Question from a newbie...

[exnavyguy]

Does anyone know what the rules are for digging on Wildlife Management Area lands? I can not seem to find anything on this subject. I find plenty about local parks, national parks, state parks and national forest, but nothing about wildlife managment areas. Thanks for any help.

PS. I found a very old chimney, (i would say from early to mid 1800's) near a lake I fish, but it is on a WMA, I would like to do some MD'ing around it, but don't want to offend the laws. I will try to get a pic of the site soon, the chimney is really wide (about 6ft or more) and made of old stones.

[PAPPY]

I would tend to think that FEDERAL rules and regulations would apply to Wildlife Management Lands.

[exnavyguy]

but if it is state owned, i wonder if it is different...of course I am in Virginia..so digging is probably prohibited.

[PAPPY]

Go to the Federal Building or the Court House in Ashburn Virginia and look under 18 CFR Section 2.7h of the Code Of Federal Regulations and you should be able to find exactlly what you are looking for.

[DougsGraphics]

Actually, I think the correct code to search is 36 CFR 296.5(b)(2), you can read a previous thread on the subject:
Question re: federal lands

I would suggest you check with your Department of Natural Resources ( or whatever your state calls the game and fish folks). They may have local policies and procedures. Let us know if you find anything out! This is a topic of great interest to me.

[exnavyguy]

I will definitely take a look at it..and see what i can come up with. Will post what I find. Hopefully everyone can benefit from it.

[exnavyguy]

Sorry if any of this is already posted:

This link appears to be a personal website, so I do not know how much stock to put into whats on it..
Treasure Hunting and Metal Detecting Law Guide

Although a website for a specific national park, it does contain some information on Federal rules and regulations.
Metal Detecting National Forests

This is what I found after about 8 hours over two days of searching about Virginia Wildlife Management areas. Can be found on the Virginia Dept of Game and Inland Fisheries Website.

"Metal detecting and artifact hunting are prohibited in Wildlife Management Areas in Virginia."

I am not going to let it stop me from enjoying myself with this new found hobby, but this kind stuff is not very encouraging to those of us who are just starting out.
Thanks for everyone's help. I will check out the other thread on Federal Lands.

[XLT_user]

I search wlm land all the time no rule s that i know of jus don,t litter and cover holes happy hunting. You can also hunt with a gun to .

[DougsGraphics]

Thanks for the link, exnavyguy!

Originally Posted by exnavyguy

Sorry if any of this is already posted:
This link appears to be a personal website, so I do not know how much stock to put into whats on it..
Treasure Hunting and Metal Detecting Law Guide

[exnavyguy]

I like to share what I find. I got my ACE 250 today. Going to make an attempt to find some goodies tomorrow. Thanks for everyone's help!