Florida state banning hunting.

The state of Florida as put forward a bill, to stop ALL MDing, & diving for treasure..If this bill gets passed, its enivitable all other states will follow eventually.
If ppl don't 'send a comment'  what will be next?  Artifact hunting?
Just imagine not being able to hunt for arrows..
My friends your support is needed badly, no matter if you're not from Florida, this will effect us all eventually.

Check out the link... its easy to follow..PLEASE do this, takes 2 seconds..Also its important that you post the DATE on ''Darren IN NC's'' Thread.

Support our metal detecting friends !!!!

http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.php/board,86.0.html

Thankyou..Any questions contact scubatreasure or Darren in NC for further imformation.

Molly.

I need to make an amendment.. Apparently the state of Florida wants to ban all sea diving/hunting for treasure, which if the bill is passed WILL lead to an MDing ban..Which inturn will envitably lead to Artifact hunting ban..
Just wanted to clear that up..

Please 'Make a comment' your support is vital..

Molly.

Some day it will be illegal to pick up a fossilized shark's tooth on the beach.  Their agenda is no collecting anything, anywhere older than 50 years old.  I have underwear older than that, LOL.

Oh my goodness Tom..

This country is not going to be a 'Freedom' country soon, if ppl don't stick together on bills like this..
Everyone needs to comment, all comments recieved will be brought forward at a meeting, end of this month, so get voting ppl.
Its important.

Molly.

Oh my goodness Tom..

This country is not going to be a 'Freedom' country soon, if ppl don't stick together on bills like this..
Everyone needs to comment, all comments recieved will be brought forward at a meeting, end of this month, so get voting ppl.
Its important.

Molly.

Molly,
I am sad about the state of confusion in Florida.
there are a few states that will never reach that point in my lifetime,
and I live in one.
although my Brother in law would disagree...
move here and collect all the artifacts you want.

My brother in law would want all for himself...LOL

And don't vote for obama ...
if elected (mark my words) he will be the LAST president .

Thom

Molly, I understand how you must feel, if someone were to tell me today after all these years of hunting artifacts That ITS AGAISNT THE LAW NOW.  Well I don't think I would swallow that very well at all. As far as if you don't like it move,,,,, HMMMMMM.  I love my hobby, but I also love my family and my kid has buds at school and plays football here, and what about all my buds, the creeks, the fields i walk, and on&on&on. I would have to hang it up, that's hard to swallow. I feel for you, and I will do my part to let my voice be herd for you guys. I also live in a State that is far from passin anything like that,SSSSHHHH yeah Right never know..John   P.s Cant teach an old dog new trick's  

It would definitely s*ck if they would pass any law of such kind.  The state bozos, as with the Federal Bozos, are really putting their noses where it does not belong.  These laws are unconstitutional and violate many "Freedoms" we really have the right to begin with.  It's all about control and to drain and squeeze all the life out of the innocent Americans like you and I until we don't exist.  Enforcing Fear and coercion and violence are the main ingredients in "Their running the country like crap stew" 

Hi guys, I have posted this Thread to help out fellow hunters in Florida, thats all. However I do believe bills like this get passed, whats going to happen next, thats my concern.

We would appreciate a vote, whether you are in Florida or not..

Thankyou..Any questions contact scubatreasure..

Molly.

Its almost illegal to pick your nose in Florida !!

Its almost illegal to pick your nose in Florida !!

DOH!  My kids will be serving a few thousand life sentences ;).

I can assure that I will be hunting even if the State bans MD'ing - ironic that the state will turn me into a criminal with a stroke of a pen.  I'll also stop contributing my historical finds to the nearby state museum as well, while the real crooks (archaeologists) may have to actually get off their asses to recover some of my finds.   Those bastages have no idea what they will be creating if they do this.   I've got at least 4 thousand curse words to say about this but I'll be nice.   

How many members from florida do we have?
We could lobby or protest at the Tallahasse.  If we have enough people. Just an idea

How many members from florida do we have?
We could lobby or protest at the Tallahasse.  If we have enough people. Just an idea

These efforts are underway up on the Shipwreck Forum, The state DHR just had it's final hearing yesterday, next they will send it to the state legislature. Contact your Representatives in the state house ASAP. The legislature goes back into session on 15 November.

