Big Disappointment before the start of the spring :(

[Woody14]

Well its bad weather as usual up here in the great northeast, but I have the dreams of spring metal detecting going on in my head. Was all set, been going over my maps and finding old homesteads that are no longer there and getting ready. And of course being the law abiding citizen that I am, made sure to check on metal detecting in my local State Forests.
What a huge dissappointment it was this morning to wake up and find an email telling me that I am not allowed to metal detect on state forests here in New York. DUE to the old homesteads being archeological sites
Really let the air out of my sails. Of course the state doesnt care what happens to these buildings, just the fact that someone else will find something. Oh well, my search will have to continue, just a shame how far the government and states go to keep a good fun hobby down.
Sorry, just some early morning whining on my part.

 

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[Kentucky Kache]

We're all pretty much in the same boat, but there are other places to hunt, so don't get too discouraged.

 

[Charlie P. (NY)]

Ah, and there in lies the challenge.

I find many of the state game lands are on old farm sites that have been allowed to grow wild. A state park with a toll gate and ranger patrols is a different animal than a section of game lands on a dirt seasonal road with little traffic. The DEC game wardens that do patrol don't give a bunnies butt if you are detecting - they're looking for out-of-season hunting and fishing violators for the most part. Don't make a mess or leave slob holes and even if caught it will likely be just a warning.


And, if you further check, you CAN detect on NY state lands. You just can't dig or remove objects.

 

[EDDE]

Ah, and there in lies the challenge.

I find many of the state game lands are on old farm sites that have been allowed to grow wild. A state park with a toll gate and ranger patrols is a different animal than a section of game lands on a dirt seasonal road with little traffic. The DEC game wardens that do patrol don't give a bunnies butt if you are detecting - they're looking for out-of-season hunting and fishing violators for the most part. Don't make a mess or leave slob holes and even if caught it will likely be just a warning.


And, if you further check, you CAN detect on NY state lands. You just can't dig or remove objects.

Square Chuck has a point

 

[Woody14]

Well I just got some time and checked the Craigslist idea out. Im not too sure im up for that. My area looks like its all scams and porn.
Kind of a shame, sounded like a good idea at first glance.

 

[johnnycat]

I have done some hunting in state parks in Calif. and Wyo. and have never had any problems. Rangers are more concerned about illegal wood gathers and poachers. However...You can always run into that particular guy who goes by the rules, then what??. Don't give up on public lands. Alot of them have been just cherrypicked and coins await he who takes his time and digs.