Question for people from the United States!

[JunkSilverKid]

Hey guys i'm from Canada and i'm going camping in New jersey for a week. I was wondering if we are aloud to metal detect a public park? I'd go early early in the morning when there shouldn't be anyone.

 

[Tom_in_CA]

You didn't say WHICH "public park(s)". Eg.: city ? county ? state ? federal ?

But wherever it is you had in mind, I'm sure that, in this wonderful digital day & age, you can simply look up the park rules or muni-codes on-line. Eg.: Dogs on leash, no fireworks, closes at sunset, etc.... If it doesn't say "no metal detecting", then presto: Not disallowed.

 

[metaladdict]

I would detect a public park in jersey if I was there.

 

[KingTotsalot]

Find the Park first, then enter the City Name and search under City Park Rules. Like Tom said, if it is not mentioned, then it is not disallowed. One step further, if you can, print off the Park rules for said city, and carry with you, just in case! You never know when you might run into a "busy body".

 

[Tom_in_CA]

... You never know when you might run into a "busy body".

Correct. Just because it's not disallowed, doesn't mean someone still couldn't gripe . Especially if you're in nice manicured grass. Because , let's be honest, we are in an oddball hobby that can carry the connotation that you "might be about to leave a hole". Or you "might be about to take something", blah blah.

So don't be going at high noon, waltzing over people's beach blankets, being a major eyesore. And : Go look for the ring your wife lost there last week.

 

[Diga]

.

 

[Diga]

If it doesn't say "no metal detecting", then presto: Not disallowed.

So if it doesn't say, "No crapping on the grass", you're allowed to?

 

[metaladdict]

So if it doesn't say, "No crapping on the grass", you're allowed to?

The dogs do but most owners clean it up.

 

[too_pointer]

I bet they clean up dog poop, lol
too_

 

[Tom_in_CA]

So if it doesn't say, "No crapping on the grass", you're allowed to?

Hey there Digalicious : As long as we start with the implicit premise that : MD'ing is evil, like crapping in public, then Yes: Everything you're saying does indeed logically follow.

But why this starting premise ? Since when is md'ing evil, reviled, hated, disgusting, etc.... ? I, and most all passerbys, happen to consider it benign, harmless, wise, etc..... In fact, they come up asking "what's the best thing you've ever found" and "how deep does it go" and "where can I buy one of those". FAR from the picture you paint.

But sure, if you START with the premise that your hobby is disgusting and vile, and hated by everyone, then sure, grovel away. And become the latest victim of the "No one cared till you asked " routine

 

[Diga]

Since when is md'ing evil, reviled, hated, disgusting, etc.... ? I, and most all passerbys, happen to consider it benign, harmless, wise, etc..... In fact, they come up asking "what's the best thing you've ever found" and "how deep does it go" and "where can I buy one of those". FAR from the picture you paint.

I didn't paint a picture Tom. Unless you're visualizing someone squatting down in the middle of a park and...lol.

Anyway, I was just razzin' ya with the logical progression

I've never had any problem detecting in public parks. In fact, all I ever get from strangers is questions such as the type you posted. Then again, I could see how people would have a problem if I walked into a park with a shovel. But, I use a hand trowel, and dig my plugs very discreetly.

 

[JunkSilverKid]

Correct. Just because it's not disallowed, doesn't mean someone still couldn't gripe . Especially if you're in nice manicured grass. Because , let's be honest, we are in an oddball hobby that can carry the connotation that you "might be about to leave a hole". Or you "might be about to take something", blah blah.

So don't be going at high noon, waltzing over people's beach blankets, being a major eyesore. And : Go look for the ring your wife lost there last week.

Hahah exactly! I try to be conscious as I do agree our hobby can appear strange. I'm planning on going at 6:00am one morning and it's like a kinda lower quality park so hopefully should be all good!