I got Dr Wheeler to go "on the record" as saying he'll repeal both  beaches and recreational areas from the 500 foot "buffer zone"  -- --after I told him that a 500 ft  buffer zone at our beaches might discourage tourist from coming to florida since they could no longer seek a "treasure coin" on the beach / shallow waters and that they might look elsewhere to vacation ---places that are more freindly where they could metal detect in peace. --- (something florida could ill afford in these tough economic times -- after I said that the asst secy of state hustled over leant down --covered her mouth but clear ly "whispered" the magic words "no messing around with anything that will screw up the tourism" -- after she scurried back -- Wheeler said --he'd had a lots of comment on that and that he would "remove" it before the final rule was submitted. for legal OK

score one for the little guys.

Would that make us like pirates: In search of treasure, on or off the beach, and going to the gallows for it?

So, whats the deal with the new law?If I go to the beach with my MD, Am I getting thrown in prison for being an outlaw or a pirate?
I see it now....Talking to a convict in prison doing life -- Real criminal says-->  "what you be in here for"?.. me--->,"uh, I'm a hard core outlaw, I was at the beach ,and I WAS METAL DETECTING,I DUG 20 HOLES IN THE SAND AND THEY GAVE ME 5 YEARS!...

Sounds like Arlo Guthrie and "Alices restaurant".  Y'know where Arlo lives now?  Sebastian!  Maybe he could rewrite Alices Restaurant to include beach detecting.............

How many members from florida do we have?
We could lobby or protest at the Tallahasse.  If we have enough people. Just an idea

These efforts are underway up on the Shipwreck Forum, The state DHR just had it's final hearing yesterday, next they will send it to the state legislature. Contact your Representatives in the state house ASAP. The legislature goes back into session on 15 November.

Amen, Tom.
Folks, give it your all!
You may never get another chance in your lifetime !

Thom

Good Going Ivan! Just more proof that it's all about the MONEY!
Aquanut

I always wonder who these people are that propose all these restrictions? How do we ID them and get rid of them?

it always about da money --when da state or federal grubbermints are involved---  everything is set up in such a way to keep you (mr working man) from getting rich ( thus getting fat and lazy -- not working for da man ) --they want and need the "masses" out there grinding out a paycheck for them to tax to death--- tote that barge , lift dat bale --git a lil drunk and its off ta jail-- ah "the working class" head face toward the ground -down on yer hands and knees doing hot back breaking  sweaty grunt labor -- makes a mere grubbermint workerling sitting in his air conditioned office (paid for by taxpayer funds) feel so good to look out  the window at the slave / worker drones and say "geez glad thats not me" .

the head of the state arch dept dr ryan wheeler --"offical" has the input -- but the string pullers who can have sway in this case are the sec of state for the state of florida and the govenor ---both wheeler and the dec of state are appointed * by the govenor and as such can be replaced at will by him--- funny thing about political "appointments" they are  a never "safe" job cuz if differant political party comes in "poof" yer canned  with zippo recourse ---(nature of the beast ) -- fall out of favor with your own group and its off with yer head too -- the govenor is the ax man for these folks . they "serve at the pleasure of the govenor for so long as he wishes" ---and can be released just because he feels that way -- no just cause needed. --- just like the state safety director in alaska was "let go" bu palin -- they said as govenor --"she didn't need as reason to fire him --since it was a "appointed" job--- she was perfectly within her rights to fire him if she felt so inclined to do so,

Man that is great news!! I've been vacationing in Florida for years because I like to metal detect on the beaches - now I won't have to spend my money in that state anymore, because I will have no reason to visit Florida, and can go spend my money elsewhere where my dollars will be appreciated!! Your state politicians can put this in their pipes and smoke it.

no you can still come here and beach and shallow water treasure hunt  cuz you see I stopped * the - WORD REMOVED - Some people (parents of hadicapped children for example) find this word offensive.  Please don't use denigrating terms here at TreasureNet.  Thanks.s (state folks) from screwing up the tourism that brings money to florida and I also helped out the locals (like me) who want to beach and shallow water hunt . -- happily I got the state to go "on ther record" saying they  to agree to "pull" the stupid part about "beaches and public recreation areas" from being included in the "excluded" 500 foot buffer zones . thank goodness I was awake to the damage they about to cause --cuz they sure weren't. 

