I'm as green as you Quant. Thanks to Steve and all the others here that have posted I've been picking up information here and there. I am thinking just like real estate, the 3 most important things are location, location, location, then experience and equipment. Are you a member of Gold Prospectors Association of America(GPAA)? Membership includes a Mining Guide access to claims and gold pan, woo hoo! At least you will be on some claims where you will not get shot.
Got my detectors down to the point that if I get in a gold bearing location good chance I'll be able to find it unless it's just to fine. Heading out to WY, and NV in another couple of weeks. Taking the xterra 705, MX5, and my Whites PI detectors. Maybe we will cross paths while roaming around out west. Best of luck.