Legalities for Beginners

It won't get any better, either. Each state and municipality have different rules so you do have to research a bit. First go with state laws. Most of them do not allow metal detecting in state parks, state forests or state reserves. Even if your property lies smack dab in the middle of one, you may be banned from using a detector there. Better to ask than to lose your equipment since most states allow confiscation of equipment or in some cases, your vehicle. Local parks are at the whim of the local towns. In my personal experience, there are very few laws in the municipalities but overzealous law enforcement officers and park maintenance people can make your life miserable by mistakenly informing you that you are breaking the law. I suggest that even if you find no law against using a detector, when an official chases you away, discretion is better than a fight.

In that same light, I find it very helpful to do a couple of things in preparation for such a confrontation with misguided officialdom. First, hide all high value items in a secure pocket. Rings, silver and gold items, silver and gold coins and other sparkly stuff are better off out of sight. Showing them a handful of wire, nails, screws and pieces of "can slaw" first is good as you explain that you pick up all trash as you work. Show that you have covered all holes making every effort to keep the grounds clean as you go along can win the heart of a groundskeeper in one second. A police officer who you show sharp objects to while explaining that you make the park safe for barefooted children is often another instant convert to your way of doing things. If they ask if you ever find money, show them the loose change that you have in your finds pouch and tell them you mostly only pay for batteries on any given outing. Keep the things in your deep pocket out of the conversation for your own good.

Posted on: October 04, 2012, 05:17:57 PM

---

Oops! I just noticed that this is your first post. Welcome to the forum.

Linkback:

You are not allowed to view links.
Please Register or Login

http://www.thunting.com/smf/index.php/topic,37991.msg234362.html#msg234362

Ronpad, welcome aboard! I am as new to this as you are, but the advice you have recieved so far makes sense. And, as always, leave it cleaner than when you got it.

Good luck!

Linkback:

You are not allowed to view links.
Please Register or Login

http://www.thunting.com/smf/index.php/topic,37991.msg239156.html#msg239156