Good going!  Can we MD on Gov Crist's lawn at the Captiol?

doubtful

If you elect them, they will eventually bend you over. You pay them to F you. Some of you love it.
Then again there are some who do not.
Most of the time it is the far left bunny kissing tree huggers who will come up with an agenda of sorts that
will undermine and eventually remove your freedom. Please don't mistake me for a Ecological Slasher, I'm quite the conservationist. But there are people who do care about our environment and there are those who
pose as Eco friendly but have hidden agendas. Wolf's in sheep's clothing. These people hide their agenda in a veil of we must protect this or that and you evil --deleted--s have to stop destroying _____ or the yellow spotted _____ will become extinct. (Bovine Scat) Most of the time its because they think that they are above the common man who is absolutely untrustworthy and must be controlled by legal means. Some times its because the State becomes greedy and they are afraid that they will not get their rightful? share. They can not control Joe Six Pack who goes out on the weekend and might find a sunken treasure cache. Hey thats State revenue.
These politicians  take gradual steps in eroding your liberty and eventually they have taken it. Gradually and methodically they will take it all if you let them.
Whatever the reasons, whatever the cause, whatever the lie this time, who the hell are they to tell us that we can not MD in any body of water.
Next they will licence and permit you, you will they take tests, or worse a total ban.
I say F' them.
You all must find out who is responsible for drafting the bill, those who support the bill and then take some action.
You then turn up the heat on them. Sign petitions, write letters, threaten them with the facts that your liberty is more important than their cushy  tax payer paid desk jobs.

Please don't get me started........

I live in Florida but what really surprises me the most is not that the state is banning treasure hunting but that we the people are allowing the state to ban treasure hunting...the last time I checked we still live in America and in the good old US of A people seem to forget the government only has the power we are willing to give them and in the past 30 or 40 years it has been more than any other time in history. Government employees for all intents and purposes work for you the people and your voice may not count in one office but let a news crew get wind of the injustices going on all around us (government doesn't like bad publicity...they might not get re-elected), and see how fast they are willing to change their minds. remember, United we stand, Divided we fall. that is the truth one person ranting and raving about something will get swept under the rug but a whole chorus of treasure hunters can get a lot accomplished. Just remember when they take one thing, what will be next? your way of worshiping or maybe how many children you can have(just like communist china) or even what kinds of jobs you are allowed to work. I think we all (and that means the ordinary people of this great nation) need to pull together and say enough is enough. the Declaration of Independance also guarantees this  by stating " and when a government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the duty of the people to abolish that government and start over anew." how much more are we going to take before we have had enough?

Well said Neo.

What really sucks, is that artifact hunting essentially is illegal in the fresh water areas here in Florida. You do not want to get caught on any river or lake with any type of native american relic in your boat. They will confiscate your vehicle,boat, gear and anything else you got with you. They are really cracking down on the Chipola. For some stupid reason Bay finds are ok though...you're just supposed to send a pic, with an isolated finds form to Tallahassee...if they want it, they take it, or give you a certificate or something like that...SCREW THEM!!!!!

NOT ONLY THAT, BUT THEY HAVE RECENTLY MADE IT ILLEGAL TO BUY SELL OR TRADE HERE TOO

Jon

It  won't end till the pols are dealt with, HARSHLY!

Hey~ Look, I just came across this thread just now..... I live in Florida and have been here since 1985. I used to metal detect from about 1986 to 1993ish..... My Detector broke and forgot about my hobby till... Now currently just before 2009 ~ Aquired an MXT thanks to a loved family member. I read much of this thread, but it's long and I am angry just reading what I've read so far..... Can anyone throwdown a laymans cheat sheet for me.... What I can and can't do here in Florida now today? Damn, this really pisses me off, reading this thread. Here I go into hibernation with my treasure hunting, then suddenly rediscover how much I love it, but the laws apparently have changed, and now I can't do it here in this state? What the nap is with that??!!! This is B.S. I'm gonna call my Government authorities and bitch! and then call em some more. I'll do what I hate most which is phone solicitate to these law makers, and I'll can be a real pain in the srass about it, if I have to be. Arrrrgggghhh!!!!

