I'm so confused

[Boomer75]

My metal detectors come in tomorrow and I cant wait to get started, but I was looking up the laws in la on metal detecting and I am so confused.

Can any of you help me shed some light on this subject?

[DWtexas]

Here's the easiest way to go: first, hunt your yard and get good at cutting plugs/flaps without tearing up your lawn. Then start asking neighbors, co-workers, members of your church, etc. As long as you are hunting on private property, there's a fair chance you'll be okay. If the property borders a national battlefield, avoid it. I've heard of people getting arrested just because it looked like they might have been too close to a protected area. They never crossed the boundary, but they still had a really hard time in the legal system.

[Me&MyBoy]

Listen to DW and Rusty. There's no harm in asking further up the chain. I know there are a lot of MD'ers that have a "don't ask, don't tell policy", but for me it's not enjoyable if I feel worried about whether I'll be busted for a free time hobby.

I hunt with my son most of the time and I want to avoid trouble as much as possible as not to scar him for life. Anyway, before we ever went out together I just flat out asked the Parks and Recreations Dept. via email about ordinances and got the all clear from them. I keep their reply on my phone in case I every get hassled. It gives me a sense of calm that we have the all clear. If you are worried about permissions, just ask...what's the worst that can happen? At least you know. How you go about asking is the real pickle. I believe there are whole forum topics about that!

Also, I think there are probably clubs or members in your general area that could probably give you some insight. Don't be afraid to ask. Detecting while looking over your shoulder is not much of a hobby in my opinion.

[RickO]

Check with authorities... they can tell you. I checked with my local police here when I relocated. They said no problem. As to the strip of grass between the road and sidewalk... fair game. Public property, although usually maintained by the homeowners. Police said 'all clear to MD that strip'. Checking with a club in your area is a great way, since they likely have already done all the research and have the information handy. HH RickO

[ohiochris]

Its not bad advice to say call, ask, or email and get official permission. But you may get told no even though its totally legal and ok do detect there. From that point on you have drawn attention to yourself and it will be seen in a more negative light if you detect there. A few have sought permission where they are at and have recieved the permission but they are the exception , most times in most areas the automatic answer is no so you ruin it for yourself if you ask instead of doing the research. Most city and county park systems have a list of rules online at their website. Schools are almost always fine to detect as long as there is no signs saying otherwise. I personally have been told a big fat NO at certain parks and schools only to find out later that there was absolutely nothing either written or implied that would keep me from hunting those areas besides an employee who had his own personal grudge about metal detectors. So its up to you but just remember you could be severely limiting your options.

[Silversmith45]

Originally Posted by RickO

Check with authorities... they can tell you. I checked with my local police here when I relocated. They said no problem. As to the strip of grass between the road and sidewalk... fair game. Public property, although usually maintained by the homeowners. Police said 'all clear to MD that strip'. Checking with a club in your area is a great way, since they likely have already done all the research and have the information handy. HH RickO

Since the strip between the sidewalk and the street is maintained by the property owners, I always ask permission to detect it even though it is owned by the city. There's no sense causing hard feelings since they go to the work to maintain it.

[WTXdigger]

There have been a couple of cases where I went in person to speak with the head of park and rec. , the code inforcment officer, the chief of police, and in one case the mayor. In any case, always try your best to know the rules and regs for the area you want to hunt

[RustySilver]

The laws can vary state to state and even city to city...National Historic sites are generally off limits, Private property-get permission. Some public parks may require a permit, but I have never had any trouble with public parks. State parks-I would call the ranger station or park manager. Churches-get permission. Public Schools- go on a weekend when no one is around and you shouldn't have any trouble.

If you are unsure, definitely check it out with the proper authorities, owners, etc...I'm still not completely clear about what's ok to detect and what isn't, so I have most likely passed up a few "opportunities" myself....Go to the right person with the authority to give you permission and if possible, get it in writing.

Good luck & HH!!!

Does anyone ever detect the strip of grass between sidewalks and roads? Is this considered public property and "fair game"?