Getting Started

[JChambers]

Just getting started on civil war relic hunting and would like to know if anyone out there knows the legalities and how to go about detecting in different areas.

Thanks,
J. Chambers

[jeff of pa]

Sorry, there are so many Variables, depending on where you live.

National parks NO everywhere.

State, County, City parks depend on where you live,
as to whether permission is needed or even if it is allowed.

All other sites, With Permission of the land owner.

[JChambers]

How can I find out on the local level what places will allow and what won't?

[wildrider]

Just ask the local (city) government if they can provide you with a copy of any ordinances concerning metal detecting.

However, generally whoever you ask will say, "it's prohibited" because they dont know. That's why I say get the ordinance FIRST.

Of course if it's a city parks or schools and have no signs against detecting, it's partially owned by you as a taxpayer and I'd do it until questioned. Then, if I'm told to stop, I'd go check on the ordinance.

Stay off of Fed Gov land and check with a park ranger about state parks.

I may get blasted for saying it, but this is the way I do it.
Sometimes it pays off to be a little aggressive.

And by the way, I am no rogue. I get permission when needed, I don't detect on places I know are off limits or feel they are probably off limits. You won't find me in cemeteries because it's sacred to me, and no church yards except what's owned by my church. A church may be open to the public for worship, but that doesn't give anyone rights to do what they want on property that doesn't belong to them.

Burt

[borninok]

http://www.fmdac.org/parks/parks.htm

I'm fairly new at MD'ng, I found the above site to be useful with regard to state parks.