Last Post 03 Oct 2016 07:22 AM by  ROBERT GALYAN
Tips’ for Gold Panning and Prospecting in Wyoming
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Tim Melko
Greenhorn
Greenhorn
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08 Sep 2015 02:25 PM

    I contracted gold fever recently while on Vacation this July in Cheyenne Wyoming for Frontier Days. I stopped by a little store called Diggin’ It in Cheyenne where I purchased a basic panning starter kit and a bag of pay pay-dirt to try my luck. The guy was super nice and even tried to talk me out of buying a shovel from him that he mentioned I could get cheaper at Home Depot.  I did find several little bits of gold totaling .315 Grams. It was enough to get me hooked!

     

    Unfortunately, in my excitement to come back to Wyoming and try some actual panning, I’ve put the proverbial cart before the horse and I could use a little help. I believe I have all the equipment I need and this morning I joined the GPAA hoping to gain access to the GPAA claims on Douglas Creek. However, in my haste, I failed to research / realize that there is a gold panning season in Medicine Bow National Forrest.  According to the US Forrest Service website: “Season of operation on the Medicine Bow National Forest is: July 01 to September 10 on all streams. This is to protect trout spawning habitat.” I spoke with the BLM and they thought that the closed date was for dredging operations and recommended I contact the Forest Service. And although the guy I spoke with at the Forest Service in Laramie mentioned that he wasn’t sure either way, the guidelines from their website are just confusing enough to lead me to ask for experienced opinions. http://www.fs.usda.gov/In.../stelprdb5292311.pdf

     

    I’m hoping that the GPAA Mining Guide will provide alternate locations for me to try while I’m up there. My main concern is that the Guide will show up after my flight leaves for Wyoming! Which may prevent me from having adequate time to find a place to stay or camp.

     

    I realize that I’ve done things completely out of order and may very likely pay the price for my excitement. I’m hoping that someone out there can provide me a few tips’ for gold panning and prospecting in Wyoming.

     

    Are there any other locations that I can try without claim jumping or violating any regulations?

     

    Additionally, I’m curious if any knows whether or not the Cheyenne Chapter GPAA is still active? http://www.cheyennegpaa.com/

     

     Any information you guys are willing to share will be helpful. Even if it turns out that I’ll be spending the weekend in Wyoming just fishing!

     

    ~Tim Melko~
    Joseph Loyd
    Buzzard
    Buzzard
    Posts:553



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    08 Sep 2015 06:44 PM
    I would call the forest service in the area and ask to talk to the mining person in that area .We have a mining engineer here that will answer all your questions .That is the best information I have for you .Most do not know what they are talking about.
    Clifford Parker
    Greenhorn
    Greenhorn
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    08 Sep 2015 09:09 PM
    Te Cheyenne chapter is still active as far as I know, they ha at least 2 outings to the Douglas Creek claims that I am aware of this summer. I live in Walden Colorado, just across the state line from Wyoming.
    As far as your other questions go. I'm not sure as I'm just a newbie myself.
    ROBERT GALYAN
    New Member
    New Member
    Posts:64



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    03 Oct 2016 07:22 AM

    Yes they are still active,  and have a great crew.   Some of the founders are getting up in years so are passing the reins to a younger set which is fine but a bit different.    Douglas is ok too....  But if your going to camp there remember it is Wyoming and can get real cold at night, and windy sometimes.    Its one of my favorite places....  somewhat heavily worked,  but still a little productive and a lot of fun !
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