If metal detecting is this strict. what is the point in doing this? You have too show them what you find and give it to them before you leave any park? So what do you get out in doing this? At every park you have to ask permision? People always looses watches and bracelets and rings. If you find it they are going to take it and find the owner? Or anything rare. Like an very old bullet or belt buckle like I seen on a video a guy said he found a very old belt buckle at a park sold it for a couple 100$. He didnt have to show no one his finds. Me seeing this I'm confused. You can't just be alone doing your thing without having someone interfering in what you are doing? How are y'all able to keep all y'all's finds without showing what you got? Does any of yall detectors have to do this at a park? Y'all say this is where to go where people gather around.
Those laws seem to be pretty strict; however it is their land and therefore can set whatever rules they want. Most people will metal detect on private property. They will go to an old neighborhood and go door to door asking for permission to metal detect. Keep in mind that it is seen as immoral to hide what you found from the property owner as it is their property and therefore technically the items belong to them (Though most tend to let detectorists keep their finds).
If you haven't seen it already, you should take a look at the TreasureNet website. It's primarily about metal detecting with lots of discussion on where to go and the various laws in place. http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/forum.php
Always show your finds to the property owner and offer to share some with him/her. This creates good good will and increases your chance of getting more permissions in that neighborhood.
The nine commandments of metal detecting: 1. Always check Federal, State and local laws regarding metal detecting before searching. 2. Respect land owners and always obtain permission before entering private property. 3. Always use proper recovery methods. Fill all holes and do no damage. 4. Always take your trash with you; leave the area better than you found it. 5. Appreciate and protect our heritage of natural resources, wildlife and private property. 6. As an ambassador of the sport, use thoughtfulness, consideration and courtesy at all times. 7. Never damage or remove any historically significant or archeological treasures. 8. Always leave gates as found, and never tamper with signs or equipment. 9. Do not destroy property, buildings, or what is left of any deserted ghost towns or structures.
When asking permission to dig in a stranger's yard , explain exactly what you're going to do - you're going to dig tiny holes and replace the divots like this: The homeowner may imagine a whole different kind of digging:
Well if your ever in Oklahoma I have 130 Acres your welcome to search you have to split with me (Lol). Dave
Metal detecting laws vary from state to state, county to county and even city to city. Where I am located, I can detect any public lands and keep whatever I find. I cannot detect on land that is a designated historical landmark. I am located very close to Fort Vancouver which would be a dream place to metal detect, but it's a National Historic Site and no metal detecting is allowed. There are a few public parks located nearby where old bullets and other neat objects are found however.
Detecting on a Federal tract such as the Gettysburg Battlefield will get you ten years in Leavenworth, or 'leven years in Twelveworth, or 5 and 10 in Woolworth.
The land is privately owned or owned by a government agency. If it's on their property they own it even if you find it. Laws vary from state to state so make sure you know the law where you want to detect first.
Finding coins detecting is an activity that cannot be done casually. You have to commit to a lot of bureaucracy or find fertile hunting grounds WITH permission pre-authorized before it is worth getting the hardware. It's way more trouble than it's worth anywhere I would be able to go.
I stay away from private property and restricted parks.. Most of my hunts I do at public beaches and parks that are listed and allowed on my Metal Detector Permit I renew every year. It's a long list here in NYC so I am lucky.. Most NYC Parks Departments Rangers know me already and the guys in my detecting club so they don't even bother us.
Detecting construction sites are good. If they're fenced, ask the forman for permission. Road tear ups along with sidewalk and driveway apron construction in older neighborhoods can produce some nice finds.