Gold Panning for the beginner....

[umpqua_gold]

Here is a link to an easy to follow instruction manual that I created for new prospectors.....Download, print, and have at it.
http://www.oregongoldhunters.com/ubr_up ... Manual.pdf

[Sierra Sam]

Nice little presentation there umpqua_gold!!

TIP: Throw a few BBs in your pan. If they're still there after you've worked the material down to black sand, chances are you've done a pretty good job of keeping much of that precious yellow stuff in there as well.

I've been at it since 2004 and I still toss a few in now and again to make sure I'm not getting a bit too aggressive in my eagerness to get to the bottom to see what's there.

I think you have to have a facebook page to see this kinda stuff, but this is a short video and animation of process:

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1203740026#!/video/video.php?v=1823033454620

[CalGoldDredger]

Very nice of you both to help out folks just getting started, umpqua_gold and Sierra Sam.

With panning one must practice, practice, practice, and with that will come the conception with some confidence.
And with good time the technique will be of your own style.

[russau]

maybe you ought to email this to each "miner" on the show Alaska gold! they really need it!

[Reno badboy]

I also flatten a few fish weights and paint them orange. Then throw them in front of my dredge nossle to see where they go in the box. Helps set-up.