I bet they changed the laws cause they know it's a gold mine here in this state!!! I can go on and on here.... Please can any one just give me a basic breakdown of what I can and can't do in this stupid state???

1869er, sure, just follow this link to our Legal Issues forum, it's all laid out for you. Just give me a holler if you still have any questions.

http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.php/topic,16144.0.html

Tom

Alright, I'm more calm now, I was really mad when I first found this thread.

Ok so I read that post from the link on the last post, thanks Tom.... I've known about most of that stuff.... This thread sounds like they are about to amend laws that make it illegal to hunt anywhere in Florida.... Not sure if I understand..... Am I missing something? Is this whole thread just saying that these amendments to the law "could" happen? Or is there something in the works right now to in fact change MD - treasure hunting laws?? I also read all of the posts on this thread now. 


1st post on here says Florida is about to pass a bill, but I cannot seem to find any links to it anywhere on this thread, can anyone direct me to a copy of it, or a least a news article about it?? The link in that first post just sends you back to the legal issues board on this site.

Sounds to me that the state of Florida is mad that they aren't getting their share of wrecks like the atocha. Plus Archeologists want to monopolize digging rights.

I think some people jumped the gun on here and panicked-But,don't put nothing past the state of florida,they are known for passing some sorry azz laws. Have lived here for 44 years and seen it go to hell.........I won't even go into that LOL.

I'm moving to Florida in a few weeks with plans to do alot of treasure, fossil and relic hunting.  Can someone give this new guy a quick update on what the new law is?  (or new restrictions)

Thanks in advance!

MikeG

Coming to Florida in the summer as a tourist all the way from Europe, and loving to detect on beaches, I would also like to be updated on this !!   

Is detecting banned, gonna be banned ... or what ??   

beaches are all ok, long as its not a private beach or such..gregg

haven't heard anything more as of yet on being banned..

WE The People are the govt.

I keep saying it over and over. If they don't represent us..they should be dismissed.

I just noticed this thread and thought I would let you all know that you had better keep a close eye on this matter and get active in stopping any bills that even mention banning our hobby! They have just sneaked a bill past here in Wisconsin and now we can't leagally detect any state land including water which is all owned by the state! There is no artifact hunting of any kind allowed now so beware and stay active!


HH
Slipperyjack47

honestly if they banning md i still would detecting , and if someone would told me something  i would talk to them my czech languge and do like im not understand hope that will never happened.    tc all    richmond

I didn't read all the posts of this thread yet,I'm not sure if someone might have mentioned that we need to have an organization to go to bat for us. We need an organization like the "NRA" to voice our concerns on Capital Hill and fight for us and our hobby. If someone knows of an organization that already exists,please let me know so I can become a member.I donate as much as possible to the NRA to protect my firearm rights.Now the same people that are attacking our rights to own firearms are now attacking our right to TH.
WE need to ban together and start letting Congress and the Senate know that we are real people that enjoy our hobby and won't tolerate any government interference. Not only are we TH'ers,but we are also Voters!

We have already lost the right to recover arrowheads from Florida rivers . It is now a felony to do so . There are people now trying to remove this law from the books but once it is there it is hard to remove. All I can tell all of you is to get involved and be heard. Contact  your local clubs to see how you can help.

Good "point"  worthy55

This has never been a free country.Its only been free if you can afford it.

Or sneaky enough....

Boy isn't that the truth.

beaches are all ok, long as its not a private beach or such..gregg

haven't heard anything more as of yet on being banned..

I'm assuming that state park beaches are still off limits to MD'ing. But I have a question about camping in Florida state parks...simple tent camping with no electrical hookup. I realize those parks are usually booked up for trailer and RV spaces, how about no electricity tent spaces? Could a person count on finding a campsite most of the time without a reservation? If that is possible, a person could move around some and have a place to stay...not be too expensive. What do they cost per day? Sifters (at beach only)? Are sifters banned from state parks? My sifter is just a gold pan classifier with a galvanized mesh insert attached, I mean they might think I'm sifting for seashells...or aluminum to recycle.

Is it possible to keep a Spanish coin from a Florida beach or is it totally banned?

