Has Anyone Else Been Harassed Whilst Prospecting?

[Andyy]

5 hours ago, Norvic said:

Have become very "cowardish" over the years due to these experiences that highlight the old saying "Gold brings out the best in mans ingenuity, the worst in his nature"

Nah, you've just grown smarter, Norvic.  I carry a small 9mm (that doesn't bother the GPZ) in case I run across people who shoot first.  But if someone asked me to leave, I would avoid the trouble, as well (keeping my gun hidden)  There are still plenty of other places to search.  

[Erik Oostra]

2 hours ago, Andyy said:

I carry a small 9mm (that doesn't bother the GPZ) in case I run across people who shoot first

thankfully i can't even imagine saying this.. but next time a cranky tourist gets abusive, i'll be sure to ask him if he's got a gun.. if he does i'll stop arguing and leg it as fast as i can..  

[Reg Wilson]

Likewise......

[jrbeatty]

Me as well. Sort of related:

When I first started detecting I Thought I'd be a smart*rse and sneaked into a well known rich paddock (Slip Up Lead at Tarnagulla) under the cover of an early morning fog. I latched onto a nice sub oz piece just as the fog lifted alarmingly quickly, leaving me exposed and stranded. 

The owner (Hedley Price) spotted me while feeding livestock nearby and quickly drove up beside me in his old ww2 "blitz" truck.

In a panic (and not knowing what else to do) I put my hands up in mock surrender.  Hedley (fortunately) saw the humorous side of it all and chuckled! I showed him the piece I'd just found, he wished me further luck and drove off.

Having learned my lesson, I've always asked permission from that day forward and rarely ever been refused.