New or Interested in Joining?

Our Club is a Non-Profit Organization.

We will be having meetings/outings at least once a month,

and most of the get-to-gethers are held on the local

claims in the Black Hills, where we can

do some prospecting and just have a good time.

Our outings are Pot-Luck so everyone brings

something to eat or drink.

( NO Alcoholic Beverages PLEASE! )

As these are family oriented outings feel free to bring

the whole family and any friends that are interested in

prospecting and having lots of FUN !

We do like to see the kids finding some gold too!

If you would like to come to one of our Meetings/Outing there is no charge.

BHPC Memberships are available to any one, you don't have to live in South Dakota to be a member. The club has 2 claims and another we call the Garnet claims area that includes several claims All are good for panning at different times through-out the year. We have a lot of members that would be happy to help get you started and show you around.

Meetings / Outings are usually the 3rd Saturday of every month. In the months where we can be outside we usually include a “Special Outing” like a Prospecting Dig or a Ghost Town tour the 1st Saturday of the month as well. These dates are posted on the website and in the monthly newsletter.

Rules on bringing a Guest to the BHPC Private Claims are - Members can bring a guest but the guest can only use pans or the club members equipment (sluice, highbanker, dredge) but not their own. After two times, the guest must become a member.

If you would like to use the club's private claims there

is a one time fee of $100

this helps with our reclamation on the claims.

If you would like to get our newsletter it's $35 per year

this includes ID Cards and also helps keep this website going.

Total for new members $135

SO COME ON OUT AND JOIN THE FUN ! !

BHPC Mining Etiquette & Claim Rules

No open fires are allowed within the National Forest

unless in an approved camping area.

Remember to pick up trash / Pack it in - Pack it out.

No loud noise (i.e. generators/music/tv’s) during the

hours of 10pm thru 7am

MINING ETIQUETTE:

a. Respect work areas of you fellow prospectors.

b. Work area shall be defined as a 10-foot radius from the

center of the area being worked.

c. A work area can be (Reserved ) for up to 48 continuous

hours from the time work began. Tools and equipment

shall be a marker to show work area is being used.

d. Fill in your holes before you leave the claim.

e. No tunneling / knocking down overburden before you

leave the claim.

f. All flammable liquids ( gas ) shall be kept a minimum of

20-feet from the center of creek / stream.

Recreational Miner’s Code of Ethics

I WILL Respect other prospector’s claims or diggings, and will not work those areas without their permission.

I WILL carry with me all necessary permits or claim papers and identification and display when asked.

I WILL be thoughtful, considerate and courteous to those around me at all times.

I WILL practice EXTREME caution when building fires where permitted, and will thoroughly

douse any fires built.

I WILL pack out what I pack in, and properly dispose of all trash and debris that I find.

I WILL protect the environment around me while prospecting or metal detecting.

I WILL fill in ALL holes I dig, weather for mining or for metal detecting.

(Unless it is in an area that is under a different Plan of Operation.)

I WILL leave the area in a better condition than what I found it.

I WILL not prospecting in areas closed to prospecting and mining.

I WILL support and follow the 1872 mining laws.

I WILL actively practice the motto of “ Respectful of the Land and Others ”

SAFETY ALWAYS!

We've had a recent spate of reports of mountain lions around our activities while members were gold prospecting. This reminds us that there are all sorts of potential dangers where our club conducts

prospecting digs, ranging from bee stings and poison ivy to mine shafts, wild animals, and human predators.

PLEASE remember to keep a close watch on your children at all times. All of us feel a responsibility for things to go well and safely, but no one can protect your children like you can. Everyone will feel much better if parents keep their children well within their visual control when we are on club activities.

We all want our club outings to remain fun - and safe.

The Club Officers

IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO ALL !!!

A lot of people have been prospecting on private BHPC claims thinking they are G.P.A.A. Claims. This should clarify what claims belong to each club.

The G.P.A.A. claims in the Black Hills area are :

Migg - Mary-Ann - Rainbow - Husker

You must be a member of the G.P.A.A. to prospect on these claims.

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The Private BHPC claims in the Black Hills area are :

The Garnet Area Claims - 4-Leaf Clover - Forrest Gem

You MUST be a CURRENT BHPC member

to prospect on these claims.

FAIR WARNING !

If You are not a current BHPC member and are caught prospecting on a private BHPC claim you will be arrested for mineral trespass! We have been working close with the Forrest Service, DENR, and local law enforcement to prospect according to the laws. Law enforcement is sent a monthly update of members that are allowed on the claims, if you are not on the list you will be detained and/or arrested.

Mission Statement

The Black Hills Prospecting Club promotes and teaches responsible mining/prospecting practices and brings together individuals for the advancement and enhancement of prospecting. We will strive to cooperate with local community organizations, State, Federal, and local governing authorities to promote prospecting in an environmentally responsible manner, and will educate the youth of the community to prospect accordingly.

Michael Borden

President

Black Hills Prospecting Club