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For Pete's sake (pardon the pun), don't go investing a million bucks on mining equipment just yet! Learn how to find gold first! I go against the grain with alot of fellers on some subjects, but this one is important. All the equipment in the world ain't worth nothin' if you can't find the color! Start small and move up! When you can find gold consistantly, then by all means...spend away. Here's a good list to start with:

The bottom line is this, pack just like you were goin' camping in the woods. ALWAYS have yer' safety gear! Trust me! Remember to pack in and out. Fill any holes you dig and always be aware of yer' surroundings. Gold ain't always a walk in the park to find, but yer' hooked the first time you see the color in yer' pan I promise ya'

Shovel - Digs yer' dirt
Gold Panning Kit from Garrett - Comes w/ Gold Pan,magnifying glass, sucker, glass vials, tweezers, medium classifier...etc.
Magnet - for removing black sand
First aid kit, knife, flint, emergency water filtration
Gold sluice - Goes in the stream and processes a lot more dirt!
Couple of five gallon buckets - Holds yer' dirt
Screen classifier - Removes larger rocks from the dirt
Outdoor and hiking gear (gold sometimes is out in the woods ya' see) GPS unit or compass

Waders - For the wimps
Boots - Still get yer' feet wet if the water runs in em', but don't be a baby