I have been for about 5 years. Have several claims. Have a dredge with all the bells and whistles including the diving set up for underwater work.
I really enjoy it a lot. I've got a few dozen spots within 2 hours drive so it makes it a lot easier for me to get out and play. I have even been known to float my dredge down a well known gold River in our area with a barge set up so I can get back to some hot spots I found that no one else really can get to.
Takes a good year even with help and guidance to get even partially good at finding the pay areas and what to look for on certain types of rivers.
My best suggestion is to join the GPAA... Like $85 and you get access to all their claims all over the country. Plus join one of their local clubs and seek out the advice of the experienced members. It will not only help in learning faster but will take some of the frustration out of it.
Oh and it's hard work.... No easy money and most only get enough to cover gas if they are lucky.
If you ever get over to Georgia send me an IM and I will be happy to take you out and show you some tips and let you run my dredge for a little while and split the gold with you.
I can't wait until I'm fully retired so I can travel around and gold mine and metal detect my way across the country.