The worst day metal detecting ever!

[Mattkoz]

Well me and my dad went to this old farm. I did alot of research on this place and it was a farm during the early 18th century. When we got there the place was covered in tall weeds so we decidid to go along the trail leading to it. Them down the road comes a cop car. They pull over and ask us what we are doing. Well i think we all know where this is going. She says were not allowed to detect here and asks my dad for id. Well my dad got a $75 dollar fine and i could of got one too but since im a teenager she let me off the hook. Now when i researched this place it was not part of the park where you cant metal detect. But she said that it was only recently that it was added to the park land.(within this month) She said the fine for detecting was to go to court and our stuff would be confiscated. But she made an exception. To top it off while we were there we did'nt find a single thing for the time we were there. Well i think i really need to look into sites more closely and keep track of them. Well we sure learned my lesson here.

 

[alkoz]

Hi All, Matt's dad here with my perspective of what happened. It was an interesting day indeed. The area that we got cited in was in Valley Forge National Park. I honestly didn't think that the area we were in was part of the park. It's a few miles away from where I thought the park ended. The Park Officer was actually very nice and professional. I believe she really gave us a break. She explained to me how seriously they take metal detecting in a National Park. She stated that every hole you dig or any artifact you're taking is destroying a part of a national treasure.

I'm just happy we got off with just the fine. I'm just going to pay it and be done with it.

 

[allen]

Im pretty sure here in Ky. they can take
your machines and possibly the vehicle for
trespassing on federal lands.
But im never certain about anything. lol

 

[Newt]

The only markers were a US boundary marker at the entrance but that was it. Nothing that said private property.

This would have kept me out.
Newt

 

[TommNJ]

Sorry to hear what happen to you and your dad, it definitely sound like a bad experience, but the post is important to all that reads it for obvious reasons, I guess it could of been worst. Thanks for sharing and better luck next time.

TommNJ

 

[EE THr]

Matt & Al;

What, exactly, does a "U.S. Boundry" marker say?

I mean, does it say "Welcome to the U.S.," "You are now entering the U.S.," or "You are now leaving the U.S.," or what?

Was there any mention of a National Park?

 

[gxray]

BE VERY GLAD the Ranger cut you a break. Metal detecting on a Federal Park is a serious crime. Generally , you are required to appear in Federal Court and your equipment is confiscated for at least a year, you pay a 500-1000 dollar fine and get a yr or two of Federal Prison time or probation....assuming your record is relatively clean. The US Boundary is all that is required to make you aware that this is Federal property and that Federal laws apply. Generally , these signs are placed around the perimeter and at entrances. Federal Park Rangers have more authority than almost any other law enforcement agency. They can search your vehicle without a warrant, arrest and detain you until all the federal beuracracy and red tape is done ( we all know how fast they move). The mere possession of a metal detector on a Federal Park is a crime. So don't even have one in your vehicle when you enter park property.

Be safe and HH y'all

 

[artorius]

I would be especially careful collecting anywhere near a "big name" Federal Park, for which Valley Forge certainly qualifies. I affirmatively would make sure the land was private and that I had permission, not presume that the property is open to collecting in the absence of a "No Metal detecting" sign.

As your Dad acknowledges, the officer was gentle in comparison to what she could have done.

BTW, I believe the collecting prohibition exends beyond metal detecting on Federal land. I do not believe you legally can pick up arrowheads or other artifacts you may find lying on the ground in a U.S. park.

artorius

 

[daytondigger]

Well I think if its state or federal land its should be ours to use as tax payers as long as were not hurting anything if you dig a plug right they wouldnt even be able to tell you dug a hole to begin with. If theres an endagered plant or something I would respect that but just because they think you might find something worth something for free the government doesnt seem to like that I guess just my 2 centers worth anyway.

