Beach confusion…

[robo]

In gulf shores Al on our way to Florida.
Want to do some Detecting since we’re staying right on the beach.
This sign is at the beach
Does this mean I can’t use my sand scoop?
Looked up local ordinance and it doesn’t say anything about using a sand scoop
Your thoughts?

 

[tvr]

In gulf shores Al on our way to Florida.
Want to do some Detecting since we’re staying right on the beach.
This sign is at the beach
Does this mean I can’t use my sand scoop?
Looked up local ordinance and it doesn’t say anything about using a sand scoop
Your thoughts?

In Myrtle Beach and Panama City Beach where metal shovels have been outlawed, the wording says something like metal digging tools readily available in garden supply stores ... or something like that. I have had no problem using my stainless scoop on those beaches and have not been approached by beach patrol officers who have gone right past me when digging targets. Had one last year stop the truck and watch at a distance while I dug and then filled in the hole, then drove on. With the tinted windows, not sure if I was being observed or if they stopped for some other reason that happened to correspond with when I was digging.

Here is the Gulf Shores Beach regulation page ... don't see mention of metal shovels ???

Beach Rules & Regulations | Gulf Shores, AL - Official Website

www.gulfshoresal.gov

 

[robo]

Just seems very conflicting to me.
Want to stay on the right side of the law.
Common sense tells me I should be able to use a sand scoop but common sense definitely isn’t the law

 

[Confetrit]

Not getting off subject here, but the way I see it is if some of our so called leaders have been able to get away with doing what they have done to U.S. citizens and our country over the last four years and beyond without any recourse..... I believe you should be just fine using your sand scoop on the beach, plus, you aren't actually digging with the scoop, just scooping. Just saying. Best of luck to you, safe travels, and find some treasure.

 

[Flydo]

My take on it. "no metal shovels/tools" A sand scoop is a tool and its made of metal. I dont like it or agree with it.

 

[tvr]

My take on it. "no metal shovels/tools" A sand scoop is a tool and its made of metal. I dont like it or agree with it.

The people putting up the umbrellas use a heavy metal T handle rod to make the hole for the umbrella; that is a metal tool. The big beach rake that they clean the beach with every day is a big metal tool. You will see people all over the place using scoops (metal tools) to pick up shells like the one pictured. For me, I'm using a custom sifter and I always fill my holes. If an officer has a problem with my interpretation of the regulation, come and talk with me. I'll listen, be respectful and we will reach an understanding. If I don't like the understanding you can bet I will be in contact with those in charge of writing the laws to work on making it work better for me and, of course, I can take my money to spend in another area that works better for me should things not work out.

 

[MuddyMo]

If I was you I would use it. Play ignorant if they say anything. Most of them aren’t Karen’s wanting to stop people from having a harm free good time. Smaller would probably be better though. We have some beaches with those signs. I’ve never hunted them because there’s others that are closer. I thought about making one from Lexan if I do go and they say something.

 

[robo]

Well after seeing people using shell scoops I thought what the heck.
That did it for me
Did manage 23 cents!

 

[detectin4fun]

I do hope the signage doesn’t become a trend on beaches. It would cut down on tourism of old Detectorist enjoying the beaches.
I read a report about large holes being dug on the beach causing problems. Joggers and bikes have fallen into the holes. A news report of a kid digging a hole and it collapsed in on him. A knee jerk reaction to ban digging on the beach. Last April at MB I did see a guy with a garden spade digging a large hole. Later on his kids were playing in it. A DIY in ground play pen. The problem was it wasn’t filled in afterwards when I looked out our window the next day. More children and adults were exploring it later on.
I did use my hand made sand scoop and found maybe 55 cents courtesy of a few very happy intoxicated ladies dancing on the beach. FYI it was after they vacated their beach sand dance floor.
I did see beach patrol several times and they passed me by without a glance. thinking positively about the future

 

[tvr]

I read a report about large holes being dug on the beach causing problems.

Yes. We saw a couple digging a large hole in North Myrtle beach a few years back looking for shells. Talked to them, reminded them to fill it in when they left. Next day heard that an elderly lady fell into the hole and broke a hip. Was still not filled in. Wife and I filled it in. Some people doing unrelated activities potentially wrecking things for us.

 

[MuddyMo]

. A knee jerk reaction …”

This is the typical response from a lazy person with low intelligence wanting to look like or they that doing something to fix a problem. Throw out all the apples because a few are bad, throw money at it etc. How the hell do the idiots get positions of power when they don’t have any brain power?

 

[Confetrit]

This is the typical response from a lazy person with low intelligence wanting to look like or they that doing something to fix a problem. Throw out all the apples because a few are bad, throw money at it etc. How the hell do the idiots get positions of power when they don’t have any brain power?

$$$$$$

 

[bklein]

Research a plastic feed shovel with holes drilled in it. Works great and you can check a full scoop with your detector. Just not that great at digging deep holes where rocks may be.