Gold Panning Laws in Maine – What Prospectors Need to Know
The gold panning laws in Maine are among the most clearly defined in New England. Maine uses a 4-class system for recreational gold prospecting, ranging from hand panning (Class 1,…
Stay informed with important Rules for gold panning, treasure hunting, and land use. Learn the regulations that protect you and the environment.
Gold Panning Laws in North Carolina – What Prospectors Need to Know
The gold panning laws in North Carolina allow recreational hand panning in national forests without a permit, as long as only hand tools are used and no significant stream disturbance…
Gold Panning Laws in Utah – What Prospectors Need to Know
The gold panning laws in Utah allow recreational hand panning on BLM land and national forest land without a state permit, provided the activity qualifies as casual use under federal…
Gold Panning Laws in Texas – What Prospectors Need to Know
The gold panning laws in Texas allow recreational gold panning on private land with the landowner's permission, but public land access for prospecting is extremely limited. Texas has very little…
Gold Panning Laws in New Mexico – What Prospectors Need to Know
The gold panning laws in New Mexico allow recreational hand panning on BLM and National Forest land open to mineral entry without a permit, classified as "casual use" under federal…
Is it Legal to Pan for Gold in the United States?
Is it legal to pan for gold in the United States? Yes. Recreational hand panning with basic tools is allowed on most Bureau of Land Management and National Forest land…
Gold Panning Laws in New Hampshire – What Prospectors Need to Know
The gold panning laws in New Hampshire are more restrictive than many prospectors expect. Hand panning does not require a state permit under RSA 482-A:3, but you must have written…
Gold Panning Laws in Maryland – What Prospectors Need to Know
The gold panning laws in Maryland are restrictive on public land but allow prospecting on private property with landowner permission. Rock collecting is prohibited on state-owned lands unless permission is…
Gold Panning Laws in Tennessee – What Prospectors Need to Know
The gold panning laws in Tennessee allow recreational hand panning on public land and private land with the landowner's permission. Tennessee does not require a state permit for recreational gold…
Gold Panning Laws in Georgia – What Prospectors Need to Know
The gold panning laws in Georgia are straightforward: recreational hand panning is legal and does not require a surface mining permit. Georgia's Environmental Protection Division (EPD) explicitly exempts hobbyists who…