do however know that some bad apples probably ruined it for all of us. I hope in the future things can change and I also hope that WDFW sees this video and reads some of these comments because I do believe they matter and maybe they can make some changes based on these observations. Thanks again my friend and I’m glad you came by, watched the video and left a comment. Super appreciate your support! Good luck out there and I hope you continue striking it rich!
Thank you. I am from out of state, and this was very helpful. Is there an physical order address for the pamphlet? I do not use enternet to order from.
Hey Nancy! Thanks for coming by! I just looked and I can’t find anything for a hard copy. If you have an email, I can send you the pdf. My email is stoneycreeksparkchaser@yahoo.com
Great information. Thank you.
Thanks JB! I know it’s not the information most people want to hear but it’s out there for us to follow. Good luck out there, Happy 2024 and thank you so much for the comment and support my friend.
let's go let's go treasure and adventure ✌👵
Regarding the non motorized issue. Please read. It's worth it, I promise.
I've been replying to a few posts but decided to make a big long one. You guys need to slow down and understand the elements before commenting.
First of all. A pump is not a motor and a motor is not a pump. A pump can be driven by a motor if the power source is a motor but there are other ways to power a pump besides a motor. There are pumps you can connect direct to the posts on a car battery. Or plug into a non motorized generator such as a solar generator. What they don't want is a generator in the river bed with fuel in it. Use a car battery or solar generator which would keep your fuel costs low and noise for any neighbours low anyways. Keep the noise low to stay off local residence radar as most of them think everything is illegal anyways, they are as ignorant as any general public person is. Keep an extra guide on you to show them the rules to avoid run ins with wdfw and wasting our tax payer resources for idiot neighbours. Moving on, One of the many reasons they don't like dredges is due to the gas generator needed to power the dredge, so as a aside the non motorized rule is saying you cannot water feed a highbanker with a motorized item such as chaining(ganging) together a dredge which would feed a highbanker directly with water and aggregate. Commonly referred to as highbanker to dredging conversion or stationary dredge highbanker.
So to recap, buy a car battery and find a pump that connects to the terminals and bring a container that protects in the event of a acid leak from the battery. Or go to Harbor Frieght and check out the Jackery solar generators(best and safest option) and figure out what your pump would need to operate for the time you can feed a highbanker for, thier website has many examples of how to figure out Watt hours vs wattage needs per battery run times. And lastly, slow down. Read and read read your rules. If your approached by wdfw, residents or local police have the pamphlet ready to explain how you are within your rights. Very few wdfw are blatantly aggressive and educating one might be educating them all. Like all law enforcement they don't memorize all the laws and probably only know the most popular so let's do ourselves all a favor and not piss them all off flying off the handle. Be technically correct and that's good enough. Message me if you have other questions, I don't know all the answers but I'm damn good at disecting till I do.
Hey Scott! Thanks for this very detailed comment. I can agree with you that terminology and interpretation can be the difference between being legal and illegal. It’s a shame we have to all become lawyers in order to read regulations. As I admitted in the video, my interpretation my not be the right interpretation but I’m just doing the best that I can. The ultimate goal was to just give people a snapshot that rules to exist for this hobby. Do I agree with most… that’s a big no. I had a buddy on here have a run in with WDFW enforcement recently and it was a good experience, like many out there. So it’s not always bad and they just want to see what you’re doing and mostly it’s the prospector teaching them :) Anyhow, thanks again for the comment, it was great and a good read. I hope you have a fantastic weekend and I appreciate the support!
@@StoneyCreekSparkchaser I hear you. I wasn't directing my comment specifically toward you hut as a general "let's slow down and dig in" sort of flow.
A few other pieces I didn't include can help also. It says you can supply water from natural stream flow or from buckets or a "container", if that container which is a large tub is filled up from a buckets collected from natural stream flow and recirculating with a pump then it adheres to the letter of the law.
The other element is that the highbanker is pictured(in both highbanker and muni highbanker pics)listed to have a water supply in the terms section. It reads a highbanker consists of a "hopper, sluice and water supply". Since it's pictured with a pump and that's the industry standard for highbanker of "water supply" then it's logical inference at that point. Also, since it's pictured as an example for a highbanker that's all the permission you need.
BTW, great videos. youre a legend
Hey Scott and believe you me, I knew that comment wasn’t geared specifically toward me. These are always good conversations to have and many people out there are scared to even start prospecting because they don’t understand laws. I had a gentleman the other day thank me for pointing him in the right direction with these videos because he only thought he could prospect in July for a few months. Rules scare people and we definitely don’t want that. And yea, the rest of your comment is spot on. They picture everything which makes it easier and easier to explain if stopped by enforcement. I think the biggest dilemma people have are using dredges. Which I still believe you can if you apply for permits. Also, since the creek I mostly prospect on is on my property changes things. There no difference with me running powered equipment on my driveway versus down by the stream. It’s the same area and same distance apart. I can run a hose at my house, etc. so if I had enforcement coke on my property about any of that. They’d get an earful from me 🤣 However, I am cautious with what I post online, because the average viewer wouldn’t know that I’m on my own creek and would probably raise issues with what I’m doing. They would need to see my others videos to understand. Just bad optics on my part I guess, hahaha. Anyhow. Thanks again for the great info and I appreciate the kind words. You Scott are the legend! Super happy you find some interest in my channel and other happenings 😎
@@StoneyCreekSparkchaser I think with dredges your best bet is to target a high mountain stream with low fish population and no salmon runs. I have a creek near me that is closed year round to any activity besides walking or casual rockhounding, no fishing, gold, dredging etc. Due to proximity to a hatchery.
