We have a ranch in California that is surrounded by National Forest. We once had a prospector tell us that if a prospector filed a claim for our land, it could be awarded, and we could be shot for setting foot on our own place. totally false, but I think sometimes the lure of unearned wealth causes people to trample the rights of others!
A lot of people claim to know the law when they have no clue. I see this all the time in Real Estate law. “A friend of a friend who took some courses but didn’t pass the test told me that.....(whatever goofiness suits their purpose)”.
Not shot, but if you're caught panning on a claim, it's a federal offense
that has nothing to do with real estate or state laws. Even if it's your property.
Nice way to piss off your neighbors though, file a claim on their property
and set up a tent, complete with a loud dredge. LOL
Scary thing is, someone believing they are "entitled" to use deadly force and actually shooting at you or yours.
Someone's erroneous belief could get you hurt or killed.
I would suggest properly posting your property to insure that any half-wits with designs on your property are informed that they are in the wrong.
Likewise, it might be a good idea to make it clear what the consequences for trespass / assault might be.