Prospect park. Can i use a machine but not dig?

[toughturtle]

Hi. I just got my machine today and would like to try it out. Prospect park is limited to weekends only for metal detecting, but what exactly does that mean? Is that for using a machine AND digging? What if wanted to go and try it out just to get the feel? And not dig.

Also, my permit application was mailed yesterday to the city parks department. So, I also have no permit.

Thoughts?
Todd

 

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[Mortamus]

NO get permit

There's a city close to me that will allow Mding but no recovery..
But you can pop coins and get the stuff on top

 

[stefen]

That's like heavy petting on a 1st date...all that effort and no finale...

 

[Tom_in_CA]

Hi. I just got my machine today and would like to try it out. Prospect park is limited to weekends only for metal detecting, but what exactly does that mean? Is that for using a machine AND digging? What if wanted to go and try it out just to get the feel? And not dig.

Also, my permit application was mailed yesterday to the city parks department. So, I also have no permit.

Thoughts?
Todd

Does your permit actually SAY "no digging" on it? If so, welcome to the harsh reality of "permits". I always wonder why md'rs eyes wax romantic at the thought of "permits" for their towns (as if to say "I wish our town had permits", etc...). But as yours shows, they only bring scrutiny and restrictions, NOT "allowances". Much better that places have NO permits (and let it simply be silent on the subject of "metal detecting" and not addressed either way).

If it were me, I'd go with what mortamus is hinting at: go with a probe/screwdriver anyhow, and you can still pry and wriggle out coins. Sure it's not effective down too deeply, and sure someone might still gripe at your semantics of "dig" vs "pop/probe", but ..... are you really planning on wearing a big red X begging for scrutiny? Just go at low traffic times, avoid lookie-lous, and I bet no one cares. Because, think of it: the actual desire for any such rule on "digging" is the END results anyhow, right? I mean, let's face it: what's the connotation of "dig" anyhow?: HOLES. So if you leave no trace of your presence, then it seems to me you've fulfilled the intent of such verbage.

 

[toughturtle]

I have not received my permit yet. Should be here in a week. Not sure what it says exactly. But you can hunt AND dig on weekends.

Just wondering if I go find a small area and practice, I won't be breaking any rules.

Thanks for the info.

 

[Terry Soloman]

No my friend, you can't take a metal detector into the park except on Saturday and Sunday - period. The ticket without a permit is around $160.00 and they will TAKE you machine as evidence. Some cops are cool, others have NO sense of humor. Take a train to White Plains, and I'll take you out!!

 

[toughturtle]

Terry, thanks for the info...

I will wait patiently. If I make it to White Plains I will let you know. Thx again!

Todd

 

[NW Digger]

No place better to practice then your own yard, some peoples best finds have come from just a few steps from their doors!
I have to say that another bonus to your yard is you can practice digging your holes and plugs and keeping it nice and tidy and not leave a trace when you do have to dig in a nice yard, public place etc.

HH and good luck!

 

[toughturtle]

I wish I had a yard to practice in. But here in NYC most people live in apartment buildings and other non-yard places. So the parks are basically the only option.

Todd

 

[NW Digger]

Ahhh gotcha, didn't even think about you living in the concrete jungle. :-(

 

[relish]

NO YOU CAN'T!

Hi. I just got my machine today and would like to try it out. Prospect park is limited to weekends only for metal detecting, but what exactly does that mean? Is that for using a machine AND digging? What if wanted to go and try it out just to get the feel? And not dig.

Also, my permit application was mailed yesterday to the city parks department. So, I also have no permit.

Thoughts?
Todd

No MD'ing without a permit means what it means....you are metal detecting without digging....wait the 10-14 days for your permit....Big Brother is always watching!

 

[Col.Philo95thNY]

ToughTurtle

They used to let us detect till your new permit came in the mail, and was told that this year they are not letting us do that. Permits did not get out to mid April, 2013. So you know how we all felt just waiting for them to decide which parks were going to be added or taken away. First, when you receive your permit, read it completely. Understand that you can not dig at the base or around a tree. You must be 25 feet, or from where the over hang of the braches reach out over the grass or ground. Wood lads are a no go, but trails and bald spots are OK. Make sure you have your permit on you at all times, and always be courteous no matter how the ranger is acting. A lot of them have in the years become more leanient in respect to where you can hunt, but above all, learn to cut the proper plug, by leaving a grass at one side of the plug, this way when you lower the plug it fits back perfectly and avoid brown spots. In Stateb Island Parks, watch out there because the rangers do not like detectorist and will summons you even in the rough grass, and we were told that hunting in the wood lands was no problem with them, hench... SI only. Van Cortlandt Park, you'll need to go to the main station, and they'll give you a map of the park of where you can hunt and can not hunt, but again, rough grass, not a problem, fair grounds is a no go... Good Luck and I hope these little tips and rugulations will help you have fun and avoid any problems with the ranger and the like....HH.