The Corps of Engineers finally re-opened the gates to the lake beaches, so it was time to hit them again! This time I was trying a "new to me" Excalibur 800 instead of my trusty old White's SM2.
There were a lot of pulltabs, but for once I didn't dig a single bobby pin, hair barrett, nail, or fish hook.
I did find some nice silver, although they came out extremely toasted. If you watch the video, I included a video response that shows how to clean silvers like these.
I will be going back as soon as possible because during the cleaning of the chain pieces, I found a 3rd end. I think there must be another chain in the hole, so I will be trying to find it.
Good hunt! When I lived in Indiana we use to have to deal with the Corp Lakes the same way, could only hunt them "out of season" after the draw down and the cold weather had set in.
"The key to finding gold is finding places where it can be accessed."
Jason: I was just wondering if they made the reservoirs off-limits to detecting for part of the year, or whether they simply kept vehicle traffic out. We have a lot of Corps projects in my neck of the woods. I guess I need to find out what the general policy on detecting is. Wish all the federal agencies were on the same page!
And I should have congratulated you on finds I would have been thrilled with.
Bill, You should check your regional USACE website. I THINK they are all the same though. I know my region says that metal detecting is allowed in all pre-disturbed areas including campgrounds and swimming beaches as long as they are not a historical location.
I also think that they just close the road access to the beaches. I have parked beside the gate and hiked in multiple times in the past without trouble. A person could land thier boat next to the beach and walk in, so why can't a person walk in from the road?
I traveled full time for a few years and stayed at a lot of Corp parks. Unless they changed something recently Jason is correct on the information. I never got a hassle there.
Jason:I just checked the Corps site and here are the rules from one of the FAQ pages, which among other things prohibit my use of my Lesche, if I am reading them right:
"What is the policy on metal detectors?
A permit must be obtained from the Lake Office prior to use of metal detectors. Permits must be carried by the person it was granted at all times when using a metal detecting device on government property, otherwise, anyone found digging on the land may be subject to a citation and may be asked to leave the area. Metal detectors must be used in accordance with the lake policy. Permits are granted subject to the following:
Use of metal detectors will be confined to shoreline areas of the Corps parks, except the overnight camping areas, unless you have a camping permit. Shoreline areas are defined as those park areas periodically disturbed by wave action, approximately eight vertical feet above or below the lake's "normal" conservation level of elevation 522 MSL. Use of metal detectors is not permitted in non-park or upland areas.
Non-identifiable items of nominal value (defined as less than $25.00), which are found, do not need to be deposited with the Corps of Engineers. Identifiable items (rings, watches, etc.) and items of greater than nominal value will be deposited with the Corps of Engineers for disposition in accordance with federal regulations.
Any item, which may contain historical, archaeological, or pale ontological significance, will be left in place if practical. The Corps of Engineers must be notified; if the item is or has been removed from the site, it will be deposited with the Corps of Engineers.
Any item pertaining to a criminal offense will be turned over to the local police or to the Corps of Engineers.
Digging shall be limited to small instruments, scoops, or other hand tools, which can be used by one hand only. Hand tools shall be limited to four inches wide, four inches deep, and twelve inches long.
No holes will be dug and left uncovered. All trash, litter, or other debris uncovered will be removed and placed in an approved trash receptacle. All disturbed or displaced soil will be returned to its original site. The areas will be left in as good or better condition than before hunting occurred."
I will call the local Corps office and ask about the permit thing.
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When I lived in Indiana we use to have to deal with the Corp Lakes the same way, could only hunt them "out of season" after the draw down and the cold weather had set in.
One third jewelry of the World are under sand so far
Originally Posted by Billinoregon
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here is prmit for waco tx
