Permits, off limit areas, etc.....

[feo2all]

OK, how do you know where digging is ok, where it isn't, where you need permits, where you don't, what's off limits, what isn't?

Not asking for a treasure map, I know it's gonna take alot of work on my end, but need some good pointers to get started, and don't want a run in with Johnny Law in the park either.

[Banditjr]

A lot of I have learned is just common sense Dont dig any huge holes always fill them and look at the grounds if it is very well kept you should probably try to get permision from a grounds keeper also check your local city ordanance for laws against digging or disturbing plant life in local parks. I have also learned that not all officers or rangers know what they are talking about. Ive been told to leave by one and told to go ahead by others. The best advice I could give you is always be respectful fill your holes and pickup any trash you dig up.try to leave it cleaner than it was when you started. thats my two cents worth.

[Lynne McCloskey]

I was hesitant about calling agencies regarding use of public lands, but I wanted to hunt a local youth camping area so I psyched myself up and called. After all, I told myself, the worse they could do would be to tell me "no." I was referred to another agency because the Forest Service had no jurisdiction on this camp. The agency I called referred me to the man who maintains the camp. He told me he didn't think it would be any different than hunting the two local parks, so I could go ahead as long as I used a hand-held detector, didn't leave holes, and dug with a garden-type trowel. This let me know that the other two parks were also fair game . . . I went up the next day and found buried pipes, cement with wire mixed in, and 8 cents including a grungy 1948 nickel. I'll go back with my grandson ASAP. But wouldn't have had much fun if I had just sat there wondering about hunting in the camp, so pluck up your courage and make calls until you get the right agency and then go for it! ;D

[MantecaRay]

The most important thing is to learn how to dig a plug.Go to the beginners section, theres a post on how.Next, use common sense...if its a private yard, ask.Public land, dont ask, just make sure when your done it looks like you where never there.The problem with asking sometimes about a park for instance, is that often people have no idea about what we do and it is easier to just say no.Good luck-Ray

[Rathbone]

Hi there! Glad you asked.

Couple basic rules..

1. Federal law prohibits the possession of a metal detector in areas that the National Park police have jurisdiction. This includes National Recreation Areas...... Old law, needs updating. Violators have their detectors confiscated, and have to appear before a judge to address the violations. Remember, a cititation there shows on your record as a federal conviction, sometimes without explanation. Can really screw up a job application in these tenuous times.

2. California BLM land has basic rules, but each park has unique sets of rules, or limited areas...Check the websites.

3. When asking, don't ask the lady on the phone. Most of the time, they don't know. Ask for a printed copy of the regulations to be mailed to you. When pressed for a verbal answer, a lot of clerks will tell you 'NO' just to deny somebody something, thus either creating a rule, or exercising authority they don't really have. Build yourself a library of regulations.

[AlamedaGayle]

Here's the list from
the links section just so you
don't have to go hunting for
it.
www.nps.gov/goga/sites.htm

Happy Hunting and fill all holes. AG