Im north of Scottsdale and have been into Lapidary for some time, Cab King setup for grinding and polishing cabs; love to go hiking and look for new rocks. I read something about metal detecting, and did my research, ending up with a Minelab GTX 4500. Im still learning how to use it by having a 'garden' at home that I seed with stuff so i can figure out the machine. I bought Garrett pans and have been playing around with paydirt to hone my skills. Now I feel I am ready to go exploring.....then I read that if you are found in a claim you can be arrested and have your gear taken....scared me! Plus, if someone one shoots at me I return fire!!

 ANY info would be very welcome. I did get a Garmin handheld GPS and am learning to use it as well....I didnt grow up getting to go outside and camp and such, so everything I am learning is self taught. I so wish I had an uncle or brother or something that could help LOL.