I have inserted myself into quite a few Facebook groups focused on metal detecting in an effort to gain some perspective on the hobby. One of these groups is Metal Detecting for Beginners. I prefer to lurk in the shadows of this group, because I feel as though my mentors and common sense have given me a step above the rest. Call me arrogant, but this conception was proven today in the following interactions:

Someone posted about finally having a court date to possibly retrieve their metal detector after it was confiscated. Granted, there was a bit of mystery surrounding the post and everyone was naturally curious about the circumstances. The poster never came forward with more details, but the statement garnered quite the response from other beginner metal detectorists.

I made the mistake of chiming in about township ordinances, state parks, and game lands being off limits to metal detecting without first gaining permission or required permits.  I was surprised at how many group members were not familiar with this concept.

For me, checking the township or county policies and seeking permission before I detect is just common sense. Where is the common sense? Asking permission to detect private property is the same as asking permission to detect public property. It seems silly, but it is what it is.

I have written about it in previous posts and I will write about it again. There is a township near me with an astounding history–underground railroad, iron mining, healing sulfur springs, and the Appalachian Trail. This township, of course, has a policy against metal detecting. I called and asked, but because the receptionist was such a flake, I took it upon myself to investigate.

I went on the township website and clicked on the little ‘ordinances’ link. Sure enough, there was a section that says you “may not dig or remove any soil, rock, sand, stones, shrubs, plants, or other wood or materials, or make any excavation by tool or equipment…” In essence, the ordinance implies that there is no metal detecting allowed and the township interprets it as such.

Just like any state park or state game lands, you are TECHNICALLY allowed to swing your coil and metal detect. But as soon as you break the ground with your trowel or take a relic from the site, you are setting yourself up to have your equipment and your finds confiscated IN ADDITION to facing  a nasty fine.

I shared this with the Metal Detecting for Beginners group and quite a few members were confused by my statement. Not only were they confused, but quite a few members actually admitted to detecting private property without asking permission in addition to public property.

Like I said, where is the common sense? I was always taught to be respectful and I maybe that is why I seek permission rather than forgiveness.

To all those other beginners out there, please do not be a disservice to the hobby. You represent more than just yourself. You represent the community of fellow metal detectorists. Your actions and neglect give a bad name to everyone. So please… get permission, fill your holes, and obey the rules.

*Apparently I need to clarify for anyone who has not taken the time to read my other posts. State Parks are off limits, but some parks do offer permits for metal detecting. These can be acquired by contacting the state park office and requesting a permit.

I have a permit for a nearby state park, which I have shared in other posts.

When you call the state park to request a permit, you may want to ask how long the permit is valid and also how many are typically issue over the course of a year. At the park where I detect, they only issued about sixty a year. I figure that is enough park for all of us, but that may not always be the case.*