I agree with Gray Ghost's initial points on page one, and would also add that paying a fee to the state like one would with a fishing license would open metal detecting up to a whole new set of state regulations, just like with fishing and hunting. They might even dictate seasons for detecting, or how shallow of a hole you can dig, what items you can or can't take out, and what you would have to do with certain items like gold rings or coins over 50 years old. Believe me, we do not want this. Besides, metal detecting belongs under (and should be under) the auspices of each local government who may or may not decide to create ordinances for or against detecting, or to regulate detecting activities in city parks. County and state parks have the authority to do the same for their respective recreational facilities, which is how it should be.
If metal detecting is being threatened on a local level, that is how it needs to be fought. Don't invite the state to regulate it on a local level, because at that point it gets even harder to get anything changed.
Ray
If metal detecting is being threatened on a local level, that is how it needs to be fought. Don't invite the state to regulate it on a local level, because at that point it gets even harder to get anything changed.
Ray