Do you need a license to use a metal detector?

Metal detecting, collecting or digging on 34 state properties requires a permit, and 16 states do not allow recreational metal detecting on state property. The 34 states that allow metal detecting on state property have additional limitations within state park boundaries.

Can you use a metal detector anywhere?

Using a metal detector is illegal on private land without permission from the owner. It is also illegal on a scheduled ancient monument or in an area of archaeological importance. Here are the five best places to go metal detecting if you want to hunt like a pro. If you have a garden, start by hunting there.

How do I get permission to metal detect?

Do you have to have permission to metal detect?

Metal detecting is something that anyone is lawfully entitled to do. However, you cannot trespass to do it. If land is tenanted, both the tenant's and, in most circumstances, the landlord's consent must be obtained and vice versa if it is the land owner wanting to grant someone permission to metal detect.

Can you keep what you find with a metal detector?

Finding Jewelry with a Metal Detector

You can use the settings mentioned for coins for jewelry as well. Jewelry pieces made of gold, silver, platinum, or bronze are quite easy to detect. Also, they're the most valuable. Note that metal detectors can't detect gems, pearls, diamonds, etc.

Do I need a Licence to metal detect?

What would happen if you found gold in your backyard?

If you did happen to find a large gold deposit on your property and do not own the mineral rights, don't fear. You do still own the property at least from the ground up. The mineral rights owner cannot simply come and remove you and dig up your property.

Can you metal detect in public woods?

Yes, you can metal detect in woods! Woods and forest areas are excellent places to metal detect, as they are well-used paths littered with treasures and relics that have been dropped over the years. Research is key to have the most success when metal detecting in woods (we have some tips on this coming up)!

What are the rules for metal detecting?

Anyone can take part in metal detecting, though they can't trespass to do so, and detectorists must contact landowners and get written permission before they conduct any investigations on their land. They must also come to an agreement about how any finds will be divided.

Can I metal detect on a beach without permission?

Instead of needing a license to use your metal detector on the beach, you are often required to have a permit. Most beaches, if not all, are owned by the local council, and you require a permit to use your metal detector on them.

Can I metal detect on common land?

If you metal-detect on land without consent, you may be charged with a criminal offence and you could be sued for damages. Earlier cases where prosecution has taken place has also prove that you may might lose your detector as well.

Can you metal detect on a beach?

Metal detecting at the beach is a great way to see what's buried and waiting to be unearthed. As you start your treasure hunt at the beach, you will quickly discover that the sand is easy to dig. And lets face it, what is more enjoyable than being able to cool off in the water!

Can I use a metal detector on a public footpath?

If you have found a public footpath you think could be a good place to metal detect then you will need to find the land owner to ask for permission. Footpaths are a great place to metal detect though, as for many years people have been walking up and down them and perhaps taking their dogs for walks along them.

Can you metal detect on river banks?

The answer to our original question is yes, you can metal detect in rivers, and you absolutely should! It's an excellent place to go metal detecting, especially in June and July. If you want to explore some rivers, you of course need to get a waterproof metal detector.

What do you do with metal detecting finds?

A good number of detectorists clean up and refurbish old or dirty items to then resell them or put them to use. This includes old and slightly damaged tools, relics, and pieces of finds that can be repurposed into other craft items.

Can I metal detect on farm land?

The premise remains the same: It is illegal for anyone to embark on a metal detecting search, whether on private or public land, without the permission of the landowner. Many detectorists will seek permission from the landowner – often a farmer – so there are a number of things for members to bear in mind.

Where can I metal detect old coins?

Can you make a living metal detecting?

In order to make a living from metal detecting, it will take being creative and doing more than just swinging your coil over a few coins or rings if you hope to earn enough money to live sustainably, because fact of the matter is, just solely metal detecting will not provide a living for the majority of us.

What do you find metal detecting on the beach?

As with anything, there are a wide variety of opinions about the best locations to metal detect. Of course, during the peak season, you're likely to be able to find coins, rings and odd pieces of jewelry almost anywhere due to a large number of folks on the beach.

Where are the best places to metal detect?

Can gold be detected by a metal detector?

One of the most common questions we get is Does The Metal Detector Detect Gold? The answer is YES, they all do. Some do it better than others. Some detectors like the Minelab Gold Monster or GPZ 7000 are specifically designed to find small gold pieces (which most naturally occurring gold is).

What is the easiest metal detector to use?

The most popular easy-to-use metal detector series are the Nokta Makro Simplex, Garrett Ace, and Fisher F series. With that said, do not let an adjustable ground balance or some advanced features worry you. Models with these advanced features will allow you to grow in to the hobby.

Where is the best place to metal detect for gold?

What is NCMD?

Welcome to the NCMD - National Council for Metal Detecting.