2nd time out

[Geo777]

Well I went back to the park down the street and was met by park security. He told me I couldn’t detect in the park. I explained to him about taking trash off site and filling holes but he still told me I must leave. So my second time out ends in frustration and now I’m wondering if I’ll be hassled anywhere I go.

[Geo777]

Here is my question do you guys just go to locations any start detecting? I know I can’t go on private property. Should I flag over a policemen and ask if it’s ok? Not a good start to my new hobby..

That's a shame about the park, but don't let it get you down. Make yourself a list of the areas you are interested in and find a contact person. Before I left my back yard I had the go ahead at a National Forest, a DCNR State Park (both with restrictions), my local park and a Civil War era orphanage site. You may be suprised at how receptive some organizations are.

Tried to get permission to hunt an old house foundation on a Sate Game Lands once. The nice Ranger lady told me to feel free to metal detect on any state game lands, as long as I understood that it was illegal to pick anything I found up.........

HJ

[Geo777]

HJ, thank you for the tips. I did check out the parks and recreations web site and looked over the rules. I felt since nothing was posted about detecting it was all right. I could not find anything on the web about any laws regarding MD. I did get some contact phone numbers for the director of the parks. I think I’ll call him and see what he has to say. It might even be better if I talk to him in person.