Maybe when applying for a dredging permit you could use a non motorized method to power the dredge like a larger electricc generator to avoid the dreaded air, noise and possible water pollution combo. I've no experience with dredging so those variables you can control at least, Maybe even include a study of fish habitat that proves your area isn't prime spawning grounds for local fish pop. I didn't know, just ideas to streamline and show a progressive movement into "renewable ideas".
Awesome video. I am in Snohomish County and am brand new to this hobby. I am still trying to find out if I need a permit to just take a shovel and a pan to an allowed creek or river. I've read the pamphlet and other things and this is not clear anywhere. It all seems to indicate that a permit is only needed if you need Hydraulic Project Approval. Will you please clarify? Thank you.
Welcome to the channel and I thank you for the comment and support! To answer your question, you don’t need an HPA. You are good to go using a shovel and a pan on allowed creeks etc. the HPA is for advanced mining like using a dredge or at the beach. So you’re good to go. Don’t hesitate to ask any other questions and good luck out there! I hope you strike it rich!
Earned a new sub 👍
Thank you Shiney Rocks! I appreciate the support my friend!
@@StoneyCreekSparkchaser No problem at all. Coos Bay Oregon waving at you 👋🏻
@shineyrocks390 let's go coos bay? Any gold out there?
Fish will line up behind your sluice looking for periwinkles. If you are fishing, fish just down stream of someone sluicing.
Love it Gold Hunter! You’re absolutely right. I always see fish at the end of my sluicing area eating organics! Thanks for stopping by!
Oh and make sure you subscribe and hit that notify button! I’m doing a giveaway soon where 5 winners will each win a solid 1 gram bar of gold. It’s free! Appreciate you my friend :)
Washington is out of course. So I own a claim in liberty Washington and according to Washington law its illegal to ever use any mining equipment with a motor. I'm sorry but a gold pan or a stream sluice is not mining its prospecting. I am a miner not a prospector. So Washington state has over regulated and over permitted to the point that they have unlimited placer mining all together in the state. That's illegal!
Totally agree with you Travis. Completely ridiculous. Btw, I have always dreamed about prospecting near Liberty! Very time I’ve gone to Wenatchee or Leavenworth I’ve eyed that creek that parallels the highway. Always been scared to try it because of other claims and just the fact that I’m a very small prospector. Very small.
@@StoneyCreekSparkchaser yah all of that is claimed up. liberty is claimed up everywhere. Although there is a little section that can not be claimed that is open to the public. I think anyways. I have a past producer on cougar gulch qnd confluence of Williams creek. if you want to come out get some gold with me your invited.
Hey Travis! Dude thanks for stopping by and thank you so much for the invitation! Sounds really great and I may take you up on that in the future. Like I said. I’ve always wanted to prospect up there and thanks for the info. I’m tired of this small stuff! Haha. I’ll write your name down and keep it handy for when the time comes. Maybe late spring or summer? Not sure of the conditions up there of accessibility.
@@travismickelson9011 oh Travis, one more thing. If you could, could you email me when you get the chance so I have your email information. You can find my address on my about page. It’s just my channel name at yahoo. That way I can contact you to see if we can get something going. If not I understand. Also, would you care if I brought another fellow UA-camr Evergreen Prospectors? He’s a great guy and we’d definitely treat your property with the utmost respect. Thanks Travis.
I can not believe thar miners in Washington have no idea what there mining rights are. This is what happens when authorities are not kept in check. This guy only person in Washington state that gas figured out what all the laws are.
I don't understand why you can't recirculate water from an already collected water container so if you bring a tub with you and filled it with water why can't you recirculate that water down your sluice to process it's not hurting the Stream
I completely agree with you Rev.316. For some reason WA thinks your hurting fish or something. It’s complete bananas and I hope they realize how much they are screwing up out gold prospecting community. If anything we are the only group out here that make habitats and life better for our streams. It’s a shame. Now on a side note, and just take this with a grain of salt because I have no authority in this, but if I were to have a high banker set up with a recirculating pump where the possibility of no water goes into the stream, than I’d take my chances and do it and beg for forgiveness later. I read that section 1000 times and always kept thinking if I read into wrong but I’m pretty convinced it’s not allowed. Did you by chance read it yourself? If I’m wrong than I’ll admit it and make it right… kind of wish I am wrong, but I don’t think I interpreted it wrong. Anyhow my friend. Thanks so much for stopping by, watching the video and leaving a comment. I so appreciate you and hope you enjoyed your time. Please feel free to comment back. I love and support this community and just want us all to be able to go out, enjoy nature and find some shine 😎 Stoney
@@StoneyCreekSparkchaser hey man, in the defenition of a highbanker the pump is pictured in the defeniton so they can't exclude it since it's the defenition of a mini highbanker according to thier own terms. Also, the defenition of motorized deals with dredged, so you couldn't convert your highbanker to be fed by a dredge. Thier definition of motorized does not exclude the necessary pump to operate a highbanker. A highbanker by defenition needs a pump to operate properly. I'd recommend a recirculating pump and change the water regularly asnit can get a little sludgy and carry fine gold off.