Here is a link to the State Park issue, and I've bumped it up on this forum.

http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.php/topic,76615.0.html

Basically it is legal to hunt on the beach of a Florida state park. Each park can be different, so check with the rangers first.


Next, here is a link to find campsites at Florida state parks. I stay in them often. They are generally about $25 a night for the RV spaces, primitive camping is probably less. You should make a reservation through this webpage:

http://www.reserveamerica.com/

You can show up at the gate on a first come basis, but reservations are best. There are almost always primitive camping spaces available.

You can go to the Sebastian Inlet state park, and stay in a tent. Walk out to the beach and head north until you are abeam the houses. You are now on public beach and can detect to your hearts desire. I'm not sure if the Warden, err, Rangers, allow MDing on the beach there or not. (by their own guidelines they are supposed to)

Can you keep the cobb?

Legally, no. It is an artifact by definition. (and so is a 1958 penny)

Does everyone keep them.

Yes.

Thanks GIB, I thought primitive camping sites generally are available. Right now it's a toss-up between another vacation idea out West. Florida would be less driving distance...it's all about gas prices, distance, camping costs, etc. Sand is easy digging, some places out West you need a hammer pick as a recovery tool. When is the hurricane season officially over? I could leave either middle of September or wait until mid October...get bills paid by mail first and then vacation between those times.

I would wait until October.

Not due to hurricane season, but just because the night's will be so much more pleasant if tent camping. The weather is much better and you will have a great time.

People in Florida generally don't do much different during hurricane season, other then the standard preparations. Unlike tornado's and earthquakes, we know a long way in advance it's coming and can get out of the way if necessary.  

I've been through 7 hurricanes now and I lost more in my last divorce than I ever did in a hurricane...

Also check this link http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.php/topic,260774.0.html

Also check this link http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.php/topic,260774.0.html

Thanks...that really helps!

But what about encrusted coins, how do you know what they are...

I was recently going through some coins found years ago at Brazos Island, Texas. I never cleaned them, thinking all were just clad coins. Some were partially encrusted pennies and none wheaties, others the same size but too encrusted to tell...then a dime sized coin I noticed had an oval shaped clean spot, apparently was on top of something leaving the rest of the coin encrusted. To my surprise it looked like pictures I'd seen of some silver 1/2 Reales and is slightly narrower than a dime.

I don't know how you could tell for sure, other than the size, whether a coin is old if encrusted.

[Thank you for your interest in Florida State Parks. Florida Administrative Code, Chapter 62D-2 which provides rules and regulations for Florida State Parks does not specifically address the use of metal detectors; however it prohibits any ground disturbing activity which is a product of metal detecting. As a result, guidelines for the use of metal detectors as stated in the Florida State Parks Operations Manual are as follows:1. Due to the tidal influence in coastal areas, the use of metal detecting devices are allowed in coastal parks, in a zone between the waterline and the toe of the dune, as determined by the Park Manager, except at archaeological sites within the zone designated by the Division of Historical Resources (DHR) or the Park Manager.2. For the recovery of lost personal items that are specifically identified by their owner as being lost in a specific area of a park. The owner of lost property or his representative should contact the park manager who will arrange a time for the search to be conducted in the presence of a park staff member. During these searches, only the item sought may be kept by the owner or his representative.Any dug hole(s) associated with the use of a metal detector must be refilled to the contour of pre-dig conditions using excavated material. Q. Is written permission required from the ranger of each park? Or is that given when you visit a park?A. Written permission is not necessary but you should get together with the park staff to ensure you are both on the same page as far as the boundaries for where you can metal detect and the areas to stay away from. This will help to alleviate misunderstandings as far as interpretation of the rule.Q. Concerning the 50 year rule, does that only applies to items found in the water, and in that case the law requires that you report it / turn it into the state? However, for the average beach detector, items found on the beach, between the base of the sand dune, and the average low tide line the rule is still "Finders Keepers"? And are you under no obligation to report it to the state? If so, how and to whom are finds to be reported? A. You are under no obligation to report it, but you may want to mention what you found to the park management so that if there are any items reported as being lost the owners may be contacted. Q. Parks with nesting sea turtles? Do they nest in the permitted zone for metal detecting? Avoid turtle nesting parks?A. Yes, sea turtles do nest in those areas and you must not disturb them or you are in violation of the Endangered Species Act and could face federal charges. We try to mark the nests so that people know where they are to avoid them but we may miss some so just be careful.If you have any other questions or concerns regarding Florida State Parks please feel free to contact me.]

