Noob update- 2nd post

[Rhak40]

Hello MD friends!

Well this all started as a little hobby for my son but I have really taken interest.

I had a unusual day today. I already recruited another noob/partner and he purchased a new machine. We had permission for our first private property hunt in a real small 160 year old town. Old farmhouse on a large lot with an old abandon house. We were pumped and thought we would have great hunting grounds. Found some coins but, tons of junk and a 1931 license plate. So my partner gets tired of sorting through all the junk and heads back into the small town park. We were approached and given the boot by someone and said no MD'ing in this town! I noticed a lot of peope frown on this hobby - the new guys wants to sell his new machine and quit.

I did manage to find my first wheat today! In the driveway before we even left.

So how do you react about getting kicked out of a park? When I return to the private property what is the best way to find the good stuff vs. the junk. I had my BH IV on coin shoot with disc turned way up!

[Delta Digger]

Well I'm new also so I can't be of help but I would like to know who kicked you out of the park?

[Tin-Tin]

Originally Posted by Rhak40

Hello MD friends!

We were approached and given the boot by someone and said no MD'ing in this town! I noticed a lot of peope frown on this hobby - the new guys wants to sell his new machine and quit.

I did manage to find my first wheat today! In the driveway before we even left.

So how do you react about getting kicked out of a park? When I return to the private property what is the best way to find the good stuff vs. the junk. I had my BH IV on coin shoot with disc turned way up!

Who kicked you out of the park? Were there any signs posted? I would go to the court house or police station and ask about any laws stating one can't MD in a public park.

It was a public park, correct?? Did you replace your plugs?

If nothing else, do a little curb sweeping. Thats the grass between the street and sidewalks. City owned and few people bother you.

[Liberty_1776]

First, you need to get to know your machine. I was digging metal right away with mine but it really takes time to know what the machine is telling you. If you're just starting out, your own yard is a great place to start. You'll want to learn how to dig plugs properly and read the "code of ethics" thread. Trust me, it takes practice to dig a plug that looks perfect when replaced.

I can't imagine too many small towns having real rules on the books against metal detecting so next time ask someone of authority (police or village hall) if there is a law against it. In my town, the park district is who gets to decide and they don't have a problem with it.

Good luck and HH!

[fogcity]

I have sent emails to each of the city/county Parks & Recreation Departments near me, asking them if there are any ordinances/regulations against Metal Detecting in their parks. I do this and keep my replies in my car when I'm out hunting... That way if someone of authority (police, park maintenance, etc.) says I can't hunt I have my "permission slips" right there with me!!!

[Liberty_1776]

Originally Posted by fogcity

I have sent emails to each of the city/county Parks & Recreation Departments near me, asking them if there are any ordinances/regulations against Metal Detecting in their parks. I do this and keep my replies in my car when I'm out hunting... That way if someone of authority (police, park maintenance, etc.) says I can't hunt I have my "permission slips" right there with me!!!

Same here. I have on occasion hunted a park in a nearby town without written permission but have always checked the park and village website first. For parks that I hunt all the time (like the one across from my house) I have written permission. It feels good to know you have your bases covered.

Know the laws, but most importantly know your rights, and exercise them.

[Michaeltime]

My two detecting buddies and I were asked by the park grounds keeper to not dig until November (off season for the park that surrounds a lake) . It was a pleasant request so we talked with him for a bit then left. The park surrounds a lake. One side of the park across from the public beach I got a wheat but it seemed to be searched pretty good. I got a canadian 1945 penny on the side where we were asked to not detect until fall so the grass wouldn't suffer. It was pretty dry that day . He told us it wasn't against rules but if he had to he would call the police. We just didn't want to cause a fuss and get a rule put in place to stop detecting there forever.
M6 Mike

[sweendog]

Originally Posted by Michaeltime

My two detecting buddies and I were asked by the park grounds keeper to not dig until November (off season for the park that surrounds a lake) . It was a pleasant request so we talked with him for a bit then left. The park surrounds a lake. One side of the park across from the public beach I got a wheat but it seemed to be searched pretty good. I got a canadian 1945 penny on the side where we were asked to not detect until fall so the grass wouldn't suffer. It was pretty dry that day . He told us it wasn't against rules but if he had to he would call the police. We just didn't want to cause a fuss and get a rule put in place to stop detecting there forever.
M6 Mike

I know you weren't trying to cause a fuss, but he told you it wasn't against the rules. So what if he called the police? What were they gonna do to you if its not prohibited. I would respect his request until he leaves for the day. I hate when people pull "the cops" card.. just my opinion

[norbyx]

Well if it wasn't against the rules, than calling the cops would have made no difference. Anyhow sometimes is just better to avoid confrontations and be friendly.

[Rhak40]

Originally Posted by Tin-Tin

Who kicked you out of the park? Were there any signs posted? I would go to the court house or police station and ask about any laws stating one can't MD in a public park.

It was a public park, correct?? Did you replace your plugs?

If nothing else, do a little curb sweeping. Thats the grass between the street and sidewalks. City owned and few people bother you.

Thanks for all the replies and info.

My partner was told by a random citizen to leave the park. (it was public) No signs posted, checked. The town is so small no police station, court house or usps even.

Yes i read the ethics code and take great pride in clean plugs and nice replacements.

In future I will have permission on hand. Did not want to get in a battle with out knowing the facts. I have had good luck getting private property permission, i enjoy that more anyway

[Liberty_1776]

Ha! A random citizen? I love when people think they have some kind of authority. My response would have been "It's OK, thanks anyway" and I would have kept on swinging. That response works well when trying to leave Wal-mart without having your receipt checked too. It's up to you though to decide when to avoid confrontation. Sounds like you made the choice that was best for you and your situation. Better luck next time HH!

[Dark Chameleon]

Originally Posted by Michaeltime

My two detecting buddies and I were asked by the park grounds keeper to not dig until November (off season for the park that surrounds a lake) . It was a pleasant request so we talked with him for a bit then left. The park surrounds a lake. One side of the park across from the public beach I got a wheat but it seemed to be searched pretty good. I got a canadian 1945 penny on the side where we were asked to not detect until fall so the grass wouldn't suffer. It was pretty dry that day . He told us it wasn't against rules but if he had to he would call the police. We just didn't want to cause a fuss and get a rule put in place to stop detecting there forever.
M6 Mike

The park i hunt in my town has a lake too and the very first thing i did was go in person to the town coucil offices who sent me to the parks and rec and i asked them in person, told them i was disabled and needed exercise and this was the obvious choice, told them i was from the town and they said yes, i have had three drive by's by the police and always waved at them and nothing, i talk to the park staff and even though they didnt ask i told them i asked for permission and got it and respect the place and the ground (im also a qualified horticulturist from times old).

Get your ducks in a row first and then when someone argues you just state that you got permission before you set one foot on the park and then they can take it up with their boss, i hate jobsworths but you state your case and then if they want to look like a total fool they can...your coverred, just follow the rules of the park and of detecting and they have nothing to argue about, you might even want to video your finding, digging and closing up the holes 'just in case' they start lying to make you seem like a backyard vulture