Public School Search

[kanila]

Is it okay to MD school grounds if there are no signs stating otherwise. There is an elementary school near my home that I would like to check out and I was wondering if I needed permission first from the principal to detect. Any thoughts on the subject will be a big help. Thanx

[fpscabs]

Since I haven't asked at the school across the street, I think if you don't make some major holes and mess, most will allow it. I have shown the Principal some of my finds and lots of the junk. He was happy to see all the rusted nails, wire and stuff that I pulled out of the sand and sports fields. I grew up across the street from the school and have watched for years people MDing all the time.

[LodiTom]

You don't need to ask,just do it on the weekend's when the kid's are out of school.HH,Tom

[fishnchips]

Here's my two cents since I hunt schoolyards. There are many schools that have no trespassing signs on them yet the gates are left open. I have seen kids playing on the weekends in the schoolyards with their parents and no one seems to object. By extension, I MD in the schoolyards and I haven't had anyone approach me. Technically, I guess its private property but I think that enforcement is lax. I do have explicit permission from one principal so I feel better when I am there but there are other schools that I have no clue who the principal is. I fill all my holes and I do remove trash (and coins!) so I am being a "good citizen". I don't bring my Lesche into the schoolyard however for two reasons: 1. I don't need it in sand and I don't dig in the fields and 2. if, for whatever reason, an overzealous police officer stops me and is having a bad day, I don't want something that looks like a weapon on my person which could create a supposed problem. If I was ever asked to leave, I would do so without question or argument. I also make it a point to keep all my trash in my pouch as evidence that I am doing good at the same time I am hunting. I haven't had to show it to anyone, but I think it is a good idea. I don't hunt other private school areas because I think that I don't even have a colorable argument that I have a right to be on their property and I would only do that with explicit permission. As a taxpayer in my county, I figure I have some sort of right to use and not abuse the schoolyards around town. All in all, use common sense, be polite and leave the area nicer than you found it. Good luck, HH, Joe

[gerber]

I've hunted loads of local schools and have never had a problem at all. Just show care in filling holes, carry your trash around with you to show you're doing a good deed if confronted, and maintain a pleasant demeanor to those who are interested and ask questions. The only schools I've avoided are those that are completely locked up and private schools, which are usually locked up anyway.

HH,

Dan

[kanila]

Thanxs everyone for the great input. I will do my best to carry on the great MD tradition. Always respect others
property. Thanx again.

[xciceroguy]

Ive hunted many school grounds, a few rules i follow. Stay away when children are present, go on weekends or holidays, fill all your holes, show anyone who cares all the hazards you take out, no one will say a word

Xciceroguy