Where To Hunt and How To Get Permission

[Oceanwalker]

Hi all,

I am new on the forum and for years have metal detected, primarily, and oddly enough, on my 1/2 acre property. I have found some cool items - silver coins from the 1800s, jewelry, etc. My boyfriend just bought a Tesoro Vaquero and I have a Tesoro Bandido. We so badly want to find areas to metal detect, but need to understand the laws of our state (NJ) and how people go about nicely asking private property owners if they have permission to hunt on their land. What's the norm? If private owners give you permission, do you normally have to give back everything you find? I know state parks here are illegal...what about schools, churches, other....so curious....hey, has anyone ever gone to England on one of those cool metal detecting trips? Is it worth the money? They seem expensive....Looking forward to your well needed advice!!!! What a great hobby, I go nuts if I find anything before 1950! Thx....

[dave]

Hi , well out here in iowa ,in my town i ask people i know permission to hunt their yards, assure them there will be no mess and i allways give them a little something from my finds . I also play music and i write my own songs , so i give them a cd also , i find being curtious and up front with people works well, churches around here vary, depends on the priest , some will and some wont. public schools are fair game out here , i just make sure they know im there and what im doing and leave no messand i pick up trash when i find it ,

[smartfox]

is the best way to get permission. Have only asked 2 times and have been granted the okay. If not you can always do beaches parks right?

[Metal Head]

Originally Posted by smartfox

is the best way to get permission. Have only asked 2 times and have been granted the okay. If not you can always do beaches parks right?

Interstingly, beaches at state parks in Iowa are only open for MDing early in the morning - something like sun-up to 9am.

Parks are not always fair game either. Especially if there is some historic designation.