In terms and definitions: a highbanker consists of a sluice box, hopper and water supply.
Both highbanker and mini highbanker are pictured with pumps in terms pages..
motorized in terms page directly addresses dredging activities etc. More geared to ganged equipment and feeding a highbanker with a dredge for example.
That's the way I'm choosing to interpret this anyways, you can't show a highbanker with water pump as thier defenition legally without it being included legally. They also define it as having a water supply, logic would suggest that the water supply is the one pictured with highbanker. At least my logic suggests it. It directly in highbanker defeniton also excludes the aggregate being supplied to a highbanker by a suction dredge which by proxy would supply water also.
If wdfw wants to correct me here then fine, otherwise I'm gonna reference this as a express permission to proceed. In common law anything not expressly outlawed is legal.
Sorry, to add again. I like the technical side of the law and a pump is not a motor by many verified defenotions such a engineering firms websites and education courses online. So I'm moving forward with a recirculating pump.
@@scottwall8419 love this Scott. You’ve educated me more and I appreciate that. I agree as well with the pictorial depictions. They definitely don’t match what’s written and can lead to different interpretations. 😎
Thank you you did great. AGAIN Thank you
Thanks Jo! Good luck out there and please don’t hesitate to ask any questions :) appreciate the support and comment 💪😎👍
Amazing video! Any updates for 2024?
Eric! What’s up my dude? Thanks and nope, we’re still using the 2021 rules. If history repeats itself, these rules usually get rewritten every 5-6 years. I keep checking :)
What’s up with the ghost shrimp nest thing for ocean/beach?
I have no idea Jr. there are a lot of special rules when it comes to the beaches. You may want to reach out to the local city for answers on that matter. Sorry I didn’t help on this one :)
Thank you I will re watch this
Awesome Jason! I appreciate that the support! I wish you the best of luck this year… go get it!
I am an environmental scientist and I have watched a lot of videos on this subject. I find that those with negative views don't actually use real and verified steps to actually give scientific results to those doing the testing on the water. Makes me wonder if they actually know what they are doing. Anyway I also pan for gold and dig for gold. And let's be honest most of us panning for gold are fishing for fish in the rivers during fish runs. I get the rules but not those that oppose them, maybe they can't get any colors to show in their pans and are jealous?
Clarence! Thanks for the comment. All views are welcome and I appreciate it. I agree with a lot of what you say. This comment comes at a perfect time, because I actually just posted a spoof video dogging Washington states prospecting rules, but back to this video. I did this video because I had a lot of friends and other prospectors out there that wanted clarification so that’s why I did that. I agree with some, but not with others. What gets me is that I’ve talked with others within the state and some are 50/50 with why we have some rules in place. I think it’s true, that some ruined it for all and it’s not every prospector that’s out there is ruining the waters. As you stated in your comment, we have fish runs and I take that seriously. That’s one rule I agree with, but there are many in that book that simply do not make sense. The general public can go out there and do all kinds of stuff but since they are not “working” they are not in violation of any rules. Take for instance the beach. To prospect the beach for gold takes an act of congress in Washington. I can’t even take a shovel with a pan without following 2 pages of rules with set guidelines. But I can take my kids to the beach, drive all around, and they can dig a 20 foot hole 2 feet deep and not one rule is broken. That’s what I don’t get. My little 2 foot hole with a shovel isn’t disrupting the beach, and I even fill in the hole, lol. I’ve been out on so many streams and have scene some weird happenings from Joe blow that boggles my mind. Anyhow, I’m definitely not dogging your comment because I agree with most of it. I just feel that we may have gone a bit too far and that some commonsense is missing within the rules. I have a private stream on my property that I love dearly and take care of each and everyday. I use that same mentality with every place I go and visit, just like I’m sure you do. :) thanks again Clarence and I appreciate you my friend. Thanks for hearing my little rant :) hahaha
Oh and one more thing. I’m definitely jealous of those that can get huge smiles in their pans… do you have any luck? For me it’s hit or miss, but I know it all comes down to the right spot… I wish you luck out there and that you strike it rich :)
Thank you!
