Prospecting and Exploration Field Courses Notes
Required Level of Physical Fitness
Our prospecting field courses involves walking and hiking over moderately hilly terrain, usually no more than a few hundred meters from the vehicles. Most of the field sites are in low elevation areas of the Williams Lake, Quesnel and Prince George. Expect to spend time in the field regardless of rain, cold or heat (within reason).
All students should feel comfortable working in these conditions, please be sure you can spend full day outdoor in the conditions outlined. If you are concerned about your level of physical fitness or ability to work outdoors, or if you have a medical condition that may affect your ability to work in the conditions outlined, we do not recommend you take these courses.
Dates and Times
Arrival
Course participants are expected to arrive at the latest at 8:00 at the location and date announced. Do not be late, meeting locations are chosen because they are easy to find, we will move to different locations throughout the day.
Departure
Arrival and departure arrangements is the responsibility of the course participants.
On most courses the schedule will be:
• 9:00 - 18:00 Lectures and field activities, bring lunch for in the field (see bellow)
• 12:00 - 13:00 Break for lunch.
• 17:00 - 18:00 Discussion, questions.
Food
Meals are not provided, please bring appropriate provisions, including plenty of water for drinking throughout the day. Restaurants or even gas stations are not within reach during the 1 hour lunch.
Man's best friend
We strongly discourage bringing your pets. They attract predators, are distracting and annoying for other course participants. Our courses are very intensive and require our students' full attention.
Directions
Direction to the sites will be sent out after course registration by text or emails, please provide at least one way to contact you. Rides are not offered, you must secure your own transportation to and from the site.
Weather Conditions
Our instruction sites are located in the proximity of Williams Lake, Quesnel or Prince George. Come prepared for the weather. We will reschedule classes if there are thunderstorms, heavy rain, bellow 5 or over 27°C.
Equipment List
Make sure you come prepared with the appropriate personal and field gear (see list below). We cannot stress enough, the importance of good sturdy field boots. If you are buying new boots, spend a few days breaking them in before coming to field courses. We do not recommend the steel tow boots as they may and will interfere with your metal detector, be warned. Absolutely no flip-flops, sandals, and alike. We recommend you buy your metal detector from a local reputable dealer; beside supporting local economy, the local businesses offer great after market support.
Metal detecting (mandatory)
• You need a prospecting metal detector, if you are unsure if the model you have is suitable, contact your instructor before committing to the course or contact your local metal detector dealer. We do not have “spare” equipment or offer equipment for rent
• Headphones (optional, highly recommended). Caveat: do not use headphones around fast moving water, along active roads, when you work alone, where predators like bears are known to roam, or during class
• Fresh batteries, and/or fully charged rechargeable batteries (enough spares to last through the length of the course)
• Plastic scoop
• Digging tool
• Plastic gold pan (optional)
• Container to store your finds, we don't recommend glass vials
• Accessory coils (optional)
• Metal detector manual
• Writing supplies to take notes
Personal (use common sense)
• Good solid hiking boots, see previous comment regarding steel toe boots
• Clothing for both hot and cold weather; must be confortable
• Personal hygiene items
• Rain gear (waterproof, breathable)
• Hat
• Gloves (work gloves, cold weather gloves)
• Sunglasses
• Wrist or pocket watch
• Day pack (big enough to hold extra clothing, rain gear, rock samples, lunch and water)
• Pocket first-aid kit
• Bug repellent
• Sunscreen and lip balm
• Water bottle
• Any required medication
• Spare prescription glasses (if required)
• Camera (optional)
• Binoculars (optional)
Geological (optional) - only for hard rock prospecting courses
• Rock hammer (pointed-end variety)
• Safety glasses (required)
• Hand lens (10x magnification, on a string)
• Pocket knife (Swiss army style)
• Pen magnet
• Large permanent black marker (chisel tip)
• Pencils, eraser, color pencils (8-16 colors)
• Douglas protractor (square navigational)
• Clipboard (optional)
• Small ruler or scale bar (metric scale bar)
• Rock and mineral guide (optional)
Finally, in case the course require staying overnite in a campsite
• Alcohol, drugs, and firearms do not mix. Our camps are drugs free. You can bring your firearms as long as is not visible and is securely kept in the vehicle according to law
• Never keep loaded guns in the campsite
• Observe campsite fires precautions and respect fire bans
• Always have a mean of communication with “civilized”world: phone, satellite phone, two way radios, personal locator beacons (PLB), satellite messengers (SPOT), etc
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact your instructor by phone at 604-728-0663 or email