Metal Detecting in TN wildlife management areas

[Jonathan James]

I have recently stumbled onto some old maps that show several homesteads located inside a wildlife management area near my home. I scouted the area and found a set of stone pillars with an old road in between them. None of the old homesites I believe are still standing and I did not take the time to locate them. Instead I figured that I better try to gain permission from the TWRA before devoting too much time on this venture. Needless to say, I contacted the TWRA office and spoke with the area manager on this matter. I gave him the spill on our code of ethics and assured him that no visible damage will be left and even offered that if any significant relics were found that I would donate them to our county historical society.

The answer was NO. He stated that there would be a conflict of our natural resources.

He stated that no metal detecting is allowed in any Tennessee wildlife management areas.

 

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[TN_MD]

I have recently stumbled onto some old maps that show several homesteads located inside a wildlife management area near my home. I scouted the area and found a set of stone pillars with an old road in between them. None of the old homesites I believe are still standing and I did not take the time to locate them. Instead I figured that I better try to gain permission from the TWRA before devoting too much time on this venture. Needless to say, I contacted the TWRA office and spoke with the area manager on this matter. I gave him the spill on our code of ethics and assured him that no visible damage will be left and even offered that if any significant relics were found that I would donate them to our county historical society.

The answer was NO. He stated that there would be a conflict of our natural resources.

He stated that no metal detecting is allowed in any Tennessee wildlife management areas.

it is not listed on the web site http://www.state.tn.us/twra/
i don't see where any MD is going to do any more damage than an ATV does. and they are allowed.
I will do some further research.
Karl

 

[Jonathan James]

I could not find the law myself, but have to take into consideration that "the man" was being honest with me.

 

[CWnut]

here's all it sez about it-------


WMA Property Conservation
No person shall damage or remove any trees or other plants, dirt, gravel or sod from any Wildlife Management Area or other Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency-controlled lands without specific authorization.

 

[TN_MD]

So again we are left up to getting permission,

I still don't see where metal detecting will leave any more damage than horse back riding or atv trails. IMHO.

Karl

I will write the director an email here in the next few weeks and see what he says.

 

[Jonathan James]

I was told by the area manager that detecting inside the boundaries of the questioned property was not permitted PERIOD. He stated that it was a "conflict of our natural resources". Whatever you can get from that.

But would really like to know why there are a set of stone columns in the middle of the woods.

I will try and go back and get a few pictures ASAP.

 

[TN_MD]

plz do would like to see the pics.

Karl

 

[TENNESSEEGAL]

Jonathan, I just came aacross this thread. What ever happened with tthis siduation? Did you get a response to your email?

 

[bluehunter1973]

I sent him a PM no reply yet. i would like to know also.

 

[Tnmountains]

Me too. TWRA is like that unless you know the game wardens. You would think that since they put in food plots and do selective logging it would be ok. TVA is the same way on the rivers and metal detecting. You would think you could hunt the shore lines but you can not. Heck they flooded whole towns.