Pleasure is all mine YIDIDIT! I appreciate you and hope you can find value in my content. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions. Chat with you soon! 😎
Is the eletric water pump recycling water in my settling pond through my high banker make the high banker motorized equipment
I just dont see them meaning i have to pour buckets of water through my high banker now thats a pita
Hey Dylan, thanks for the comment and I understand your frustration. If I were you, I’d just keep doing what you’re doing since you are using it in a settling pond but what do I know. IMO you’re doing absolutely nothing wrong, but I can’t speak to you on the Washington law side since I have no part in that what so ever. I just wanted to make people aware that there are rules, unfortunately, to prospect in Washington. I don’t agree with most of them and it’s a shame we are even at a place like this with prospecting. Anyhow, I know I didn’t answer your question but good luck out there and I hope you find many riches. Thanks again my friend.
@@StoneyCreekSparkchaser thanks for the reply
I contacted them and they ghosted me
lol!!! Sounds typical! Try and reach out again and if you remember, yet me know how the battle goes my friend :) Totally appreciate you
Washington State sure declare war on the recreational gold prospecting crowd, with rules like these did they take any consideration when making these rules about individuals who may have handicap issues? taking away access of motorized helping equipment sure seems like they don't care about people who are elderly or handicap?
this also inhibits clubs or groups, if you have to maintain 50ft separation on a sluice, that's a huge disadvantage for a group dig trying to work together.
Dar Cam I agree with everything you stated my friend. It’s ridiculous. I don’t like most of these rules and just wanted to bring to light what’s going on and I think it’s working. I hope someday the state looks at these comments and realizes how much they are screwing this up for everyone.
Also on the handicap issue, I never even thought of that but again, how true it that. It’s a shame.
Prospectors aren’t the ones destroying natural habitats. I see so many people out there doing worse and nothing would ever happen because they aren’t “working” the creek.
Thanks again for your comment and shedding more light on the current situation. Hope you have a great rest of your day and thanks for checking out the video 😎
We’re lucky we can still prospect at all.
This is all subjective and you may disagree with the officer of the RULES (not law).
I agree Michael. Very subjective in my opinion as well. Appreciate the comment and support.
Just curious if anyone has been approached or given a hard time by the game warden while prospecting? If so what were they giving you a hard time on?
Arash! Welcome! As for your question… I’ve never been stopped by anyone, but I have known some friends who have been. The encounters usually go ok. The one thing I’ve heard, is that even the warden doesn’t understand the rules that much because prospecting isn’t really a common thing. So what ended up happening is the prospector becomes the teacher and shows the warden what the rules are. That’s why I always have to book on me (for Washington) incase any questions do come up. I hope this helps and thanks again for coming by!
one rule bothers me; apparently you can't move rocks to level or support a sluice...to me, that means you have to find a spot that is already perfect for sluicing. that seems almost impossible.
I agree with you on that 100% Robert! That is a bit too far. I’m still leveling… regardless of rules.
Get some legs for it with thumb screws. Anything to make it harder for the prospector
Yea I hear ya man! I’m moving rocks regardless, that’s not hurting anything. Legs aren’t a bad idea though. I’ve had instances where I really could use em!
1872 mining law specifically states a miner has what is called a miners right to be able to enjoy all of the erea inside his or her claim. These new rules ultimate, dredging and high banking all together. This violates federal mining law 1872 right to enjoy all erea in one's mining claim. This also seems like a violation to my pursuit of happiness. I think we should qll get together and sue the state of Washington for violating our rights. I do not believe any situations buy any agency would hold up in supreme court with the 1872 law still in place. In Washington state know one owns any river from one bank side to the other. It is collectively owned by every Washington resident. In that case any resident can get a permit to use there rivers water. If you can legally pump water from a river or creek up above high water mark. Then pumping water on federal not state land to a high banker above high water mark that discharges to land that does not enter below the high water mark has nothing to do with the state or anything to do with fish. So how can this be illegal. It's ridiculous and a attack on our freedoms. Even dredging not allowed at any time is a violation of our rights. Dredging as long as having a season opened to where no spawning is taken place cleans rivers. In other states like Idaho rivers allow dredging with in season timing according to spawning with each river. Other states w out gold quctually dredge rivers to make them healthier for fish. I have done every form of mining and I am very cautious of living every erea I'm in better than when I came. I love rivers more than anything and I can honestly say the only thing that should not be allowed is high banking on the bank discharging bank ran material into the river or creek. Running material from inside the rivers water discharging back into the river with season timing for spawning and running material out of the river discharging above the high water mark has very very if qny negative affects on fish. Most Miners like myself also keep there claims free of garbage. I caught some guy dumping out his ash tray and throwing his beer cans out from his truck on my claim and made him pick it all up then took it from him to make sure it did not get dumped out somewhere else. People camping cause for more damage than miners do but you don't see them out laying camping yet anyways. These laws should make every prospector or miner outraged. Every time they make a none voted rule qnd put it into place we lose that right not gift and we never ever get it back. It ends up becoming what it is now only a couple of people at the most even know what all the rules are and that's if they have spent days studying it all. The average person will never know the rules and will never give it a try or will just quit going and give up and that is illegal in its own rights to over regulate something to the point of eliminating it. We need less rules less state power more freedom. Washington state has the worst ming laws of any state by far even California. A few years ago you could run a 5 inch dredge w no permit in Washington state. 