National Parks Question:detecting:

[Stingray79]

Hey Everyone,
I was thinking about doing some camping in the Smokey Mountains this summer and was wondering about the rules and regulations on metal detecting. Does anyone know anything on this subject? Or where I can find some info about this?
Thanks and Happy Hunting
Teresa in Tennessee

 

[PappyInSC]

metal detecting on any federal land is legal. But keeping anything from the hunt is illlegal. NOW whether or not the park rangers enforce it or not is a whole other question. There is a law that says that anything of historical interest is by law the goverments property.

I've seen lots of psuedo attorneys thoughts on this matter, but it boils down to this: if they think (the park rangers) you are violating the historical act, they can take your detector, your vehicle, and any possessions at the time.

I would stay clear of the land of the FEDS.

HH
Pappy

 

[Mike from MI "Iron Brigade"]

many are off limits. I know of a guy who found an hook like you would hang a coat on at the beach without a detector. Another guy walked up and said what did ya find. He said this neat old coat hook. The guy said what ya going to do with it? He said I think I will take it home. The other guy pulled out a ticket book and gave him a $250 fine! No kidding! I supposed if he would have dropped it or tossed it in the lake he would have been ticketed for littering!

 

[KyBud(InezKy)]

Federal Parks. I'm a taxpayer and can't enjoy my hobby of metal detecting on federal land. What good is a historic relic if left in the ground to be eaten by the elements and never be seen, touched or displayed for others to see a part of our history. I just don't understand the reasoning behind the restrictions on federal land and in some public parks. In the past the big lumber companies have been allowed to cut trees on federal land (Danial Boone National Forest). Don't the trees that have been there so many years have any historical value?? It all boils down to the fact that our hobby don't feed the big money to our elected officials. Now the arkies are trying to get laws passed here in KYprohibiting metal detecting and relic hunting on private lands. In the future I guess we'll have to sneak out after dark to play with or detectors in our own back yard. The little man don't stand a chance.
God Bless
and Happy Hunting where we can.
Ky Bud

 

[Graw]

Histroy should be found. --- Graw

 

[kdc]

and it's getting worse and worse. it the fastest growing hobby in the u.s. cheaper prices on metal detectors have afforded many people who would not have done it, to just try it because it is cheap enough.

 

[dobbie]

I would think it would be a bad idea. I know here in cali there are restrictions on where you can metal detect. for example, you cant detect out at the local lake because its a state park. however you can detect on state beaches. and pappy is right when it comes to fed land. I wouldnt risk it.

 

[Mike Chgo area]

n/t

 

[Digdoug]

...below and read paragraph 7. The same is true in Tennessee State Parks too.

 

[Joe G]

You can't hunt in a National Park.
You can't have a metal detector in a National Park
Even if your MD is dismantled and sitting in the trunk of your car.... no

At Gettysburg they don't kid around. Get caught and you'll lose your detector, most likely your car, Get fined and be in some serious trouble...

 

[Stingray79]

OH MY, didn't know it was such a big deal. I figured I'd take it around the camp sites and look for pocket change. I'm glad I asked.
I sent off for a permit to detect on TVA land and the restrictions are so tight, it's almost not worth it.:veryangry:
I guess I'd better stay on my own land and that of my friends and family.
Thanks,
Teresa

 

[kdc]

they will let you detect state beaches but most of the time you can not keep anything you find, and example of this is Hunting Island in SC. its getting to a point where the government is laying claim to everything. it will not be long the way things are going and the only place you will be able to detect is in your own yard and friends yards also. it is truely almost to a point where i'm thinking about selling all of my detectors and get another hobby. i hate the ideal of that been doing it on and off for 29 years. but its not getting worth it to me anymore, it used to be fun, now its just becoming another hassle.