So.....

markinmichigan

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Joined
Dec 19, 2022
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Location
Ferndale Mi
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
 
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.

IMG_20240305_195311313.jpg


Mark in Michigan
 
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!
 
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
 
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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
 
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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.
 
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.
 
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
 
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 :)
 
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....


So take it as you will... :P
 
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