Re: You can use the detectors, but you can't dig anything
279785 said:
That is what I was told by the Parks and Recreation Department. So what good is that? LOL
Mark
I've written on this before on here but here it goes again. Your experience is becoming a nationwide thing more and more with each passing day.
I'm referring not just to national parks but all properties owned by the state. Many THers in Michigan don't realize that other than on private property (with permission), it's almost impossible to LEAGLLY metal detect anywhere in this state.
The rule here since about 2 years ago is: "Closed Unless Clearly Marked Open." In other words, if the piece of land is owned by the state (most of Michigan's best relic land is) you must see it listed as open or you may not hunt on it.
In Michigan you need not be actually doing metal detecting to be arrested. All you have to be doing is standing on closed to detecting land with a metal detector in your hand.
What can a CO (Conservation Officer) do to you if he catches you in violation of the law?
1. Give you a warning and let you go.
2. Issue you a ticket (usually at least $200).
3. Issue a ticket plus confiscate your metal detector.
4. Issue you a ticket plus take everything but the clothes on your back (truck, car, etc.).
5. Do everything in no. 4 plus take you in.
People in Michigan have been fined for just parking on state owned property (not parks, just plain state owned lands). I heard of a couple who were fined $200 for trying to carry off (2) field stones for their rock collection.
I'm sure this is not just in Michigan. I'd recommend that all THers at least learn the laws of their state and county.
Detecting in the future will not be "please and thank you" for those who really want to take the hobby seriously.
Now state parks are even more interesting. You may only hunt those areas designated as open. You must "check in" and declare all finds. This includes any Memorial cents you may find. Any item thought to possibly be of any historical significance will be confiscated. So, you work hard, dig a horseshoe, and you don't get to keep it.
Nice, huh?