With gold being as expensive as it is, it doesn't take much color to add up to a nice chunk of change... Of course there are. Some of these guys u see on claims with rv's do just that. Next time u see an old beat up rv, go talk to the person and they'll more than likely be more than helpful,and point u in the right direction for color. Of course if its a new $150,000 rv they are probably vacationing or u took,a wrong turn somewhere and are on a private claim. There's $ to be made if one is willing to do a lot of hard work, and u r in a good area. The down side is, it usually requires expelling a lot of $ for proper equipment and finding the right area. So, one can expect to be frustrated from time to time. Research is the key to prospecting. Claim A does not have the same amount of gold as claim B. if u r looking for big gold, u improve your odds of finding it, if your on a claim where big gold has been found in the past. Even during the gold rushes, most people packed up there bags and went home broke. A lot of prospectors it's just a hobby. I wouldn't quit my day job just yet! But, i would and will once I find an area that I can find at least 2 oz's a week. Most of the miners I've met on the claims get about 5 grams a week. That's only about $168 a week at getting 80% of gold spot price. probably enough to pay for fuel for their machines and a ramien noodle diet. 2 oz's a week translates to $2080 a week at 80% of spot. I'd be good with that. Then again, it's all about the person. These guys making $168 a week maybe good with that, but I'm sure would love more.

Hi Steven:

   Thanks for the reply and I agree with you whole-heartedly.

I hope to hear from others living the lifestyle of a prospector.

Have a great day...!

Yes you can but mining is like any other trade when you want to make money. You need to learn the trade in fact best be in the top 20% to have a good living. This is not college but some could be, mostly it is research and finding a good location and knowing how to develop and then extract gold from your mine. First things first though, you need to know your trade and how to handle or what to expect in finding, seasons, complying with regs and a very strong work ethic morning till night. What you are talking about is self employment and that means you need to be a self starter even when you do not have money or gold in your pocket. Do not mean to be harsh, for me it is a lot of fun when I get out, but there have been a lot of disappointed people that thought it was a get rich quick scene and that it is not. It does allow independence and can mean a lot of good money but usually only decent living. One good tip I have learned, the easiest place to find gold is where it has already been found. Easiest to learn when you already know what kind of gold is in the area (what form), easiest to learn when you surround yourself with people that become friends that know more about it than you. GPAA is a great place to start for all of this, the chapters are a great place to accomplish most of the basic infrastructure until or when you decide to get your own claim and be on your own. hope this is of help to you.