This hobby...

[smartmoney]

I am a 37 y/o long time detectorist (started when I was 7) and have seen many changes in this hobby. Years ago no one cared if you hunted their property. The parks and schoolyards were wide open to detect and we were pretty much protected from fanfare. Now after seeing AD last night I have mixed feelings about its effect on MDing. Will more people enter this hobby? MAYBE. Will landowners question our intent to hunt their property so we can profit from it? YES FOR SURE. MDing to me is a hobby and I love it. I dont sell anything and I have my very first wheats that I found. Id rather find an 1906 IH than find a Rev War button. Id rather find an 1940 wheatie, than find $5 in quarters. To me its all about the actual hunt and wondering who lost that coin or button and what was their life like back then. By no means is this an easy hobby. It was much easier finding a silver quarter with my Whites 4000D S3 detector in 1983 than finding that same quarter with my Whites V3i today. The reason...simple...quarters are larger and have a greater surface area so they dont sink as deep as lets say a dime does. Many areas today are "hunted out" ( not until I have done them as I say) to the usual detectorist. So if newbies come into this hobby thinking they will get $5000 for a bear trap, I think they will be disappointed. I would like to see a permit system everywhere and charge like $100 per permit. This will limit the number of people and provide some reasonable money to the municipality so its worth it. Just my 2¢

 

[bluehunter1973]

amen brother

 

[lostcauses]

Why sould a permit exist to hunt private property with permission?? You crazy ??

As for the National Geo diggers, they have already dug on state land with out a permit. The other is now being questioned on the suposed sale value they claimed.

Yes these shows are casing trouble. Yes there will be new folks to the game. ( Hey you were new once also.)

To have to have a permit to dig on private property in the US, I dont think so...

 

[smartmoney]

Why sould a permit exist to hunt private property with permission?? You crazy ??

As for the National Geo diggers, they have already dug on state land with out a permit. The other is now being questioned on the suposed sale value they claimed.

Yes these shows are casing trouble. Yes there will be new folks to the game. ( Hey you were new once also.)

To have to have a permit to dig on private property in the US, I dont think so...

I love new folks to this hobby but expect nothing and hope for the best. Im sorry I didnt state public land....I meant public land hence the word municipalities.

 

[bigscoop]

A permit system is actually a great idea if it was done under the proper format, and for several reasons. At present treasure hunters, collectors & MDer's etc., really have no means of leverage with lawmakers. By adopting a system that generates dedicated state/federal revenues we would also be creating a means of some "BADLY NEEDED" leverage. It's my personal feeling that if we don't become supportive and active in lobbying for this badly needed leverage then our hobby is going to be doomed and buried under a rapid progression and enforcement of current and new laws.

 

[lostcauses]

public land
I would love to see some thing done on such, but it is up to each city, county, state, and then the feds.
Such is always an argument with the poweres to be, and the archeologists.

Not every item found creates a historical or prehistorical site. Were as this stuff is a non renewable resource, there is still so much of it, it will never be fully recovered by Archeologists.

a permit and training might be worth every one involved time to do. Yet a few trys at this so far have failed.. Time will tell.

 

[Twisted One]

Why sould a permit exist to hunt private property with permission?? You crazy ??

As for the National Geo diggers, they have already dug on state land with out a permit. The other is now being questioned on the suposed sale value they claimed.

Yes these shows are casing trouble. Yes there will be new folks to the game. ( Hey you were new once also.)

To have to have a permit to dig on private property in the US, I dont think so...

I understand he meant on public land, but not sure where you get that it won't happen on private property too....I bet you anything years ago someone said, "A permit? a permit to build on my own land?" Guess what, to build or add on to a permanent structure in my area, you need a permit. Did you know is many communities you can not have a non running vehicle in your driveway. I can not find it now, but I believe one town even passed a law that you can not smoke a cigar in public.
It's not about what is right or wrong anymore, if a small group of people find it offensive and find a senator to hear them a bill can be written, a law made no matter how it effects the rest of us.

 

[bigscoop]

public land
I would love to see some thing done on such, but it is up to each city, county, state, and then the feds.
Such is always an argument with the poweres to be, and the archeologists.

