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Safety

This is not your usual lecture, really.

One thing we all need to keep in mind in the desert is safety. With gold prospecting this takes on a new meaning. For instance when panning NEVER stir the material in the gold pan with your hand, use a stick or other object. Arizona's washes and creeks can have a lot of old nasty, rusty metal left from the old timers who were gold prospecting that can give you nasty injuries. This also applies to metal detecting when gold prospecting. When you have a signal and move a few inches of dirt never do so with your bare hands, a rusty nail or piece of metal can pierce your hand quick. This also applies to gold dredging underwater when you cannot see your hands and even dry washing. No one wants a tetanus shot. Think about it.

Also you need to consider snakes, scorpions, bees and unfortunately in this day and age people. Personally I carry a gun as the old saying goes its better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. Also always bring plenty of water with you and food. Let someone know where you are going and who you are going with. Stick to the plan. Stay away from old gold prospecting mine shafts. Stay of the desert in the summer, the heat can be as high as 130+ degrees and you won't last long in it. If you gold prospect at night bring at least two vehicles so you can be out of the desert come a few hours after the sun has risen.

When gold prospecting snake chaps/gaiters act as snake protection as well as protection from cactus.

Best of luck...Rod