How much does it supplement your income?
Not even a little. When you include the cost of metal detectors I'm in thousands of dollars deep and to date (this is my third year of prospecting) I've only had a few days that paid for gas and food for that day lol.
What about chiggers and ticks, do you have to deal with those pesky critters too out in dry climates?
Ticks are terrible in the spring so yes, I have to deal with them. I use spray and try to be careful but I did get bit last year.
Other than your machine and digging stuff, what else does one take along while prospecting for those just in case you need it scenarios?
If I'm going a ways from the truck I take two smaller sized gold pans, multiple digging tools for cracks and crevices, loop, rock hammer, small chisel and sample bags in a couple of sizes along with water and sunscreen.
Do you hunt mostly on a claim or public land?
I've hunted both but mostly I freelance on Forest Service property.