Not every item found creates a historical or prehistorical site. Were as this stuff is a non renewable resource, there is still so much of it, it will never be fully recovered by Archeologists.

a permit and training might be worth every one involved time to do. Yet a few trys at this so far have failed.. Time will tell.

True. However, there has never been an effort made like what I have been suggesting. In order start turning things we have to start at the state level, and a state permitting system would certainly present an attractive revenue source to many states, such as here in Florida where all of the elements are present and active year round and in pretty strong numbers, both resident and non-resident. A permit system would mean the generating of several million dollars to the state of Florida and also provide them a source of a self-funding buy-back program. But more importantly, the system also creates that badly needed leverage with lawmakers to help us knock back a lot of the attacks and it would also provide the state with additional archeological & education money. In short, it presents a win-win for everyone, with the exception of true hardliners who can no longer justify their financially straining & liability loaded concepts and ideas.

 

[lostcauses]

Twisted One
In New mexico one can dig on ones property for relics and artifacts, but you cant use powered equipment, such a loaders electric srccens etc.. All you want by hand, but no equipment, LOL
and if they think its archeological in it form, you will get a cease and desist order or get your property taken away threat..

It will become a thing even on private property, as it already is is some form in some states.

I dont discount what you are saying.

 

[bigscoop]

I understand he meant on public land, but not sure where you get that it won't happen on private property too....I bet you anything years ago someone said, "A permit? a permit to build on my own land?" Guess what, to build or add on to a permanent structure in my area, you need a permit. Did you know is many communities you can not have a non running vehicle in your driveway. I can not find it now, but I believe one town even passed a law that you can not smoke a cigar in public.
It's not about what is right or wrong anymore, if a small group of people find it offensive and find a senator to hear them a bill can be written, a law made no matter how it effects the rest of us.

You are right. But I had a smart lawyer tell me once that the reason the minority wins so often is because the majority remains silent, and thus the squeaky wheel gets all the oil. This is why is critical, now more then ever, that our community of treasure hunters, collectors, MDer's, prospectors, etc., finds a means to unite us together under the scope of one powerful voice with leverage.

 

[Twisted One]

Twisted One
In New mexico one can dig on ones property for relics and artifacts, but you cant use powered equipment, such a loaders electric srccens etc.. All you want by hand, but no equipment, LOL
and if they think its archeological in it form, you will get a cease and desist order or get your property taken away threat..

It will become a thing even on private property, as it already is is some form in some states.

I dont discount what you are saying.

You are right Lostcauses, in fact according to the antiquity laws already in place federally anything you find on private property anywhere in the united states can be taken by the united states government. If it is determined that it is a historical site of significance they can place a historical monument marker and list it on the national registry...with the owners permission. If you don't give permission I am sure eminent domain canl be used to force you from the property.

 

[Twisted One]

You are right. But I had a smart lawyer tell me once that the reason the minority wins so often is because the majority remains silent, and thus the squeaky wheel gets all the oil. This is why is critical, now more then ever, that our community of treasure hunters, collectors, MDer's, prospectors, etc., finds a means to unite us together under the scope of one powerful voice with leverage.

I can assure you from my years of various employment that the minority is the more vocal. The majority complain to each other more than they do to the media, and people in a position of power.

 

[Twisted One]

Like I said, I am pretty much at my wits end, tried several hobbies over the last few years, trying to find something fun, interesting, and worth the time, and every time I get involved with the community I find the same thing, laws being written to restrict it, two groups fighting over the right and wrong of it, I can no longer see the relaxation and fun part of a hobby once I get mixed up in that. For some reason I always find myself in the middle of it? I don't like it, so it's never intentional, so the question is, can it be avoided? Probably for a bit, but eventually it's going to find you. I'm losing my mind now, wow.... What is a damn near new MXT Pro going to sell for? Might just have to cut my losses now.

 

[bigscoop]

Like I said, I am pretty much at my wits end, tried several hobbies over the last few years, trying to find something fun, interesting, and worth the time, and every time I get involved with the community I find the same thing, laws being written to restrict it, two groups fighting over the right and wrong of it, I can no longer see the relaxation and fun part of a hobby once I get mixed up in that. For some reason I always find myself in the middle of it? I don't like it, so it's never intentional, so the question is, can it be avoided? Probably for a bit, but eventually it's going to find you. I'm losing my mind now, wow.... What is a damn near new MXT Pro going to sell for? Might just have to cut my losses now.

