dfxing virginia
Elite Member
Hey yall I'll be headed to Eglin AFB and Tyndall AFB for a few days at the end of the month. Anyone have any tips on what beaches to hit up? Any laws I need to watch out for? Thank you for any advice you have.
Florida folks
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TampaBayBrad
Forum Supporter
State parks are off limits unless the ranger station issues permits for the beach area. I would hit any beach that may be on the Air Force base property. Less pressure from local detectorists that can't get on the base. Other then that, use google maps to find public parking lots on the nearby beaches and hit them. Work the towel line early morning before it gets busy, then hit the water. Good luck! 
stetam
Elite Member
Metal detecting Govt property is a big NO NOState parks are off limits unless the ranger station issues permits for the beach area. I would hit any beach that may be on the Air Force base property. Less pressure from local detectorists that can't get on the base. Other then that, use google maps to find public parking lots on the nearby beaches and hit them. Work the towel line early morning before it gets busy, then hit the water. Good luck!
Steve
Not always the case. But you do need to know how to go about it. Navy base beach sometimes all you need is someone with a military ID with you. Of course a lot changed since 9-11. One of my best flounder fishing holes was fishing beside two Navy ships. You try that now they will point a big machine gun at you. Ask me how I know
TampaBayBrad
Forum Supporter
After googling, I found numerous accounts of permission granted in the various forum threads to detect on base. I assume the OP is either military or a civilian with business on base since he says he's going there. I wouldn't try anywhere other than a beach though. I had taken a break from detecting when I did my Air Force stint, but thinking back, I wish I had brought a detector to my various bases!
maxxkatt
Forum Supporter
use google earth to locate the beaches with the largest parking lots. That is a direct clue to well used beaches. Else in front of big hotels and condos. Just be careful that you park legally. Lots of illegal parking towing in FL.State parks are off limits unless the ranger station issues permits for the beach area. I would hit any beach that may be on the Air Force base property. Less pressure from local detectorists that can't get on the base. Other then that, use google maps to find public parking lots on the nearby beaches and hit them. Work the towel line early morning before it gets busy, then hit the water. Good luck!
Tom_in_CA
Elite Member
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Stetam, why do you say that (all) Govt. property is a big No No ?
Most all of us here are detecting some variation/form of "govt. property". Eg.: Beaches, parks, forests, schools , deserts, etc..... If you doubt me, simply take a look at the forum's show & tell pages here. And you'll see no shortage of persons md'ing parks, forests, beaches, etc...... So why would you think that all govt. land is a No No ? Are you thinking of ancillary boiler plate catch-all verbiage (that exists everywhere) about "alter & deface", or "harvest & remove" or lost-&-found issues, or something like that ?
hoser
Forum Supporter
Yep. I've been hunting on National Guard property for many years and haven't had any issues. I have had base security pull up not to chase me off but just to shoot the breeze and see what I have found. Granted this is a National Guard training facility, but still US Govt. property. Only time you need to stay away is when they are having the combined training exercises. Ok all that being said, you can't hunt INSIDE the base proper unless you get the express permission from the camp commander. Basically, if there is a cyclone fence, stay on your side.Stetam, why do you say that (all) Govt. property is a big No No ?
Dude just hit the most popular beaches for fresh drops. Even state park beaches. Don’t hesitate. Just go. There is no anti law. It’s actually states coastal state parks allowed. If u have a military ID id hit the base also. U know it’s all about who u know not what u know. Ignorance is bliss no one going to prison for detecting. National parks diff story !!!
TampaBayBrad
Forum Supporter
It's "within certain areas as designated by the park manager" and NO water hunting allowed.
Here's the state's wording:1.6. Where can I do metal detecting within Florida's state parks?
Our statewide park rules, based on regulations set out by the Florida Administrative Code, state that metal detecting is prohibited on all state park lands, except for coastal parks. In these parks, metal detecting may occur within certain beach areas located between the toe of the dune and the high-water line, as designated by the park manager. Metal detecting in submerged locations is not permitted.
Objects with historic association (anything over 50 years old) are not permitted to be kept by park visitors, even if the objects are found in the areas approved for metal detecting. These objects are archaeological artifacts, and title to such is vested in the Florida Department of State's Division of Historical Resources.
And then there's this part:
"If you plan to visit a state park with a beach, we recommend calling ahead to the park to inquire if there is any section of the beach where you can do metal detecting and if there are any restrictions you should be aware of (i.e., can you dig down to retrieve any objects you find, etc.). "
Sorry Tom_in_CA.....I would cover my bases before detecting in a Fl. state park.
Submerged item as in a specific item in the water. Also says “recommended to call ahead” so are reservations but i just walk in to resturants all the time. Im not here to shoot anyone down. Each his own. I jump fences to fish I don’t condone breaking any LAWS. Unless there’s an actual floridas statue for that specific “crime” I’m not even considering it crime.. I’ve hit half dozen state parks from the keys up. I’ve been seen by FWC,park rangers, good head nod n go. I’ve yet to ever been told to stop or leave. Just ask your self what the worst case scenario.. i feel with the proper attitude and respect to the officers. U can walk away with a verbal NO 99% of the time. If even encountered. Some these state parks are an honor system parking. As in unattended. U leave money in a slot for parking. Just saying.
stetam
Elite Member
I was referring to military bases that have been around for a while. All these bases still have unexploded ordinance in the ground. I know you advocate playing stupid or plain lying to get over but use your head.Stetam, why do you say that (all) Govt. property is a big No No ?
Are you thinking of ancillary boiler plate catch-all verbiage (that exists everywhere) about "alter & deface", or "harvest & remove" or lost-&-found issues, or something like that ?