5 years from now we won't even be allowed to pay for gold. This is our future qnd it's disgusting. We all should form a agency then make a bunch of rules and laws with no votes or say so for DEQ and fish and wildlife. Control everything they do we do pay the taxes that fund these unelected state agencies that are given the power to make any law they want to. First law for them no more use of qny combustible or electric engines of pavement. they have to only use man powered tools. only walking is allowed unless they use horses and pick up qll of there poop. 2nd rule they need to buy a permit to come onto qny mining claim or carry a our pamphlet in a binder with them and read qnd understand qll of our rules we made for there agency. 3rd rule only one of them can work together whenever on a mining claim and only can come onto a mining claim from sunset to sunrise. they can look during the day but can not interfere with any miner during the miners working time period. will make around a 100 rules for them then have the rules vary depending on the time of year and where the claims are at. This way it will be so confusing, none productive qnd frustrating that they all will spend most of there time trying to figure out our rules before they just give up qnd if they complain about anything we will be very slow to get back w them then give them the run around before saying nothing we can do right now but thanks for voicing your opinion. This is my rant thank-you for qnyone that read all of this don't tread on mining
That is a great read Travis. Thanks for taking the time to thoroughly go through this. I completely agree with everything you said and it is scary for what the future brings. I know a lot of people on here (probably 100%) that can agree with this statement. I do zero harm and take care of the creek on my property. I treat it like my living space, keeping it clean, making improvements and ultimately enjoying it. I’d love to start a coalition and fight current laws. I just don’t have the slightest idea where to start. I’m afraid my kids won’t be able to do what I do currently and that disturbs me. I’m actively trying to get a permit through WDFW to use a motorized pump on Washington beaches to do some high banking. The Phamplet says I just need an HPA, but as I go through this, I’m up to 6 different things I need to do to get approved. It’s ridiculous and I’m sure that average person would of given up, but not me. I’m getting this dang permit coke hell or high water. I hope it goes smoothly, but I’m willing to fight for it. Thanks again For commenting. Your comment goes a long way and I know for a fact people appreciate it. Thanks for that. Your opinion matters to me.
Was it signed by Governor Jay Inslee?
I have no idea Gun if this document is signed by Inslee.
Just need to figure out how far a state FW employee will walk to follow a hand tool miner and catch him be naughty, then walk 1/2 mile farther. If you only prospect next to your car or ATV you will have to be good.
For sure my brother. The rules are crazy. And I’ve never seen anyone come up to me and question what I was doing or how I was doing it. However I appreciate you stopping by my friend! Thanks for the support!
They use drones now lol
@@retiredafce3373 I never even thought of that but how true! Hey thanks for your service brother! I’m retired AF as well! 🫡🇺🇸 Good luck on your next gold adventure!
@@StoneyCreekSparkchaser oh that’s cool. I’m from the Skagit River area.
Thanks for the video!
@@retiredafce3373 that’s awesome! I hear there’s some good good up there. I’m from the Olympia area. I have good luck towards the Cascades :)
Do you live in Washington state? I have just found you and looking for someone in WA
I sure do. A lot of the prospecting folks on here are from the Seattle metro area.
@StoneyCreekSparkchaser yay! I live in Seattle. Is there a group or local website to join
I think Snoqualmie River is good. Can you suggest places to go?
Sorry for the late reply, been really busy lately. As for groups, I know of a few down in southwestern wa and I belong to one of them, but like I said, they are more towards Mt. Adams and Mt. Rainer. I would start maybe Googling the county you live in for any gold groups or prospecting clubs. I know a tiger mountain has some streams with gold but it may be shut down to prospecting. There’s a guy on here called GSProspecting and he’s more in your area. Message on one of his videos and see if he has any leads on where to go. He may do some on the Green River, just not sure where on it. I do plan on going up there one of these days to prospect with him and I can always ask if he wouldn’t mind if we bring other people. You aren’t the only one who has been asking to meet up and find some gold. I’m trying to get something set up where we can have people meet and learn how to prospect. So if still interested, I’ll let you know at a later time. But yea, you can prospect pretty much anywhere. Just make sure it’s not private land or on someone’s else claim when on national forest land. My apologies if this ain’t the answer your seeking. Even down where I’m at, there’s not a lot of places to go. Oh and the Liberty area has some gold along the highway as well. Another UA-camr, MJIRL, you can always message her and see what she’s up too. She’s starting to get into it and would probably love to show you around. 😎
I just sent you a message on your previous comment. Hopefully it helps. I have heard people finding gold on the Sno, where at, that I have no idea and it’s probably a well kept secret 🤣
Everytime I go to a sporting good section in Walmart,fredmyer etc they never have any pamphlets, I got it downloaded on my phone tho. I know they want people to have a hard copy but how can we if these places don't have them and of you have no printer
What’s up brother Anthony? Man I’ll tell ya, with technology today, I honestly think you’d be ok if you have this in digital form on your phone or tablet. I mean what’s the difference, and you could argue that point. As for having it on your person as well, if I’m not mistaken, we are getting out of the season with timing restrictions so you wouldn’t need this on your person anyway if you are in any of those spots. But if you really wanted a paper copy. I would call in to WDFW (one of there 6 officers) and ask them to send you one. Tell them your situation and they should help out. There is always kinkos and Office Depot where they can print copies for you if you have a file. Hope this all helps my friend 😎
@@StoneyCreekSparkchaser will do that. Thanks man.
