Is It Legal to Metal Detect

In most cases, you don`t need to get permission to recognize a public school, but historic schools are another story. Many of these historic school buildings are federally or society-protected points of interest or located on private property. James City County: Chapter 16 – Public Parks and Recreation* Sections 16 to 22. No person may use an electronic metal detector in a recreational facility. (Order No. 154, 5-7-84) The National Source Forest (BLM) lands are the best lands to explore in the United States. There are 245 million hectares that serve as a playground for anyone who wants to experience nature. People hunt, backpack and fish in this area, but very few choose to detect the metal. Most never bother to try. Most fairgrounds are public, and you can usually spot them metallicly, but don`t go there during an active trade show.

Fairgrounds, especially the oldest ones from the 1800s, have long been used by thousands of people. You can find tons of coins, ancient and modern, and even jewelry. The only problem with metal detection at fairs is garbage – there is a lot of it. A good metal detector is a must. I own and use a Garrett AT Pro. Another tip is to look for an old festival site near you. It can be an abandoned field, a forest, or a park that was originally a fairground. In my area, there is a huge park that was the original fairground where thousands of people gathered.

There was even a horse-drawn tram there. Most people don`t want to do historical research, but that`s the key to finding amazing places to detect metal. The following list (which is not exhaustive) helps determine where metal detection is permitted and prohibited throughout Florida. Before you go, remember to make sure the rules and regulations haven`t changed and make sure you don`t get lost on private property, military zones or national parks. State laws The detection, collection, or extraction of metals on 34 state properties requires a permit, and 16 states do not allow recreational metal detection on state property. The 34 states that allow metal detection on state property have additional restrictions within the boundaries of the state park. Always check with the parking attendant and get a permit. Other features of the state may include wildlife management areas, state highways, navigable rivers, and, for oceanfront states, areas up to three miles offshore. Private property has always produced my best metal detection finds. Most of the rare pieces I`ve found come from the courtyards of older houses from the 1800s. If you know someone who owns an older property, I would definitely recognize them before going to a public place.

The safest type of detection is what the Forest Service considers to be a hobby. If you are looking for pieces that are less than 50 years old or other small objects without “historical value” in areas that are not restricted, you should go there. Don`t be surprised if these rules become stricter and stricter. The best option is to call the local National Forest Service office for up-to-date information on exact regulations. What about cemeteries? Believe it or not, this is a common question. Although some cemeteries allow metal detection, digging is not allowed. Moreover, “recovering” objects from graves is not “finding”, it is stealing. Hunting in cemeteries is generally considered a taboo place for hobbyists, as it can give the false impression or bad image of a metal detector.

National forests generally allow recreational metal detection, gold panning and rock collection without special permission, and never hunt in archaeological or historical areas. It`s always best to keep up to date with the local ranger office just to be safe. It`s about walking along a beach, swinging the detector, listening to a beep or click while enjoying the day. It`s about connecting with the past on a personal level. The second type of detection is the search for objects of historical or archaeological value. The prerequisites are set out in the paragraph above. Do not remove artifacts or recognize them in areas considered historic. Added October 9 2015 Citation from US Army Corps of Engineers 327.14 Public Property.

(a) The destruction, injury, damage, removal or alteration of public property, including but not limited to developed facilities, natural formations, mineral deposits, historical and archaeological features, paleontological resources, monuments or boundary markings, and vegetation, shall be prohibited except with the written permission of the District Commander. (d) The use of metal detectors is permitted on designated beaches or other previously disturbed areas, unless prohibited by the District Commander for the protection of archaeological, historical or paleontological resources. Specific information on metal detector guidelines and designated areas of application can be obtained from the manager`s office. Lost and found objects must be handled in accordance with sections 327.15 and 327.16, with the exception of non-identifiable items such as coins valued at less than $25. The laws that affect metal detector enthusiasts are the same as those that affect other treasure hunters, rock dogs, and history buffs. The Antiquities Act of 1906 and the Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979 are federal laws created to protect history and, in almost all cases, make it illegal to detect metals on federal lands.