Permission to hunt Nat'l forrest, granted!!

[Methuselah]

I put in a call to the ranger at a national forrest campground that I go to regularly and asked about MDing. to my suprise he told me that I COULD use my MD at the swimming beaches there!!! I am still debating on weather or not I should do it. I'm afraid he might do some research and bust me if actually take him up on it. What do you guys think? Should I go for it?

[Jeff R]

The rangers can (and often do) allow MDing at the beaches and swimming holes. They consider that finders - keepers.

I wouldn't wander to far from the location you specifically spoke about. They have the authority to confiscate you machine, impound your auto, and make your like awful for a couple months.

But, it sounds like you have a good relationship with them.... anything may be possible.

[booker]

They do let you at the beaches sometimes but would be on the lookout

[BrownTrout]

I thought I read where all national and state parks were strictly off limits to MDing. As I recall I read this on some treasure hunting or MD web site (not this one). I talked to the park ranger at our local state park and he told me "absolutely not". Wouldn't even allow me to sweep the pea gravel in the kiddie play ground area.

[sabeetz]

get written permission. it covers all your bases.

[motor20]

This is from the site of my local National Forest.



Metal Detecting on the National Forest

Metal detection is generally permitted on national forest. Collection of any archeological or historical object is illegal. Digging, disturbing, or otherwise altering the ground is prohibited.

The George Washington and Jefferson National Forests has an active archeological volunteer program called Passport in Time. To learn more about this fascinating program click here.

Regulations in 36 CFR 261 prohibit "damaging any natural feature or other property of the United States" as well as "removing any natural feature or other property of the United States" and "Digging in, excavating, disturbing, injuring, destroying, or in any way damaging any prehistoric , historic, or archeological resource, structure, site, artifact, or property" or "Removing any prehistoric historic, or archeological resource, structure, site, artifact, or property." Violations of these prohibitions are punishable by a fine or imprisonment.

Section 296.4 of the 36 CFR lists the acts that are prohibited under the Archeological Resource Protection Act.

Contact the US Forest Service office closest to you for clarification or more information if needed.

I called the ranger station a few years ago and got permission to detect is all the picnic areas, parking lots at trail heads, ect...I never had any problems and after hunting season is over maybe middle of next month I'll go out and find lots of coins and valuable rifle bullets...

[Methuselah]

Originally Posted by motor20

This is from the site of my local National Forest.



Metal Detecting on the National Forest

Metal detection is generally permitted on national forest. Collection of any archeological or historical object is illegal. Digging, disturbing, or otherwise altering the ground is prohibited.

The George Washington and Jefferson National Forests has an active archeological volunteer program called Passport in Time. To learn more about this fascinating program click here.

Regulations in 36 CFR 261 prohibit "damaging any natural feature or other property of the United States" as well as "removing any natural feature or other property of the United States" and "Digging in, excavating, disturbing, injuring, destroying, or in any way damaging any prehistoric , historic, or archeological resource, structure, site, artifact, or property" or "Removing any prehistoric historic, or archeological resource, structure, site, artifact, or property." Violations of these prohibitions are punishable by a fine or imprisonment.

Section 296.4 of the 36 CFR lists the acts that are prohibited under the Archeological Resource Protection Act.

Contact the US Forest Service office closest to you for clarification or more information if needed.

I called the ranger station a few years ago and got permission to detect is all the picnic areas, parking lots at trail heads, ect...I never had any problems and after hunting season is over maybe middle of next month I'll go out and find lots of coins and valuable rifle bullets...

It's good that you mention that because that is always where I go first. The site for this particular nat'l forrest had nothing on MDing which is why I called. I too had read on another website dealing with MDing laws that said absolutely positively no way in nat'l forrests or parks. So, I was very suprised when the ranger called me back and gave me permission to hunt the beaches. He made it clear that MDing in other public areas was pointless as I was not allowed to dig at all. I refrained from saying that I would only be looking for surface targets. I think when I go on my annual spring camping trip I will go meet with him in person and take a copy of the metal detectors CODE OF ETHICS and share it with him. This will give him an opportunity to see I'm not a treasure seeking nut who's gonna rip up the park. Hopefully this will open up some more "opportunities" while I'm there. I'm actually kinda stoked about this! I have been going to this park for nearly thirty years at least once or twice every year and have never once seen anybody MDing there. I always go in the off season too, so there won't be a lot of "interested" people poking around either. Now I can't wait for spring!! :spin:

[rascal]

I would be sure I had written permission just to protect myself.

[Morton'sBattery]

And be sure you know his name.

[motor20]

I was taking the kids fishing and he stopped to chat. A new guy in the Natl forest. I asked him about metal detecting and he said no.

after I explained everything from how we do it to why and where and he said it makes sence to him if you were in a swimming hole or picknic area. but he would have to clear it with his boss... I am waiting for his response.....

[~Alan~]

Also, go at times when it's quiet, not too many people about.
Less chance of anyone complaining.

[ICE]

I was given premission at a national Park but told no digging. They don't have any beaches. The ranger was nice about it and said I know there is nothing of historical instrest out there but this forest has a no digging rule. Ice

[david blackstoc]

Ok

[Lightningjack]

I have 4 beaches within 30 miles of me-there all owned by the Conservation Department, They said as long as I pay the 1.00 fee they charge to swim I could detect all I want...

[searcher64]

If he said it was OK. I would like him to give me a slip of paper saying that and signed and how to get in touch with him if needed, so if someone other than him should ask, you would have proof.(:-) Good hunting.

[RickO]

I agree... verbal agreements are not worth the paper they are printed on....written paper, signed, with phone number.... or an email stating permission and name authorizing. RickO

[wds]

The state parks will let you detect at the beach areas. In sand, not in the hard (dirt) ground.