ollievon
Elite Member
Hey all, was out with my father this weekend on his property (it's open season on wild turkeys here in Upstate NY); on the way back to the truck a Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) police officer drives by and asked to see hunting permits - my dad does and then he asks me what I was doing - I told him I was off metal detecting on the property, which was private property and the officer was interested and asked if I found anything good.
After a bit of chit chatting about the hobby, which he seemed genuinely interested in, I inquired about MD'ing in state forests - especially since that's the area he patrols and enforces various laws about.
He smirked and asked me where I was thinking of going and I told him, then he confirmed that there were indeed about 4 old stone foundations, however....they were off limits to metal detecting, sadly. He was good about explaining the law and actually showing me where it was written - he was not a jerk and agreed it was unfortunate that MD enthusiasts couldn't enjoy the same spot as hunters, hikers, etc. But, the law is the law.
So, for those of you who live in New York State, not just state parks are off limits, so are ANY state forests - he said you will get arrested and there is a $500 fine, yikes. He did say, most likely if it is a first offense you would get off with a warning (although, he said it depends on what officer is catching you); if you have been cited prior, it's a very big deal.
Just food for thought before you decide to check out a NYS State park with the best of intentions; sorry guys.
After a bit of chit chatting about the hobby, which he seemed genuinely interested in, I inquired about MD'ing in state forests - especially since that's the area he patrols and enforces various laws about.
He smirked and asked me where I was thinking of going and I told him, then he confirmed that there were indeed about 4 old stone foundations, however....they were off limits to metal detecting, sadly. He was good about explaining the law and actually showing me where it was written - he was not a jerk and agreed it was unfortunate that MD enthusiasts couldn't enjoy the same spot as hunters, hikers, etc. But, the law is the law.
So, for those of you who live in New York State, not just state parks are off limits, so are ANY state forests - he said you will get arrested and there is a $500 fine, yikes. He did say, most likely if it is a first offense you would get off with a warning (although, he said it depends on what officer is catching you); if you have been cited prior, it's a very big deal.
Just food for thought before you decide to check out a NYS State park with the best of intentions; sorry guys.
