Metal Detecting State Parks?

[ContinentalClint]

I was walking around a local Massachusetts state park today, and happened to notice that on the Park rules and regulations, it didn't mention anything about metal detecting. It did, however, prohibit hunting and trapping and a few other things. Does that give me the green light to go? Should I try to talk to park rangers and ask if it is acceptable? Does anyone have any experience with state parks, particularly in MA?
Thanks, Clinton

 

[BC1969]

I feel for you for asking this question for some of the replies it may generate from the never ask crowd.
Found a thread here that has the answer to your question.
http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/metal-detecting/243179-metal-detecting-massachusetts.html

Mike

 

[Tom_in_CA]

reply

I was walking around a local Massachusetts state park today, and happened to notice that on the Park rules and regulations, it didn't mention anything about metal detecting. It did, however, prohibit hunting and trapping and a few other things. Does that give me the green light to go? Should I try to talk to park rangers and ask if it is acceptable? Does anyone have any experience with state parks, particularly in MA?
Thanks, Clinton

Go down and find your state on this list:


Federation of Metal Detector & Archaeological Clubs Inc.

As you can see, it's not prohibited. Appears to be a green light when you have the "permission of park supervisor". I'm sure stuff like that got thrown in there, because, admittedly, some state parks might be of a sensitive historic monument nature. While many others, might be run-of-the-mill campgrounds, beaches, etc.... (and not sensitive historic monuments).

California too has wording similar to that, as you can see. But the way it's evolved is that this is only for the inland parks here, not the ocean's beaches. No reason why that is, but it is. You can hunt the state park's beaches here till you're blue in the face (and... no, no one "asks"). It's only the inland parks where supposedly some md'rs have gotten grief.

 

[Msbeepbeep]

If you ask they will probably say no. You are allowed to detect on state beaches so far.

I was detecting in a state park some years back and was told I could only detect on the beach, because in the park, I might dig up something 50+ years old which Mass. considers an artifact.
Each city, town, state, etc has their own set of rules, or lack of rules. Makes it hard to know.

 

[SemoPreacher]

Don't know about Ma. but here in MO. I had to get a permission slip to hunt the state parks. Had to come from Department of State Parks. It only allows me 2 hours of hunting. 7 a to 9 a but it is an open invitation to hunting spots that are protected by state laws.

 

[CincinnatiKid]

Hi. The same question was asked recently. Most state parks are regulated.
Here in Ohio, only sandy beaches are permitted. Not the sand volleyball area though?
Good luck...
Peace

 

[Massieville Mike]

Hi. Don't know about MA, as I live in Ohio, but I would say just check it out. It was really easy to get permission/permits here in Ohio. I have permits for 7 different state parks, and all were painless to obtain, and free. Each park had slightly different rules, but overall very similar. All 7 parks allow metal detecting pretty much anywhere in the park so long as you are not disturbing any other visitors. I was pleasantly surprised as I was told, prior to actually getting the permits myself, that I would only be able to hunt the "beaches". While that may be true for some state parks here in Ohio , it is not the case for all. As i eluded to earlier, each park had slightly different rules as to exactly where, when, digging equipment, headphone use, ect. But getting the permits/permission was easy and free, and in my opinion worth doing. Anyway, whatever you do, I wish you good luck and HH !