Having gone through this thread and the other threads, that links for are posted here...decided to email the Florida state parks about a couple things I've found should get them to comment on, so here it is.

Thank you for your interest in Florida State Parks. 

Florida Administrative Code, Chapter 62D-2 which provides rules and regulations for Florida State Parks does not specifically address the use of metal detectors; however it prohibits any ground disturbing activity which is a product of metal detecting. As a result, guidelines for the use of metal detectors as stated in the Florida State Parks Operations Manual are as follows:

1. Due to the tidal influence in coastal areas, the use of metal detecting devices are allowed in coastal parks, in a zone between the waterline and the toe of the dune, as determined by the Park Manager, except at archaeological sites within the zone designated by the Division of Historical Resources (DHR) or the Park Manager.

2. For the recovery of lost personal items that are specifically identified by their owner as being lost in a specific area of a park. The owner of lost property or his representative should contact the park manager who will arrange a time for the search to be conducted in the presence of a park staff member. During these searches, only the item sought may be kept by the owner or his representative.

Any dug hole(s) associated with the use of a metal detector must be refilled to the contour of pre-dig conditions using excavated material.

 
Q. Is written permission required from the ranger of each park? Or is that given when you visit a park?

A. Written permission is not necessary but you should get together with the park staff to ensure you are both on the same page as far as the boundaries for where you can metal detect and the areas to stay away from.  This will help to alleviate misunderstandings as far as interpretation of the rule.

Q. Concerning the 50 year rule, does that only applies to items found in the water, and in that case the law requires that you report it / turn it into the state? However, for the average beach detector, items found on the beach, between the base of the sand dune, and the average low tide line the rule is still "Finders Keepers"? And are you under no obligation to report it to the state? If so, how and to whom are finds to be reported?

A. You are under no obligation to report it, but you may want to mention what you found to the park management so that if there are any items reported as being lost the owners may be contacted. 

Q. Parks with nesting sea turtles? Do they nest in the permitted zone for metal detecting? Avoid turtle nesting parks?

A. Yes, sea turtles do nest in those areas and you must not disturb them or you are in violation of the Endangered Species Act and could face federal charges.  We try to mark the nests so that people know where they are to avoid them but we may miss some so just be careful.


If you have any other questions or concerns regarding Florida State Parks please feel free to contact me.

Leylani Velez

Information Specialist

850-245-2157


It seems that nesting turtles could be the biggest risk, digging into a nest which carries with it the possible Federal offense level charges. Is October the last month for nesting turtles? Are they all done nesting by November?

Does anyone know anything about city or local parks near Vero beach or Sebastian? I'm going to call a person a friend knows who works with the city but any advice would be appriciated.

  Thanks

this all started a few years back when some midflorida greedy aholes were caught with a bob cat digging up indian graves.. they actually floated the thing down river and went nuts. bones were everywhere. NAGRA (i think) is the hammer. I have one of those types on my river- River John. he has plundered every site on the river and now you cant even get out of your boat on shore.

Do they ever think oj arresting his mangy a**? Why pick on us?

this all started a few years back when some midflorida greedy aholes were caught with a bob cat digging up indian graves.. they actually floated the thing down river and went nuts. bones were everywhere. NAGRA (i think) is the hammer. I have one of those types on my river- River John. he has plundered every site on the river and now you cant even get out of your boat on shore.

Do they ever think oj arresting his mangy a**? Why pick on us?

OJ's mangy ass was arrested in Nevada; remember?  He's locked up in the Nevada State Prison;  which is supposted to be a tough place.  You can bet he's NOT out golfing.      And why didn't someone keelhaul River John before he screwed everything up?

