Woody, I bet they (??) would frown on any scratching around the Fort, but right on down the Bayou just a little ways is City Park. Years ago I knew a guy that hunted the park with no trouble. I believe they would issue a permit. There was a website at one time also about this guy and his son I believe that hunted the park on a pretty regular basis. Since Katrina, though I am sure there may have been some drastic changes made and everything may be different now. Also, I might add that it may not be the safest place to swing a coil either. In N.O.you have to watch your back every minute, so that takes the enjoyment out of it for most folks. I moved out of there back in the early 60's and raised my kids in the woods north of the lake. I always eyeballed the ground real hard everytime I strolled the old fort years ago and that was way before I got a metal detector in 69. The folks at the park may could give you some info on scratching at the fort. For sure there are some goodies there yet! HH!! Cass