I did a check on one of the...

[Anonymous]

parks in Decatur, IL and went into the back part of the park where there was a creek in the wooded area. I had my detector with and decided I would go detecting in the woods. Well I decided not to and headed back to my car. I saw the Park Ranger coming down the road and rolled down my window and asked him what are the rules and regulations in regards to metal detecting. He told me flat out, no detecting in any parks. I emphasis, ANY. So that means I can't go detecting in Decatur at all. Well I'm going to check out whether I can get a permit to hunt the parks. That way if I am able to, no one can tell me that I can't detect, I'll just show them the permit and that's it. Well, it's easier said than done, I'm just going to have to find out where.
Russ <img src="/metal/html/wink.gif" border=0 width=15 height=15 alt="">

 

[Anonymous]

mainly because they misread or misinterpret the policy.
Check for a website for Decatur and look for Parks & Recreation Department. Someplace you should find written policy on where detectors can and can't be used.
If it says you can or yes but some areas you can't...print it out, carry it with you when you detect and when they say no then say according to the policy written by your headquarters it says......
In our county parks where there is a beach we can detect on the beach and in the water but not the grassy area (where everyone puts their towels and blankets) adjacent to the beach.
I've had college age park personnel tell me I (1) can't detect in the water, (2) can't detect on the beach and even (3) no detecting is allowed. All of which are wrong.
City parks and county parks usually have similar rules but best to be prepared to have the policy of each. I even have a notebook of info on parks and in it I have copies of the policies for county and city parks - extras to hand out if need be.
I still try to be courteous to the ill-informed.
So far I haven't had much problems. I haven't been into any state parks yet but they have their own rules here too - ridiculous ones at that.
HH & Be Safe (and Healthy) - God bless us - one and all
Remember: Seek ye first the kingdom of God (Mt. 6:33)
Pete in MI

 

[Anonymous]

I check it out.
Russ <img src="/metal/html/wink.gif" border=0 width=15 height=15 alt="">

 

[Anonymous]

Some people ,given a little authority, will say anything. Good idea to go to the horse's mouth for the info. Plus county parks and city parks are usually different parts of the govt. Steve in so az

 

[Anonymous]

Hi, Russ, if the truth be known, that park ranger probably owns a metal detector & uses it himself; therefore doesn't wany any competition, or some people have dug holes & not filled them or didn't take their trash with them & now everything is off limits all because of a few careless detectorists!
I just don't think all IL parks are off limits to detecting. Check with the police or park dept in each town before hunting and make sure by asking more than one person. I've not had any problems in city or county parks in MO but a few have been closed which are now historical & aren't open to detecting!
Some good ones too all because of a few detectorists arguing with the park rangers! Found some nice stuff in one park where my former husband & I and my friend & I used to hunt a lot. All of a sudden because of an old man the park was made a historical park with no metal detecting, but of course the rangers probably detect it the same as in the one called, Johnson's Shut-Ins. Has large limestone rocks where swimmers gather & dive off the bluffs into a deep pool with park grounds!
People pay the taxes to support these parks & etc but not allowed to do anything on them like we used to do! Life isn't fair, but that's the way it is anymore until Jesus returns & justice is done the way it should be!
God Bless!
Betty