I understand how you feel and would applaud those who try to get the laws changed, but a law is a law and no one has the right to break these laws. It is very important for our hobby that we obey these laws, respect private property and put our efforts into promoting responsible legislation. The United States should take note of how detectorists have helped the archaeological efforts in England. But the bottom line is , if you don't have permission to be there, stay out. They are lucky they got off as lightly as they did on Federal land. Just my opinion.

 

[rjw4law]

I have been on all sorts of Federal property since 1980, stopped by MPs, Federales, cops, sheriffs, Police...never been near CW sites, always military and federal property...never been run off and never ticketed...never been to PA....either I am a good talker, lucky or just haven't run into the cop with that mentality. I figure metal detecting keeps me off the streets at night. Seems there is bigger crime issues...Now I know here in MO you have to know where you are....people are bored here, nothing to do, they lay in wait for tresspassers on private land, oh the joy when they get one...going to court is greater than satelite tv!! I always get permission on the private lands.

 

[BuckleBoy]

I would of asked for there id and ask where the private property signs were!

Is that the NORMAL way you treat a cop? With Belligerence?


Folks like you will be the demise of this great hobby.

 

[BuckleBoy]

Yes! a bad day. would have been worse if they confiscated your gear though. I think I would ask at the courthouse before I hunt from now on. Jeesh!

If it was federal land, then it could've been your detectors, gear, vehicle, AND even your whole collection of dug finds at home. Stay away from Federal land! There are PLENTY of Privately owned places to MD in PA for goodness sake.

Don't contest anything. You got off VERY lucky it sounds. Pay the fine and be thankful!

 

[harpp]

the feds have gone waayyy to far ok... what is this, NAZI GERMANY? stand up for what is right... fight the tyranny!!! metal detecting is not a crime!!! wait a minute never mind... this is almost NAZI GERMANY...
ALL I KNOW IS THAT IT SURE FEELS REALLY GOOD WHEN THEY THINK THEY GOT YOU & YOU WHIP OUT YOUR PERMIT!!! most of them go into shock, lol.
CONTROLFREAKSDISGUSTMEPERIODOKLOL

stay out of all state & federal parks & you be ok. HH all...

 

[Sovereign62]

Sounds to me like lesson learned.

Without going into depth on my feelings on use of public lands try to remember that while most of us are reasonable people. Most of us given the chance to detect on a historic battlefield/area would do so with the utmost reverence and care... "Others" would bring in backhoes and turn it into huge piles of dirt and holes.

It's easy to get upset with law enforcement who have to patrol and enforce laws in parks and other public lands over what we feel is unfair. On the other hand, given the narrow scope of their enforcement duties, how many times in a week do they deal with the same type violators damaging an area they're are charged with protecting. If it was you, ask yourself how fair would you be after a year on the job?

 

[gimifermagooskie]

Sorry to hear that. As always, when the stakes are high - the darkest shadows, as well as, the brightest light both fall closest to the fire. We must tread carefully, lest we extinguish the flame. Bless you dear man, take care. Thanks for sharing.

 

[homer007]

AS MANY TIMES IVE SAID, AS BEING A RETIRED OFFICER. YOU HAVE SOME OFFICERS THAT ARE PURE 100% A$$. GIVE THEM A BADGE AND THERE GOD. . DONT LET THIS GET YOU DOWN. IF YOU THINK YOU WERE IN THE RIGHT. GO TO COURT. IF THERES NO SIGHNS POSTED US PROPERTY. THEN YOUR IN YOUR RIGHTS. BUT I HAVE ONE THING TO ASK. DID YOU GET PERMITION TO HUNT THIS PROPERTY? IF NOT, THATS A NO NO. IF YOU DID, OW WELL.

 

[Aquila]

that really sucks if that had been here, the worst that you would have got was a ticking of

pack up your stuff and move here

SS.

Yes that really sucks . Move to Europe and there is no US federal land. Here police once come to ask me when I was detecting in park if I collect hand grenades. That police officer had big grenade collection -.

 

[WhiteHunter]

i think i would have ran away