Metal Detecting In Maryland?

You Should Know The Law

Metal detecting in Maryland can be a lot of fun. However, you must be aware of the laws regarding the digging and removal of artifacts. The ARPA (Archeological Resources Preservation Act)is the grand-daddy of all those laws.

Please click on the link below for the ARPA explanation and some of the problems people face who break this law. ARPA and You
Be sure and read through the entire page at the link above.

Even though ARPA does not specifically mention "metal detecting", you need to understand what ARPA says about digging artifacts.

In addition to the above mentioned ARPA law, if you are detecting in Maryland, you must be aware of another law,

the National Historic Preservation Act.
Please go here for the NHPA law.
As confusing as the above laws may seem regarding metal detecting in Maryland, do not dig anything that you believe is an artifact, or anything that is older than 100 years.

Especially if you are on any State Lands.

If you want to detect on private property, then be sure you get written permission from the landowner.

For metal detecting Maryland town, village and city parks, you'll need to check with those local officials.

For Metal Detecting In Maryland State Parks, State Land and Beaches, hereare some specific laws.

Relics, Treasures, and Metal Detectors

A. The policy of the Service is to safeguard the archeological resources under its care. The guidelines in B and C of this regulation shall be followed.

B. Without a permit from the Office of Archeology, Maryland Historical Trust, Department of Housing and Community Development, and the Department, an individual may not dig in search of buried relics or treasures, remove prehistoric or historic artifacts, or use metal detectors, except as provided in §D of this regulation, within the boundaries of lands, beaches, or under waters controlled by the Service.

C. Permits are issued to archeologists and other qualified individuals who present a plan for scientific investigation to be carried out under provisions of the Maryland Archeological Historic Properties Act, Article 83B, 5-623-----5-628, Annotated Code of Maryland. Copies of the law and application for permit can be obtained from the Chief, Office of Archeology, Maryland Historical Trust, 100 Community Place, Crownsville, MD 21032.

D. Metal Detector Exception. Metal Detecting In Maryland

(1) An exception to the permit requirements of this regulation is for the use of a metal detector in the search for modern coins, jewelry, and other items on designated swimming beaches operated by the Service, with the exceptions of Point Lookout and Calvert Cliffs.

(2) An individual shall obtain permission to use a metal detector as set forth in this regulation from the Service.

(3) A metal detector may be used during normal park hours with the following exceptions: (a) 9 a.m. through dusk from May 30 through Labor Day; and(b) Other times at the discretion of the park manager..

Do not let the beauracrats stop you from enjoying the hobby of metal detecting in Maryland

If you are a metal detectorist, or you are thinking of beginning the hobby, but afraid of all the laws and restrictions against metal detecting, let me say that you will be doing yourself a great disservice by not starting, or quitting the hobby.

The Archaeologists, and beauracrats want people to quit the hobby, or they want to discourage newbies from entering. And the more people who give in to their senseless laws, the more they win.

For years, many of us have been fighting the laws that are destroying our right to enjoy metal detecting. Had we given in, then the hobby would have vanished years ago under the pressure. What we need is to continue to fight against the laws, and we need people like you to help us. The more individuals who come forward to help, the better off we will be. If you are new to the hobby and discouraged because areas for detecting have been taken away due to unconstitutional laws, or you are about ready to give up, just remember, there are thousands of private properties that can be used for metal detecting in Kentucky, all you need to do is get permission from the property owners. It really is that simple. Do not allow the government, or the Archeologists to dictate how you should enjoy life.

I cannot be responsible for any outdated laws regarding metal detecting in Maryland from the time of this posting.

“Are You Interested In A Metal Detector Or Accessories?

If you do not own a metal detector and you are thinking of purchasing one, do not over spend. Too often, newcomers to the hobby buy expensive detectors only to discover nothing but confusion about how to use their new model.

If you spend between $350-$450 on a new model, that is good enough. Just read the owners manual, and practice with your detector, and you will do fine. Move up to the high end models after you have become proficient in the hobby.

I cannot be responsible for any outdated laws from the time of this posting.

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