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[DirtDigger]

Hey everyone - I've read a lot of posts about hunting at schools and had a question about permission. Basically, what do you do to get permission? Do you call the school and ask if it'd be okay? Or since the school is a public institution paid for by your city tax dollars, can you assume it's okay without getting direct permission? I'd love to go to my old grade school (a couple of counties away) cause I remember the field we used to play kickball on and all the playground equipment that we hung from and I'm sure there would be a ton of stuff to find there.
Thanks for any help!
Paul

[Inspector]

I do not get permission to dig public schools and when I researched I found no school system rule prohibiting detecting. In summer when the athletic fields are not in use anything is fair game to dig. Durring the school year I try and stay off fields used by jr high and high schoolers. I do however dig knowing the impact and the high use of the lawn areas. Dig with consideration and for thought.

[MinelabMan]

Hi DirtDigger,

I never detected schools because I tried to get permission from the local police and was told to contact the school board, what a mistake, a big run-around.

I actually lost a ring at my elementary school and have never been back, but I will one of these days. After a discussion on this before, I'm going with: since it is a public institution that my tax dollars pay for, I have a right to use it, as long as I'm not destructive. I won't go during school hours or when events are going on though. I think the worst that would happen is you'd be told to leave. So going on the theory that "ignorance is bliss" and being courteous to anyone that you may encounter, I don't think it's a problem.

Just my 2 cents that I haven't put to the test......yet!

[JCWhite]

I agree with both of the previous posts. I feel ok about going to the school areas and only go there when school is out. Have not had any problem yet and always leave it like I found it and take any trash I find out.

[riki727]

I've been detecting at our local elementary school the last couple of Sundays (Minelab - still looking for your ring!) and never thought about getting permission because I consider the playground "public property" on weekends. There are many parents who take their kids to play there on the weekend because there aren't any other playgrounds around.

I try to be very considerate about refilling holes, etc. and I've even found I've cleared a fair amount of trash that was in the mulch under the equipment - so I guess I'm doing a bit of good. I found a housekey one day which I turned in to the school, but never heard whether it belonged to anyone.

I guess if I was ever stopped and questioned by anyone I'd just say I was looking for a ring that a 'friend' dropped. I wouldn't be lying - I just wouldn't be telling them how long ago the ring was dropped!!

[DirtDigger]

Thanks for the replies everyone - that helps a lot! I often get these thoughts in my head and then start doubting or questioning what I think so it's good to run things by others just for verification. And what better place to ask a question than here - I can always count on you guys!

[riki727]

Originally Posted by DirtDigger

I can always count on you guys!

....and GIRLS!!! We're not ALL men here, ya know!

[MinelabMan]

Uh-Oh DirtDigger, seems that you stepped in it this time

[riki727]

Originally Posted by MinelabMan

Uh-Oh DirtDigger, seems that you stepped in it this time

I AM WOMAN....HEAR ME ROAR!!!

[MinelabMan]

Originally Posted by riki727

I AM WOMAN....HEAR ME ROAR!!!

Sheeeee's Back!