But they do.
What if you use a recirculating pump and a bin to keep your water in? I'm hung up on that
Hey Brandon! Thanks for checking in. Yea so I had someone else comment the same thing and I’m still trying to get a hold of WDFW to bring up that exact question. I think the guy is on vacation or something. I’m hoping this week I can get some info on that and as soon as I do I’ll message you so stay posted. Also I commented on this other guys comment with what my interpretation is on that, so maybe read that. I can’t say definitively the correct answer, but from what I see, I’d do it because I don’t exactly see that stated. Especially if your up off the bank and no water can go into the creek. I mean heck, where I filmed that, my house is right above there and I’d def run that type of set up near there, and it’ll be maybe 50 feet away. So yea. I’ll try and get back as soon as I can. Sorry the rules aren’t clear. And remember, I don’t work for them 😊! Im just trying to follow the rules like everyone else :)
@@StoneyCreekSparkchaser Washington needs to adopt more "user freindly rules" like motors for instance maybe they should look into adopting BCs rules on highbanking with the 100 foot setback and no direct discharge into creek. There are far more better and common sense rules that can be implemented. As far as fish are concerned,nothing about prospecting or dredeging for that matter harm fish. You get rules like Washington has when you let rich enviromental groups, and likewise special interest groups lining the pockets of there elected officials. Just my 2 cents on this issue great video and very informative.
A pump being powered by a battery is not a motor in any way so technically you can do that. Now if your used a gas generator that would be a no no technically and when it comes to the law technically is the only thing that matters.
Best bet would be to use an electric generator that plugs into a 12v recirculating pump or connect a pump directly to the terminals on battery you haul down with you. Look into the jackery solar generators to keep your costs lower. Very very simple to use and recharge and not to expensive either. Until then just use a car battery
TOO many rules!
You’re telling me Vet! My head just hurt from trying to explain it. Thanks for watching and commenting my friend. Super appreciate you and thanks for your service! Without people like you we wouldn’t have what we have! I salute you! 🫡
Can you run an electric recirculating system on the high benches away from the river/creek?
Hey DropRIGHTin! That is such a great question. I can’t find anything definitive in the rule book regarding this so I’d put this in a “Gray” zone for sure. Nothing says anything about a recirculating pump. You def can’t pull water from a river/creek with anything powered (see page 1, right side in bold). This page also gives the option to apply for a different type of Hydraulic Project Approval (HPA) to use equipment that is deemed unlawful. Page 8 also has a definition for Gravity siphon aquatic mining which doesn’t really apply. So to honestly answer your question, I don’t have the answer. Would I feel comfortable taking a risk using an electric recirc pump away from a river/creek where there is no means of any sediment/muddy waters going into the creek? I absolutely would and beg for forgiveness later. I have to admit that some of these are written kind of vague. You can always reach out to WDFW to try and get an answer. I had really good luck contacting region 3 - (509) 754-4624 and asking for someone with knowledge of this pamphlet that can answer questions. If you do reach out, if you remember, can you put your answer of what you found here? Maybe someone else has the same question and will like to know the info. I’ll also try and get a hold of my contact and ask the question that you presented and when I get the answer I’ll post it so you can see it. Just might take a few days to a week to get a hold of him. Thanks again my friend and I hope this helped. Sorry it wasn’t the answer I think you were looking for.
@evergreen prospectors I agree with you 1000%. I understand why they have rules, but wow did they limit the casual prospector! I still haven’t received a reply from WDFW about the electric pump. I’ll need to reconnect after the 4th.
I've been doing what I want. I stay stealth and open carry a .45. Tends to keep the liberal blue haired weirdo nosey types away.
what about Beach mining ????
Hey Carl! Great question and it’s one that I’ve been working on. I’m trying to figure out the whole permit process and once that’s figured out I was going to share that and go over the rules. The bureaucracy can be overwhelming. Stay tuned though. I’ll have something. Thanks again for the comment and support!
What about the bull trout? Where do you live?
I really don’t follow Bull trout so I don’t know. I live in southwestern washington. Not sure if there is a big population of them down here to be honest.
Is dredging completely banned here in Washington?
