Metal Detecting In Arizona

Best of luck to you! I metal detect as well, and my basic rule is:
If it's fenced off, don't go there.
Don't go into yards without permission
Always cover what you dig.

I don't know of any websites about laws, you'd have to search around for ones around your area. And really, don't be too optimistic. I'm not trying to bum you out, but I live in a town that was founded in 1802, and haven't found anything earlier than 1950.

i found this over on another forum pertaining to metal detecting in general. the souce appears to be from the Prescott national forest website.
After reading this, twice lol, I don't think I will have much to worry about when do obtain my md and go out for a day. as a hobbyist looking for coins, "no ealier then 50yrs old" as well as being respectful to mother nature and the land I'm on...



"For the Use of Metal Detectors on the National Forest
The allowable use of metal detectors on National Forest system lands takes a number of different forms. Detectors are used in searching for treasure trove, locating historical and pre historical artifacts and features, prospecting for minerals, and searching for recent coins and lost metal objects. Of these four types of uses for metal detectors, the first three are covered by existing regulations that require special authorization, i.e. special use permits, notice of intent, or operating plan.

The search for treasure trove, which is defined as money, un mounted gems, or precious metals in the form of coin, plate, or bullion that has been deliberately hidden with the intention of recovering it later, is an activity which is regulated by the Forest Service. Searching for treasure trove has the potential of causing considerable disturbance and damage to resources and thus requires a Special Use Permit from the Forest Service. Methods utilized in searching for treasure trove must be specified in the permits issued. Permits may not be granted in each and every case, but applications will be reviewed with attention being paid to the justification given and guarantees for the restoration of any damage that might occur to other resources. The use of metal detectors in searching for treasure trove is permissible when under this type of permit, but must be kept within the conditions of the permit.

The use of a metal detector to locate objects of historic or archaeological value is permissible subject to the provisions of the Antiquities Act of 1906, the Archaeological Resources Preservation Act 1979, and the Secretary of Agriculture's regulations. Such use requires a Special Use Permit covering the exploration, excavation. appropriation, or removal of historic and archaeological materials and information. Such permits are available for legitimate historical and pre historical research activities by qualified individuals. Unauthorized use of metal detectors in the search for and collection of historic and archaeological artifacts is a violation of existing regulations and statutes.

The use of a metal detector to locate mineral deposits such as gold, and silver on National Forest System lands is considered prospecting and is subject to the provisions of the General Mining Law of 1872.

Searching for coins of recent vintage (less than 50 years) and small objects having no historical value, as a recreational pursuit, using a hand-held metal detector, does not currently require a Special Use Permit as long as the use of the equipment is confined to areas which do no posses historic or prehistoric resources."

LOL


and thats just what I found on one site.

^^^ thanks for the heads up goldnugget...