So.....

[markinmichigan]

Developers are buying up these old homes, knocking them down and building McMansions on the now vacant lots, They toss fences around them but leave the old fences and side gates there. Are these lots open game when the gates are swinging open and there's no "No trespassing signs"? Just hunting for new spots and these look like a natural easy hit, swing and go spot.

Opinions appreciated.

Mark in Michigan

 

[Tom_in_CA]

I can tell you this : If such a situation, that you paint a picture of, were here in my part of CA, they would not go un-hunted.

 

[markinmichigan]

I'm going there tomorrow Tom. I've been driving by that spot for a couple of days and "that's gates been swinging" and I will report.

Mark in Michigan

 

[hoser]

Go gittum buddy. No signs, no issues. Empty lots should pose no problems. With no signs, all they can do is tell you to leave right.

 

[wolf-n-wa]

Good luck!

 

[markinmichigan]

Went there tonight and the city lot was loaded with aluminum cut offs and cans. Still cold here but I did find 2 rings, an old silver watch or pendent, a pre 60's dime, couple of wheaties, crap load of clad adding up to next to nothing.

Thought that since the house was built in 1911 there would be some finds that would have some good dates on them. Nope. Here is the evidence.

Mark in Michigan

 

[CallMeGrey]

Since you asked for opinions... Ethics are what you do when no one is watching. I never hunt private property without permission. But that's just me.

 

[GroundSweeper]

Its sad to think that opportunities will get blanketed in concrete or asphalt at some point, so good on you for getting while the getting was getting. I bet there's more there? if you get the time to go back. Happy hunting!

 

[markinmichigan]

Since you asked for opinions... Ethics are what you do when no one is watching. I never hunt private property without permission. But that's just me.

I thought about the ethics aspect of this situation. Vacant parcel. The gate swinging open. No signs whatsoever so I went. I did feel a bit apprehensive at first, but knowing that it was going to be bulldozed flat, If I owned the lot, I would have allowed it.

Mark in Michigan

 

[stetam]

Since you asked for opinions... Ethics are what you do when no one is watching. I never hunt private property without permission. But that's just me.

Very well said. I will not hunt other peoples property without permission. Posted or not.

Steve

 

[markinmichigan]

Its sad to think that opportunities will get blanketed in concrete or asphalt at some point, so good on you for getting while the getting was getting. I bet there's more there? if you get the time to go back. Happy hunting!

I won't be going back. Going to try and track down the owners and get a permission.

Mark in Michigan

 

[FliesOnly]

I'm just gonna stay out of this one...CallMeGrey and stetam have pretty much said all that needs to be said.

 

[bottlecap4u]

Applaud the initiative, Mark!

 

[Tpmetal]

Technically with no signs you can't get in trouble until someone tells you not to or trespasses you. Once that happens you just can't go back. So uhhh do as you want with that info. Personally I would try it out and see what you find.

 

[FliesOnly]

Technically with no signs you can't get in trouble until someone tells you not to or trespasses you. Once that happens you just can't go back. So uhhh do as you want with that info. Personally I would try it out and see what you find.

In Michigan at least, it's not quite that simple. If the property is fenced or enclosed...as I believe the property that originally prompted this very discussion happens to be...then you cannot legally access the property. Now, would you get in lots of trouble for trespassing? Who knows, but probably not. As such, that's not really the issue. For me, it's more about the image I put forth to the general public as a detectorist. Knowingly going onto land without the landowners permission is, for me, a pretty negative image, and is just as likely to lead to new laws or regulations pertaining to metal detecting as is the infamous "No one cared until you asked" claim/argument put forth by some individuals on this forum.

 

[ecoast]

Technically with no signs you can't get in trouble until someone tells you not to or trespasses you. Once that happens you just can't go back. So uhhh do as you want with that info. Personally I would try it out and see what you find.

one does not need to post here in SC and GA

it's still trespassing with or w/o signage

 

[markinmichigan]

Members forgive me as I have sinned. I was able to get in touch with the small building company and he said no problem. He's going to meet me there later on today.

Mark in Michigan

 

[Diga]

Members forgive me as I have sinned. I was able to get in touch with the small building company and he said no problem. He's going to meet me there later on today.

Mark in Michigan

Wait, whaaat?

That is pretty much unheard of!

...but congratulations

 

[TheFrood]

I thought about the ethics aspect of this situation. Vacant parcel. The gate swinging open. No signs whatsoever so I went. I did feel a bit apprehensive at first, but knowing that it was going to be bulldozed flat, If I owned the lot, I would have allowed it.

Mark in Michigan

So a quick google got some interesting info....

Laws For Posting No Trespassing Signs

No trespassing signs can accomplish alot. Are you the owner of a private property and want to or has posted a No Trespassing sign? Check out this post!

thelawdictionary.org

No Trespassing – All State Laws And Sign Requirements

www.mysecuritysign.com

Trespassing Laws & Signs For All Fifty States | Signs.com

Read about the trespassing laws in your state in our comprehensive guide to trespassing laws and signs in all fifty states.

www.signs.com

So take it as you will... :P