Hey Robert! Unfortunately the answer is yes, but I think with some caveats. There are some places in eastern Washington that are allowed, but you have to get a HPA and other permits to use motorized equipment. Now I could be wrong in that interpretation, but if you read carefully and see the permits you need, it sounds like you can. I could always be wrong though. The best thing you can do is to contact WDFW where you live and ask that question for a specific area you want to dredge. They might be able to tell you yea or nay. And if it’s a yea, then they should tell you what permits you need to start. It’s definitely a hassle and people don’t want to cut through the red tape to do so. I’ve been to many creeks where dredging used to be allowed and they just sit there covered rotting away. I think the only place left that allows this is Oregon (some places), Idaho and possibly Montana. Hope this helps :)
I don’t follow tyrant laws. I live by the golden rules and will do no such obeying to orders
Thanks for the comment Jayda. I know it’s frustrating and you do you my brother. I wish you luck prospecting and hope you get rich! 😎
Thank you and I hope you such luck as well my friend looking forward to seeing gold in your pans!!
Appreciate that Jayda! Thanks for the support!
A miner has a right to mine his claim.
Agreed 1000%
Evidently you weren't paying attention during ruby ridge and waco
I get what you’re saying. Government has too much control, especially with prospecting. I don’t get it.
The government is not allowed to hog all the gold in the treasury. And take peopes lands with gold.
Absolutely correct. Yet they do
nat
atbot GPT-3 [:|]... "thank you. may the pickers be your first classification" [BEEP]
Thanks Brydn! Heavy pans my friend. Make sure you check my new video out this Friday evening… you’ll see how it goes with this video 😂
7:32 the reason you're here.
Jyoshi! I appreciate that my friend! Thanks for the time stamp to get right to the point! Appreciate the support, comment and for checking this out! Good luck out there this year!
@@StoneyCreekSparkchaser Hey! I'm interesting in prospecting but I don't know if other agencies like the U.S. Forest Service or the Corps require me to have a permit, or even how to ask them.
In that rule book in the first 5 or so pages it lists all of this agencies and explains if you need any permits. I know fir a fact US forest service doesn’t require one and this book satisfies that. So just check on those few pages and you should be good to go. Most likely, just need this book! Good luck out there and let me know if you need anything else :)
@@StoneyCreekSparkchaser Thanks! I skimmed through it again and yeah it doesn't seem like I need any other odd permits
@@Jyoshi0 exactly what I though! Sweet Jyoshi! Now get out there with a pan and find some gold!
😂, wow now I know why ppl pan outside this state
Absolutely Mojo. It’s crazy, but I still prospect and get good results. Thanks for the comment and support my friend,
Rediculous rules based on faulty science. I wont be going to Washington anytime soon,such a shame to because Washington is a great state to prospect.
SD, I really can’t disagree with you on that. I really like this state for prospecting but they limit it to the point where you can’t even go out and have fun. They might be almost to the point where they will regulate the size of shovel we have to use. Thanks for commenting my friend. Hopefully soon we can loosen some of these rules and let people have more freedom. Appreciate you my friend 😎
@@StoneyCreekSparkchaser I live in N.C, we have great laws on the books for now. This should concern everybody we all should stand up for prospecting and small scale mining. We do more for the envirement then any of the so called envirmentalists.
Completely agree SD! Washington really hasn’t been fun lately. I’m originally from PA and moved out here because of the military and so much has changed in 20 years. We used to be able to use motorized equip out here but now we can’t! So all of those guys that bought dredges and other equipment have to go out of state. It’s a shame. We’re on the same wavelength, trust ne
I just subbed your channel, I see you don’t have any videos but when you do (and you should) UA-cam is a great place for content. I’ll be sure and check it out!
@@StoneyCreekSparkchaser Thanks i just subbed yours im geting ready to do my first youtube video lol its only been 2.5 years.
More rules to keep the poor poor.
Unfortunately you are correct! Thanks for the comment though my friend. I appreciate it :)
Do these rules apply to the Washington state's ocean Beaches?
Hey Mike! I believe they do. There is a 1-2 page section on Beach Prospecting that I haven’t had time to do yet. But yea… I think the same rules apply which in all honesty is ridiculous. I made these videos just to make people aware. I’m not with the state or any enforcement agency. Just a regular guy wanting to find some gold. Now would I go out there and use a recirculating pump and beg for forgiveness… you bet. But I can’t tell you what to do. Hey thanks again for commenting and subscribing. I did the same and your channel looks great. Same wavelength my brother 😎
@@StoneyCreekSparkchaser Thanks for the info. I recently retired and just got into prospecting.
I've been wanting to prospect on Washington state beaches for a while now. It is disappointing to hear about so many strict rules.
@@themikeflanders3470 congrats on retiring and yea it’s a bummer. It’s really unfortunate because Washington beaches have some of the best gold around. I mean tons! These rules really put our older folks and people with disabilities at a disadvantage and it’s not fair. I’ll try and get out to the coast here soon and do a quick video. Maybe I can even find someone to talk to and see if these rules will ever get relaxed. But yea, welcome to the wonderful world of prospecting. If you ever want to meet up or anything I know a few spots on creeks where I can guarantee you’ll find gold. Just hit me up :) I live near the Capitol of all places :)
@@StoneyCreekSparkchaser I would love to join you on a prospecting adventure. I have not found any gold yet. I live in Sandpoint Idaho. Supposedly there are places, I just don't know where.
