How to Stake a Gold Claim 101 (Module 3) How to Mark and Record a Gold Claim #howtostakeagoldclaim

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Ready to stake your gold claim? In this quick 50-second YouTube Short, we’ll guide you through the essential steps to mark and record your claim like a pro! Discover how to set four corner posts, attach a discovery notice, and file with the county and BLM within 90 days. We'll also show you the importance of including a detailed claim map.

How to Stake a Gold Claim – Module 3: How to Mark and Record Your Claim

Once you’ve located gold-bearing ground, the next step is staking it—and that means physically marking it, then legally recording it with the proper authorities. In Module 3 of our “How to Stake a Gold Claim 101” series, we walk you through the exact process for turning your discovery into a protected legal claim.

Why Marking Matters

Staking a claim isn’t symbolic—it’s the physical act of declaring your mineral rights. If your posts are missing, inaccurate, or unlabeled, your claim can be challenged, denied, or considered invalid. Many promising gold finds have been lost due to sloppy fieldwork.

Federal law requires specific steps to mark your claim properly. This includes erecting monuments in the field and posting a legally sufficient discovery notice on-site.

Five-Point Claim Setup

For a valid mining claim, you must establish:
• Four corner posts outlining the perimeter of your claim
• One discovery post, which marks the point of mineral discovery

These posts must be at least 3 feet high and clearly visible. Use materials that withstand the environment—treated wood, steel rebar with PVC pipe sleeves, or rock cairns in rocky terrain.

Every post must be labeled with:
• The claim name
• Your full name and address
• Date of discovery
• Legal land description (e.g., Township/Range/Section)

For lode claims, the size is typically 600 x 1500 feet aligned with the lode. Placer claims may use irregular shapes but still require full boundary definition.

Discovery Notice Essentials

Your Notice of Location should be laminated or sealed in a waterproof bag and stapled or wired to the discovery post. It must include:
• Name of the claim
• Name and mailing address of the claimant(s)
• Date of discovery
• Type of claim (lode or placer)
• Legal description of the location
• Signature(s) of the claimant(s)

Without this notice, you have no legal proof of location—and that can make your claim unenforceable.

Filing Requirements

You must record your claim within 90 days in two places:
1. County Recorder’s Office in the county where the claim is located
2. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) using their MLRS system or mail-in forms

Failing to file in time can result in automatic forfeiture—even if your discovery was legitimate. Always double-check the required fees and forms for both jurisdictions. In many counties, you’ll need to provide:
• The original Notice of Location
• A sketch map or official survey
• Proof of monument placement
• Legal land description
• Your signature and the filing fee

Mapping Your Claim

Maps or sketches should be accurate and readable. Include:
• North arrow
• Scale
• GPS coordinates (optional but recommended)
• Location of posts and landmarks
• Section, Township, and Range

Tools like USGS topo maps, Gaia GPS, or CalTopo can help you prepare your sketch and ensure that your claim does not overlap existing claims or restricted zones.

Pro Tip: Use Rebar + PVC

Many prospectors use rebar for anchoring and white PVC pipes to make the posts stand out. Add aluminum tags or etched brass plates with the required info. This ensures durability and helps avoid disputes in court or with other miners.

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Next Steps

In Module 4, we’ll cover how to keep your claim alive after it’s filed—through maintenance fees, annual filings, and renewal deadlines. Without proper follow-up, even a perfectly staked claim can be lost.

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Ready to take your staking knowledge to the next level? Download the full Module 3 .PDF takeaway below and check out the rest of our “How to Stake a Gold Claim” class series from Aurum Meum.

Don’t miss your chance to make your gold discovery official! Like and share this video if you found it helpful, and let’s make sure you stake it right! #GoldClaim #Prospecting #MiningTips #GoldHunting #DIYGoldMining #aigoldmap