Here is what ticks me off.  They want to ban relic hunting.  Well I'm from Pensacola and I can tell you that this city has no concern for completely destroying historical sites.  For example.  When they tore down the back part of Sanger Theater they used a backhoe and just threw all the earth in a huge pile.  A few detectors in our area combed through the pile and found cannonballs and other artifacts.  We aren't allowed near Ft. Mcrae which is a very important part of our local history and the state does nothing to try and save it.  Most of it is underwater now and in very sad shape.  I understand the state wanting to preserve our state heritage and not have people destroy what would otherwise be an important archeological find but if no one is going to search these areas then whats the point?  I think it has to do with but greed and corrupt politics.  They certainly don't care one way or another really.  Now as far as relic hunting in the water THAT is state owned.  (coastal area offshore to 25 miles)  The coastal waters should be open to anyone.  Hell even wading out in the water a few feet and finding something could be construed as illegal.  I just don't get it.  If I had the means I would get a petition signed by every metal detecting club in the state and shove it right up our governor's.....

Sorry just had to vent..

Mike

Well, ended up going out West instead, as first planned...going to Florida was a backup plan. Decided to get that Arizona trip out of the way since spent much longer time researching it out.

Seems that there ought to be a way a person could make a trip to Florida for T'Hing without all the hassle. State parks are a place to stay...but how far of a distance is it between the waterline and the dune?

I think we have let these MD laws and bi laws get out of hand. One might have assume that there are as many MD rs and there are hunters. The gun owners have legislative power in this country. It's time we step up to bat. It can only happen if each state is lobbied by their own concerned MDrs. Make some waves, and let them know that the laws on MDing and treasure hunting needs to be changed if they want your next vote. We need a lobbiest in each state to represent the MDrs of that state. When we get the state laws under control, time to go for the Feds laws. We The People. Remember that. We are suppose to suggest laws to our representatives, and they carry out our wishes.
They are not suppose to talk among themselves and make up laws that only please them. I realize that there are places that need to be protected by amateur MDrs. I've been on the beaches and watched these people with their new detectors digging holes and move on without filling them, just waiting for that unlucky beach jogger to snap his ankle. I wouldn't mind paying for a yearly $20 permit to seperate us from these type of people, and maybe getting some hunting benefits like hunting state and fed parks and other places that are off limits to us as of now.  I'm guessing that there are thousand of MDrs out there who would part with $20 to put us in a more professional light with our government agencies. Make this a nation wide permit so we can use it any where in the US. And don't forget, money talks. Theres a lot of greedy politicians who would love to work for groups that have heavy money backing them. I myself am getting tired of seeking permission for hunting public areas. If your part of this forum, I'm betting your a professional or at least want to be a professional MDr or treasure hunter. That in it self is a commitment in the right direction. This is just my thoughts on this subject. Any ideas how we can come together on any of these ideas and act upon them? If not now, then when??

I agree 100% to having a license for MDing . It will keep the riff raff from ruining what we have..

Remember the old 3 Stooges gag when Moe slapped Larry? Larry turned around and slapped Curly. Curly turned around and there was no one to slap, so he says, "Oh, low man again!"

That's us. Legislation is all about money, big money. We don't have any. At least speaking for myself. There's really no money in this hobby.

Here's why the state won't let anyone hunt, but they will destroy a site:

The archaeologists have more mojo than us, but they are way lower than the developers, who can destroy anything, and do.

All we really have is an ability to organize and make friends. We need to do both.

This weekend I offered the Sheriff my new Infinium if he needs it. So he says, "Even at 3 AM?" I said, "Yup, just call."  They have their own dive team, just no Infinium.

Just think if there were 20 of us at his beck and call. That's a powerful friend, and lots of good will.

And so on..............

Hey i'm new to this site. But if you ask me, this nothing more than a way for the archaelogists to get more funding. After all archaeologists are nothing more than glorified grave robbers. Look at the stuff in the museums a good deal of it had to come from grave robbing. I love archaeology, but seriously, they have too much power in preserving the past.

But if you think about it, then the whole world would need preserved. Every step you take on land was once stepped on by the past peoples. However, in the matter of preserving the past they tell us we cannot MD anywhere, but we do less harm to land than bulldozers, litterers etc. It's all about control for these people. The more they ban MDing. The more people will need anti-depressants because they loose their favorite hobby.

Thats just another reason why I hate south Florida. Ive lived here 31yrs. and its dif. not getting better. The people up there in Tallahasee are just goofballs. How can you possibly want to ban metal detecting, whether in the ocean or on land. thats just ridiculous.

James...