Detecting in Maine

[tmosc]

I'm heading to Maine in September and was wondering what the laws are like for metal detecting. I'll primarily be on a Beach or a permission but the Beach is what concerns me. I've looked up some info but I can't make any sense of what I've read. I'd prefer to leave Maine without a Fine and Court appearance. Thanks in advance and Happy Hunting! ( I'd love to find Spanish Silver or a Pine Tree Schilling )

 

[CincinnatiKid]

Appeal to the States forum for answers
Also, if indeed you do find a small silver with a pine tree on it, send it to me for authentication.
GL
Peace ✌

 

[JOe L]

I've detected Old Orchard Beach may times, but at least 5-6 years ago, with No trouble at all. When you hear about troubles MD'ing, Maine is not usually mentioned. No signs, I do it.

 

[tmosc]

Thanks JOeL!

 

[tmosc]

Appeal to the States forum for answers
Also, if indeed you do find a small silver with a pine tree on it, send it to me for authentication.
GL
Peace ✌

Indeed I will Kid ! Lol.

 

[G.I.B.]

I was up in Maine a couple of months ago and hit that beach. No problems.

I also worked some of the public trails, Portland, no problem.

Got permission for an old church. Nothing there.

A 1744 Farthing was the oldest thing I found on a public hiking trail near Orono.

I found an abandoned ski slope near Bangor, modern (60's era) coins.

And some of the bug bites from out in the woods are finally healing.

 

[Tom_in_CA]

Are you talking about state-run beaches? (as opposed to if they're county or city administered beaches) ? If the FMDAC state-by-state list is to be believed (I often-time have my doubts, but that's for another thread!! ) then state of Maine parks have a "yes" in their column. However, it also says "with permission" (or permit or whatever) that you obtain from the park office. Well gee, not every stretch of their land and beaches necessarily have an "office", do they ?

In any case, I'm reading replies from others here who have hunted Maine (state run?) parks/beaches with no problem, eh? Did they ask for a permit? CA also has a "Yes with permission" on that FMDAC website. But trust me, you can hunt the state run beaches here till you're blue in the face, and no one cares. And no, ... no one asks. Hence I'm not sure how much stock to put into that website's answers, for the answers that desk-bound pencil pushers gave out to some odd letter with a "pressing question" 20 yrs. ago.

If people are going without issue or problem then that would seem to be the true factor of "does anyone care?".

 

[JOe L]

Are you talking about state-run beaches? (as opposed to if they're county or city administered beaches) ? If the FMDAC state-by-state list is to be believed (I often-time have my doubts, but that's for another thread!! ) then state of Maine parks have a "yes" in their column. However, it also says "with permission" (or permit or whatever) that you obtain from the park office. Well gee, not every stretch of their land and beaches necessarily have an "office", do they ?

In any case, I'm reading replies from others here who have hunted Maine (state run?) parks/beaches with no problem, eh? Did they ask for a permit? CA also has a "Yes with permission" on that FMDAC website. But trust me, you can hunt the state run beaches here till you're blue in the face, and no one cares. And no, ... no one asks. Hence I'm not sure how much stock to put into that website's answers, for the answers that desk-bound pencil pushers gave out to some odd letter with a "pressing question" 20 yrs. ago.

If people are going without issue or problem then that would seem to be the true factor of "does anyone care?".

Old Orchard is not state run, as are many, if not most, southern Maine beaches. Remember, the Maine state saying is "life in the slow lane"​. Maine is one heck of a nice state. Let's just hope they don't catch up with other states that like to censor fun.

 

[DirtTGuy]

Well just got back from crescent beach state park. He gave us the cold shoulder and did not even let us detect for an hour while no one was there yet. Told us only in off season or inclement weather. When I ask you mean after Labor Day. He said it's been busy till Columbus Day. Clearly did not want us there at all. It is really ticking me off!

 

[dokc]

I just got back from Wells Beach 2 weeks ago, didn't get anything great but it was a nice time. Unfortunately low tide was 3am and 3pm and the water line comes up very far - close to the concrete dam and homes and the water creeps up and down all day! Getting up at 3am was a bit tiring but there was nobody else there!