Steve
I detect a lot of state parks. Good to ask questions from time to time even if someone tells you no. Had an employee from time to time just hate people with metal detectors. One used to really like looking for me. One thing I know is eventually they get fired or move on. Always a good idea to make friends with the park people and the po po. Funny story here. Once I was at a State park and I found a wallet. Turned it in to a police officer. Told him I didn't go through everything. But he had more than one I.D. Cop says. "Yeah he has a fake I.d! I know his dad too!" He was going to drop the wallet off in person that night.
Tom_in_CA
Elite Member
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It's "within certain areas as designated by the park manager" and NO water hunting allowed.
1.6. Where can I do metal detecting within Florida's state parks?
Our statewide park rules, based on regulations set out by the Florida Administrative Code, state that metal detecting is prohibited on all state park lands, except for coastal parks. In these parks, metal detecting may occur within certain beach areas located between the toe of the dune and the high-water line, as designated by the park manager. Metal detecting in submerged locations is not permitted.
Objects with historic association (anything over 50 years old) are not permitted to be kept by park visitors, even if the objects are found in the areas approved for metal detecting. These objects are archaeological artifacts, and title to such is vested in the Florida Department of State's Division of Historical Resources.
And then there's this part:
"If you plan to visit a state park with a beach, we recommend calling ahead to the park to inquire if there is any section of the beach where you can do metal detecting and if there are any restrictions you should be aware of (i.e., can you dig down to retrieve any objects you find, etc.). "
Sorry Tom_in_CA.....I would cover my bases before detecting in a Fl. state park.
Tampa-Bay-Brad, notice the reason for this edict ^ ^ Follow closely, because the clues are right there in your own post :
It's this "FAQ" that repeatedly came in, during decades past. Until ... presto : They finally have to address this "pressing question" . With wonderful answers such as this ^ ^ In other words, your post depicts precisely what I'm talking about : That we are/were all victims of the "no one cared UNTIL we asked" routine. And then their answer is essentially to "ask even more". THUS LEADING TO EVEN MORE "NO'S".
And did anyone *really* care prior to this ? Probably not. But shucks, we're asking, so something MUST be wrong with our activity (lest why are we asking ? No one asks to do benign harmless things). We are our own worst enemy now.
And then the part about "ask at each kiosk you come to" cracks me up. Because : NO ONE IS DISPUTING that an individual park ranger(s) is within his authority to interpret/implement laws/rules *as he sees fit*. Because SURE ! : Laws are written vaguely/broadly, to morph to whatever situation is present. But for example : Does that mean you should ask if you can fly frisbees ? (might poke someone's eye out). Or that for example : A ranger can come to your campsite and ask you to turn down your boom box music volume (because he decides it's too loud and bothering your neighbors). NO ONE IS DENYING THE RANGER HAS THAT AUTHORITY. But this does NOT mean we come to the ranger or kiosk ahead of time asking : "Can I fly frisbees" or "can I play my radio".
So effectively, your post only goes to confirm the very psychology, and vicious circle of self-fulfillment, that I am saying. I don't deny that you can find wonderful citations like you're pointing to NOW. But why is it there ? Because we md'rs have made ourselves a giant bullseye.
TheFrood
Forum Supporter
Interesting. I guess that's the difference between a state park where you can possibly have treasure ships decaying just
offshore unseen and unknown, with valuables infrequently washing ashore vs. beaches without significant history. The
age limit of 50 years old is kind of bullshit though... I mean seriously... That treats a fair number of modern clad coins as
archaeological relics...
Should use official channels to return them through the proper govt. channel... Enough paperwork and they will change
the rule to 100 years maybe instead of 50.
Oh, maybe not. They may just say no metal detecting at all instead.
offshore unseen and unknown, with valuables infrequently washing ashore vs. beaches without significant history. The
age limit of 50 years old is kind of bullshit though... I mean seriously... That treats a fair number of modern clad coins as
archaeological relics...
Should use official channels to return them through the proper govt. channel... Enough paperwork and they will change
the rule to 100 years maybe instead of 50.
Oh, maybe not. They may just say no metal detecting at all instead.
Tom_in_CA
Elite Member
- Joined
- Dec 23, 2013
- Messages
- 21,649
Exactly right. The more we "put it on their desk for princely attention", is the more that ..... presto ..... a new law or rule is born.
So while it's unfortunate that any restrictive laws/rules exist, yet when we md'rs go thinking "let's fight this " or "let's get this clarified", etc.... is the moment you can bet that there will simply be MORE laws & rules against us.
Hence the better tactic is : The less they think of us, the better. Why put stuff on their desk, as "pressing issues", for them to have to start imagining even more "safe answers" ?
dfxing virginia
Elite Member
I am staying in a fairly swanky hotel so I'm going to be trying there first
Don’t have to wait 50 years. We fighting some bills now that’s want to add golf courses to these FL State parks. Just got pushed back some time. But it’s gonna happen. There gonna slip that right past us. Meanwhile we lose all the ground we “can’t disturb” but they can build on it …Interesting. I guess that's the difference between a state park where you can possibly have treasure ships decaying just
offshore unseen and unknown, with valuables infrequently washing ashore vs. beaches without significant history. The
age limit of 50 years old is kind of bullshit though... I mean seriously... That treats a fair number of modern clad coins as
archaeological relics...
Should use official channels to return them through the proper govt. channel... Enough paperwork and they will change
the rule to 100 years maybe instead of 50.
Oh, maybe not. They may just say no metal detecting at all instead.
