Can you use metal detectors in state parks

Indeed, I include:. You will find California to be almost a paradise for us as detectorists. The state not only has a rich history but also presents an equal opportunity to anybody who wants to discover something valuable. There are many types of soil found all over California. The soil development in the state is a result of the combination of various factors such as volcanic ash , plant residues , and weathered rock. And you will find that the device comes with both automatic and manual ground balancing ….

It can Operate well in Most Conditions …. Exploring west coast beaches is an amazing experience for sure!

One of the recommendations that most local detectorists provide is that you should take a basket with you…. This does not mean that you will not be able to detect in the state parks. It only means that you need to learn how to dig a clean hole and that you make sure to fill up the hole afterward nicely. You should also take care to not damage the grass. Some of the smaller county parks, though, do not allow any digging, while others have no problems. It all eventually comes down to the decision of the individual park superintendent, so be respectful and courteous when asking for permission.

Because of the popularity surrounding this hobby, there are many clubs in there! Here are some of the major ones that you may want to join:.

I am sharing with you exactly what he said, below, hopefully you will learn from him …. I do not know of any clubs in MY area but there maybe some in others…the ground conditions are as varied as the cultures…and he will have to check them out himself…! The great California Gold Rush began in after the discovery of gold near Sacramento. Since then Ca. The most famous region for gold you should begin from is the Mother Lode Country, which is in the north-central part of California.

It includes the counties of:. The area of Coloma is also an excellent area to start your search for gold as this was the original place of gold discovery. The major river drainages in this region are all good areas for gold prospecting. Also, in case you got lucky and found personal artifacts, you must report them to the authorities.

Metal detection is legal on many beaches in Florida without the need for a permit. The state of Georgia also follows ARPA regulations, so you cannot use metal detectors on any federal lands. The Indiana state allows metal detection in most places only with a permit. This also includes picnic areas.

While metal detection is prohibited in state parks, you can obtain permission to use it on sandy beaches. Iowa allows metal detection on certain beaches with a designated period of the year and time of the day for that period.

You can detect metal in parks without a permit during the usual public hours. However, you need a permit to dig into parks. The state allows the use of metal detectors on campsites and beaches with the permission of the park manager. There are many state parks with such areas. It also limits metal detection on landmarks, which is a vague term, so it can be difficult to pinpoint what qualifies as a landmark exactly. As for state parks, 13 state parks issue permits for this activity.

These permits are free and valid for one calendar year. The state laws prohibit topsoil disturbance, which means you cannot detect and extract anything in state parks. Metal detectors are allowed on certain public beaches in Nebraska and that too with restrictions. This means that you can use your metal detector anywhere other than state parks and national parks without needing a permit. For instance, in the famous Central Park, metal detectors are off-limits.

They are allowed on some sandy beaches, like Far Rockaway in Queens. Beaches south of Nags Head are strictly off-limits. In North Dakota, metal detectors are generally not allowed in parks. You may be able to get permission at the discretion of the park managers. Commonly, they give permission to search for lost items only, so you cannot really go treasure hunting in state parks.

Oklahoma state parks allow the use of metal detectors subject to prior permission from park authorities. You can use metal detectors for recreational purposes on public beaches in Oregon.

However, certain state parks require permits. Pennsylvania does not allow digging for antiquities and precious items in state-owned lands.

As for the beaches, you can use metal detectors between the Tuesday after Labor Day and the Saturday before Memorial Day. In Rhode Island, you can only use metal detectors in designated areas at designated times. Special permission is necessary to use this equipment and only to the extent of searching for your lost personal items. Most of the land in Texas is private, so you cannot use metal detectors without permission from the owners.

However, you should report to the authorities first. On the other hand, historical and archeological sites are protected and do not allow metal detectors. In West Virginia, this kind of hobby is not permitted in state parks and forests. It follows the NHPA regulations, as well. In Wisconsin, the land and water bodies under the Department of Natural Resources are off-limits for metal detection. Metal detectors are specifically allowed for official use in state parks in Wyoming, but not for hobbyists.

The very first thing you need to do after buying a metal detector is to make sure to find out the metal detecting rules in your area.

As always, avoid using metal detectors on private properties without the permission of the owners. You should obtain written permission in most cases where necessary and adhere to metal detecting laws by state.

October 26, Spread the love. Metal Detecting Laws by State. Metal Detecting on National Parks Before you look for metal detecting laws for your state, keep in mind that state laws don't apply on federal lands. In fact, in some national parks, it is a felony to use these devices. Metal Detecting Laws by State Some states have stricter laws, while others allow metal detection in certain areas without a permit.

Here are the laws for metal detectors in each state: 1. Alabama It is prohibited to use metal detectors in state parks in Alabama. If someone challenges me, I'll leave with no argument. That hasn't happened yet. Hoser John Gold Member. Mar 22, 5, 6, Redding,Calif. Primary Interest: All Treasure Hunting. Your county and local city are the ones ya gotta watch out for. Of coarse federal property and state are subject to extra laws too. Make a call and have a ball with whatever agency is in control.

Sure beats some pretty bad consequences!! Tons a au 2 u 2-John. Thanks for the information!! Actually, that is about what I have been doing up to this point. I have never had any trouble, and I don't want to either. It would sure ruin a good hunting trip. Gribnitz Hero Member.

Aug 1, 9. Someone above said State parks are unlikely to have laws pertaining to metal detectors. Not true. I know Missouri has laws against detecting in ANY state park, but allows some limited detecting on certain beaches with a permit.

I am sure lots of other states are in the same situation. Also, city parks may or may not be off limits. They are usually ok, but there are some that have wierd rules. Some city parks are conisdered historic, while others are not. I asked the City Hall of one town and they told me "sure detect away and have fun I was like what the heck!? That defeats the purpose!!

Oh, well. One town out of dozens I can't go too. Big deal. Call the city halls of the towns near you, or better, send an email. They will let you know what the rules are. I'll try to keep all this in mind. Lowbatts Gold Member. Hey Sounder, hope you're finding some great spots to hunt down that way. I recalled a fellow I talked to over in Peoria who told me there was an old Indian village just recently uncovered on the west bank of the river north of town.

The town had bought the condemned property and was turning it into a village park. The site appeared to have some incredible potential, as you may know the Peoria were very numerous thereabouts and the French did a lot of trading on the river in the area a couple centuries ago.