Welcome Jason,

As with any technology, how much you want to spend ?
Garmin puts out several hand held devices, I have an older Garmin Rhino that works well in mountainous terrain, really more than one needs.
I'm sure there are other manufacturers out there as well
Cabelas or Bass Pro website would have all the info you need
Some have said you can download an app to your phone that does not need cell service, works like GPS.
Good thinking on your part, it is your responsibility to know, you are where you belong

Get out there and find some gold, stop and enjoy the surroundings

Bill

Hey Bill, Thanks for the reply. I’m willing to drop $200-$250 and not much more. Maybe I’ll check out those apps and bass pro and cabelas. As for knowing where I’m working, yeah, I don’t want to inadvertently jump someone’s claim and end up with a gun pointed at me or get cited by the USFS and get slapped with a fine. Which Garmin model are you using ?

I have an older Garmin 530HCx
I asked for a GPS hand held for christmas, not expecting anything really = few dollars, Santa was very good to me
Depending on your location, software loaded, you may consider getting something that will accept an SD card with loaded topo's and other maps
GPS comes in very handy for many reasons and abilities
Jumping a claim is someone "claiming" over another claim to sell or ?, what you dont want to do is "high grade" anothers claim, going on someone else's claim taking minerals
You can do most anything on a valid mining claim, except mine for minerals. You can camp, fish, swim, walk the dog, no mining "IF" the claim is valid
Generally speaking, you should never let someone point a gun at you, "most" folks out there are there for the fun pleasure of being out. Be respectful but peaceful, expect the same
I have been lied to about a claim, after doing the research, I learned differently.
Dont believe everything you hear, research it
Get out and find the fever.

Bill

Great info, I’ve learned a few things just by reading your replies. Thanks Bill it is much appreciated !

I use a Garmin 64s it has lots of great features and its in your price range.

i have owned a couple Garmin GPS units in the past but no longer use one. I use my cell phone exclusively. All newer cell phones have a built in gps chip that uses satellite technology. You DO NOT need cell phone reception to utilize the gps function. But you do need to download an app designed for hiking, hunting, etc. I personally use GAIAGPS downloaded from the app store for my iphone. I have also used it on an Android phone. They have a free version and a paid version that has a few more bells and whistles but not necessary.

You can put in a claims corner markers latitude and longitude locations as waypoints prior to going in the field so you will know when on the claim. Or you can find a corner marker in the field and make a waypoint at that precise location. This app will also track you as you travel if you want.

Check out www.gaiagps.com for more details.

Best of luck gold hunting!!

[quote]
Posted By John Watkins on 12 Nov 2019 11:16 PM
i have owned a couple Garmin GPS units in the past but no longer use one. I use my cell phone exclusively. All newer cell phones have a built in gps chip that uses satellite technology. You DO NOT need cell phone reception to utilize the gps function. But you do need to download an app designed for hiking, hunting, etc. I personally use GAIAGPS downloaded from the app store for my iphone. I have also used it on an Android phone. They have a free version and a paid version that has a few more bells and whistles but not necessary.

You can put in a claims corner markers latitude and longitude locations as waypoints prior to going in the field so you will know when on the claim. Or you can find a corner marker in the field and make a waypoint at that precise location. This app will also track you as you travel if you want.

Check out www.gaiagps.com for more details.

Best of luck gold hunting!!
[/quote]
Hey John. I got the gps app on my phone also use google maps but the cords are off. When I tried to find the claim I just bought.
I happens to find one corner by accident then worked out where I was.
I remember something about having to set my gps to NAD 83??? Guessing the updates to google and such make it off from what seller sent. Anyhow how do I change to that nad83 ??

On a Gaiagps system To change datum go to settings, units, dayum type, change to WGS84.
Happy prospecting! :-)