I am wondering if it legal to hunt a pubilc park? Its not a historical site, not state owned, its public park which people BBQ in, have get togethers, little league practice and so on. It is in New Jersey
yah i know, i live in south jersey though, not very big area, im about 20 min from both delaware and pa. The town that the park is in is about 8-10,000 people. Is there anyway to find out if I can hunt there?
yah, i am friends with most of the cops, i lift with them at my gym. Hopefully it will be ok, i beleive that i saw someone out there before. What excites me is that this park was an amusement park from the 1880's to 1967
yah good point, Now that i think of it i am friends with cops from three different townships, and some state boys so that is a plus for me. never thought of that, what an idiot lol. thanks guys for your info
The police can't arrest you unless they have a clear-cut legal reason to do so. Most would rather not be bothered with you. Chances are if they even stop it will be because someone reported you.
When checking an unknown park and you don't have time to contact the officials, look for posted signs and then ask the park keeper if possible. Don't forget to get his name (whole name if possible).
You might try asking the store owner close to the park if it's ok to hunt. Introduce yourself and at least try to get his first name. Ask him if people ever hunt the park. If it's a small town he'll probably know of the strict ordinances for the area. In fact, he probably helped make them. If he doesn't know anything about it you might ask him if it would offend him if you looked around. He will most likely say no. If approached use his name if you have to. ?
The bottom line is--get a name if you can't find out what the law is for that area. You don't want to have a blank look on your face if the cops ask. Look confident and in control. In the event of a law, if you have something to say you might just get off with a warning.
Personally, I just hunt the cotton-picker. Haven't had any problems yet. Maybe my big size intimidates them or maybe it's the sweat shirt I wear that has the emblem of a special law enforcement branch on it
I just called the Parks and Recreation Department of the city that the park resides and asked them if there were special permits or restrictions on Metal Detecting.
The last time I was at a local park, I noticed a car out of the corner of my eye stopped at the intersection for a long time, I finally glanced over and it was a cop checking me out. He didnt say anything, just looking. I have thought about MDing in my work uniform so it looks like I am doing something other than MDing, LOL.
I really hate confrontation. So for me, the only answer is to get permission from whoever I can, and get it in writing so I don't have to keep looking over my shoulder all the time.
After being a fanatic for hunting for over 20 years, I've never had a problem in a public park.
I usually hunt first and if someone has a problem they will tell you.
the only time I know of that there was no Metal Detecting was in Charleston S.C.
there is a park there that is actually post "No Metal Detecting"
We did anyway and were asked to leave, but no arrest warrants, no tickets, no big deal.
Actually that was one park in Charleston. but if anyone else has tried hunting in
Battery Park in Charleston and can't find anything old.....
Ha Ha Ha .... its because I cleaned it out.....
last time there, 2 wheats and 1 indian H. and a token in an hour...
not much left... but 20 years ago.. what a different story...
Just ask me what I got there.... : )
I have emailed the city secretary of all the surrounding communities in which I thought I would be hunting for permission to hunt on public property. Nothing but positive replies so far. I print each email, put it in a zip lock bag, and carry the bag with me.
To find who the name and email address of the city secretary, I went to Google put in the "name of the town/city+city" and used the results.
I guess I got lucky by emailing the city parks & rec. dept. and actually getting a pos. response..Most everything is illegal in Fl. lately.My letter was as follows; Hello,I have a very simple question that is seemingly impossible to get an answer for,I hope you can help.All i'm trying to find out is,is it legal for me to take my nephew metal detecting in city parks?I've emailed several different sources ,to no avail,I hope you can help.Thier reply was; To the best of my knowledge there is no rule that would prohibit you from using a metal detector in our city parks.Have fun and good luck.PS.,Let us know if you find a lost fortune,we may come out and join you!!! if you have any further questions ,give us a call at(number),(name)assistant director,park,recreation and cultural arts. Do you like how I threw my nephew in there as a pity ploy tactic? HA-HA.Whatever the case it worked and I too carry a copy whenever I hunt the city parks.Sounds like you have it whooped already being friends with the local police and all.Good luck and H.H.