Metal Detecting In Arkansas?You Should Know The Law
Metal detecting in Arkansas follows the ARPA (Archeological Resources Preservation Act). Although, the term “metal detecting” does not exist in this law, the law does specifically state that no artifacts of 100 years or older can be removed. Please click on this link to get a better understanding of the ARPA law. Be sure and read through the entire page. It is information that you should understand if you are going to metal detect in Arkansas. It's important to understand that I am giving you information about the laws that deal with Arkansas State lands. Detecting in Arkansas parks has their own set of laws. You should check with your local parks as well as with your local villages and towns for their laws in regards to metal detecting. Remember, you can metal detect in Arkansas, however, you just can’t dig any artifact that is one hundred years old. Detecting on State beaches is allowed if you get a permit. Be careful. You need to ask if your permit is just for the beach area. Some States do not allow detecting outside of the beaches even with a permit. Do Not Let These Laws Stop You From Enjoying The Hobby I receive many emails from people who are upset with the laws that restrict our ability to enjoy the hobby. Many individuals just give up, and their detectors end up in the closet, never to be used again. That’s the wrong approach. Giving up the hobby of metal detecting is a defeatist attitude that only gives more power to the bureaucrats. Giving up is exactly what they want us to do. I’m not saying that we should break the laws by going on to State Lands and dig up as many finds as we can. What I am saying is that we should all follow the law, but challenge them by speaking out against them. I know many instances where the laws that govern detecting in certain areas have been reduced to allow it. But this change came only after individuals spoke loud and clear.
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