There are set rules for hunting in Bucks County parks. That is why I get my PERMIT to hunt in Bucks County Parks. Funny thing....I was hunting Ralph Stover/Tinicum Park BEFORE I got a permit because I had seen people there when I was new and figured it was cool, just like you do. Ranger Sempowski called the Tinicum cops to come and let me know I was breaking the law. I was told I can hunt in the parks with a permit, and NOWHERE near the Stover historical properties.
I just got back from Nockamixon and things haven't changed. I was told I can look all I want, but I had to use a probe to try and retrieve an item...NO HOLE DIGGING....period. Then, I was told that I have to bring my finds to the office. If I found anything that looked historical, the archie would take a look at it. If it was deemed historical to the park, they would keep it and give me credit for finding it. Go to the office at Nockamixon and take a look at the rules they give you about mding. I was going to ask WHY, if these are the RULES for everyone that comes to detecting at Nickamixon, are there so many people back there digging holes? I didn't, I believe in Karma and being a rat would do me no good.
Is there a possibility you got a ranger at Nockamixon that is a little more lax....yes, it's possible. All I know is you seem to have a habit of just going to a place and hoping it's cool. You don't ask...from what I have read in your very few posts. That kind of hunting causes problems eventually..... either for you or others in this hobby.