About this hunt
A seeded metal-detecting hunt held as part of Ohio Gold Rush Days — Labor Day weekend, September 5–6, 2026, at the Swank Claim, 1099 Cutnaw Rd, Bellville OH (GPAA Buckeye Chapter property on the Clear Fork River, Richland County). Metal detecting registration is at 10:00 AM Saturday at the main pavilion, per the chapter's published schedule. The hunt is hosted by Patrick O'Masters and Sue Wise, is FREE to participate, and awards prizes plus a metal detector as the grand prize. It's one component of the chapter's gold-prospecting weekend (common digs, speed panning, competitions, vendors, food trucks). HEADS UP: past editions have run this as an after-dark blacklight/UV hunt alongside a free kids hunt, but the chapter's published 2026 schedule lists only the 10:00 AM Saturday registration and does not yet name a hunt start time or format — and the chapter notes the schedule may still change. Check buckeyegold.com close to the date, or ask at registration. ACCESS: the Swank Claim is GPAA (Gold Prospectors Association of America) members-only property — visitors are welcome but must be accompanied by a member; join via GPAA / the Buckeye Chapter (ohiobuckeyegold@gmail.com or the chapter Facebook group) to attend. Confirm walk-up eligibility with the chapter before traveling.
// Listing sourced from Facebook. Always verify details with the organizer before traveling.