Send me a DM. I'm game. I have a blue bowl, gold hog stream sluice, all the classifier sizes and not enough knowledge 😁.
@@StoneyCreekSparkchaser how can I direct message you. I don't see an option
Rules were made to break them lets go
I love your channel name!!! Hahaha! Welcome my friend! Thanks for checking this out… As a wise man once said “if it doesn’t fit… you must acquit”. :)
@@StoneyCreekSparkchaser yah thanks I sell on Ebay. I have a trillion-dollar invention to classify black sand even with the restrictions, if you are allowed to take a couple buckets home, I could classify it down in 5 minutes. I live in Michigan and plan on trying it out up north, but it would be nice to be out west, I need to find an investor, but nobody is going to pay upfront for something they know nothing about. I emailed gold hog and it's been crickets.
@@Draintheswamp2024 that sounds very interesting! I know everybody is trying to develop a way to make prospecting easier and you never know… you may have something that is a hot ticket. You sparked my curiosity…. Would you mind given me a little taste via email what your thinking? I’m not on here to rip your intellectual property from you so if you decide not too then I totally understand. But if you do end up putting it to the test, please let me know how it goes if you remember! I love testing new ideas and like you, I love tinkering around trying to make processes better. Good luck my friend!
@@StoneyCreekSparkchaser let me try it out and if it works as good as I think it will maybe I can come out west and we can clean up. I thought about the idea watching the guys in Nome and I figure 10 ounces a day up to hundreds if not thousands of ounces. I just need to put it to work and get a nest egg going that way I don't have to work and perhaps go out to Alaska and really clean up. I would say if I can capture 100% of the fine gold, this will go down in history as the best possible way to classify material.
Umm yea for sure my friend! Keep me posted and I wish you the best of luck! I’m rooting for you :) you will become a gold legend 😎😎😎 let’s go!
So ultimately use common sense and try to do the least amount of damage to the environment as possible
You are absolutely right… I still think there are way too many rules, but I guess they are there for a reason. Hoping the rules for 2023 are a bit more lax. Appreciate you coming by and hope you have a wonderful Holiday!
Not everything is about Washington
True
Why don't we not live. They'd have us follow stupid rules 'I'll stand where I want.
Me too :)
why bother the greenies closed all fun everywhere
Hey Tucson Man. Thanks for the comment and support my friend. I understand your comment and agree with you that we have some pretty over the top rules. I bother because I still love prospecting and want to be outside and find some gold. If we let ourselves not go outside then Washington wins even more. I just have to keep going out there to show that it still can be done, even though it gets harder and harder. Thanks again my friend. I hope these rules get more lax in the coming years. It’s a hope though.
A federal mining claim owner has the mining rights to enjoy all of everything with in his mining claim. So tgese laws in Washington are illegal. State cab not Trump federal law.
I completely agree with you Travis 😎 I don’t know how a state law can trump federal law. It seems like Washington tries to though which isn’t right. Yea man. We’re on the same page and thanks for commenting what you just said. I was just trying to educate people on what Washington is doing. I definitely don’t agree with a lot of what’s written and I’m not with the state or any enforcement agency. Just trying to find some gold, have some fun and dig a couple holes. Thanks again man and I really hope more people can see this and that it leads to some change! Appreciate you my friend :)
Screw the fish.
They do make it difficult don’t they? 😎
They try and keep usfrom finding gold. We ain't babies. Who made these rules'
I agree with you Helen! You can thank Washington state for this
no freedom in Washington
Less and less each year. Everything is overregulated. Fishing, Hunting, metal detecting, prospecting, etc. pretty much anything outside. I think Washington wants to keep us inside on our devices so we can continue the divide. Hmm…
@@StoneyCreekSparkchaser not mutch gold on my river or people ignorance of the law is not a defense but first they have to catch me
Stupid rules how gay,screw that ,there ain't no gold in Washington rivers anyhow
Hey Manuel. Yea… the rules… I’m not happy with them along with a lot of other people, but it’s not keeping me out of the waterways searching for gold. There may not be heaps and heaps of gold, but I’m telling you… there’s gold and it’s in a lot of the rivers. Just have to get out there and keep searching for it. Anyhow, hopefully you keep the passion and keep searching. It’s there, it’s fun to get and you could be rewarded. Appreciate your support and stopping by. Good luck to you sir :)
GET TO THE POINT,, no ramble,, stop,,
My apologies Jersey John Hill.
I think the law violates American disability act. I am so crippled that for me to have access to such activity is the use of motorized equipment. Just like you can hunt with a cross bow if your wheelchair bound
Hey Eric! Thanks for commenting and your support. It’s much appreciated. And you’re not the first person who’s commented on that, so yes, that’s a real problem. It may benefit to try and call WDFW and see what they have to say about that. Everyone should have an equal opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and being disabled shouldn’t be a limiting factor. Thanks again for the comment Eric. I hope you have a great week. If I ever contact WDWF again, I’ll ask that question and get back to you :)
just pick the biggest rocks out and poof classified lol
🤣 Pretty much Nate! Thanks for the support my friend!