Go, have fun......keep the other stuff in it's own little box. After two straight days at the beach I'm three shades of red-on-red but I still had a good time.

 

[soupfreak]

Like I said, I am pretty much at my wits end, tried several hobbies over the last few years, trying to find something fun, interesting, and worth the time, and every time I get involved with the community I find the same thing, laws being written to restrict it, two groups fighting over the right and wrong of it, I can no longer see the relaxation and fun part of a hobby once I get mixed up in that. For some reason I always find myself in the middle of it? I don't like it, so it's never intentional, so the question is, can it be avoided? Probably for a bit, but eventually it's going to find you. I'm losing my mind now, wow.... What is a damn near new MXT Pro going to sell for? Might just have to cut my losses now.

I feel your pain. However, any hobby you pick up is going to have some form of government regulation that threatens to crush it. Take for example two other hobbies I have been into:

-Paintball
-Amateur Pyrotechnics

Both have been targets of legislation to restrict or cease them. And every time it's based on fear and ignorance. Does it deter me? HECK NO! I do not allow the socialist nanny culture to dictate to me what I can and cannot do! I have rights just like anyone else, and they can have my detector when they pry it from my cold dead fingers!

I would encourage you to keep with it and not fret about legislation...it kind of comes with the territory. This is AMERICA, and if any of those hippies gives you grief about your hobby GIVE 'EM YOUR WARFACE! AAARGH!!!!!

 

[bigscoop]

Like I said, I am pretty much at my wits end, tried several hobbies over the last few years, trying to find something fun, interesting, and worth the time, and every time I get involved with the community I find the same thing, laws being written to restrict it, two groups fighting over the right and wrong of it, I can no longer see the relaxation and fun part of a hobby once I get mixed up in that. For some reason I always find myself in the middle of it? I don't like it, so it's never intentional, so the question is, can it be avoided? Probably for a bit, but eventually it's going to find you. I'm losing my mind now, wow.... What is a damn near new MXT Pro going to sell for? Might just have to cut my losses now.

I feel your pain. However, any hobby you pick up is going to have some form of government regulation that threatens to crush it. Take for example two other hobbies I have been into:

-Paintball
-Amateur Pyrotechnics

Both have been targets of legislation to restrict or cease them. And every time it's based on fear and ignorance. Does it deter me? HECK NO! I do not allow the socialist nanny culture to dictate to me what I can and cannot do! I have rights just like anyone else, and they can have my detector when they pry it from my cold dead fingers!

I would encourage you to keep with it and not fret about legislation...it kind of comes with the territory. This is AMERICA, and if any of those hippies gives you grief about your hobby GIVE 'EM YOUR WARFACE! AAARGH!!!!!

I don't believe it has anything to do with a "socialist nanny culture"...just the absence of voice before and during the process, instead of waiting until after the debating and process has concluded.

 

[smartmoney]

A permit system would be ideal and its something the FMDAC should start persuing. It has to be a significant source of revenue and come with consequences. A $25 fee isnt enough as far as leverage is concerned. Im thinking like $100+ per year. This will keep the less serious people out of the hobby and setup an enforcement system on the people with permits. Here in NYC, there is a permit which is free of charge but is so limited in areas to detect. As of last year, there was under 400 total permits issued which IMO is so little given the amount of people who live nearby. If they charged us $100 per permit, thats $40,000 in revenue thus we could negotiate more parks into the permit ie. Central Park. Then have the rangers enforce the current permitees with stiff fines and possible suspensions if they are not doing their part.

 

[BARKER]

Hi BigScoop; Right On. !!! Nothing Else to say on that. !!!! QUESTION : What about "US" Treasure Hunters unite in a Quasi type National Congress to become united enough to finally make the changes to the Laws We desire to see What say you Folks I await. PEACE:RONB

 

[donj]

Well then maybe everyone who owns a detector should join the FMDAC and detector sites should have a link to join it the same way many gun sites have a link to the nra. Don.

 

[smartmoney]

I think we should have a voice and perhaps have one or two people from each state work with the FMDAC to lobby state officials to be on our side. I am a Realtor and we have RPAC which stands for (Real Estate Political Action Committee) and they lobby across the nation. Its something to think about for our hobby's future.