Some Topo Help Please

[ToadWhisperer]

I'm brand new to this and have been trying to find some old tailings to use my gold detector on while trying to avoid trespassing on anyones claim. In the areas I'm researching for possible sites I've come across heavily shaded areas on the topo (see below). Does this represent a patented claim?

Click to enlarge

 

[snakejim]

Most likely. Check at the county tax office and ask to look at the MTP for the area you are interested in. An MTP lists all private/patented property. You still need to ask BLM to show you where the unpatented active mining claims are in the same area.

 

[ToadWhisperer]

n/t

 

[ToadWhisperer]

Thanks, it seems that nuggetshooting involves as much work on your butt as it does on your feet

 

[Allen in MT]

Yes these are claims and more than likely are hard rock claims. I have seen alot of these. It looks as though some of them are layed thru federal property and private property. But it never hurts to check just to make sure. What is the date of the topo map.Looks like you can tell what range section and township you are in and even the drainage. Call the BLM office in Billings as that is where all BLM and Forest Service claims are on file. If you are not familare with the LR2000, google this and then call and they will walk you thru it. If you know the name of claim or claim owners name thay will be glad to look it up for you. You are on the right path.
Allen in MT

 

[ToadWhisperer]

Hi Allen, The map is from Geocommunicator a few days ago, are they usually up to date? It's in Lewis and Clark County. Is LR200 a better resource than Geocommunicator? I've played around with both.

Joe

 

[Allen in MT]

The LR2000 is the web site for the BLM and all mining claims it and they can tell you if there is an active claim where you want to go and the type of claim when filed, or if it has expired and who owns the claim.
I think the geo communicator is a map sourse and is not upe to date monthly, where the blm can tell you when where who and times.
Allen

 

[ToadWhisperer]

Thanks Allen, I'll spend more time learning the ins and outs of LR2000
Joe