Do U HAVE TO GET PERMISSION TO HUNT PUBLIC SCHOOLS?

[metalfun]

n/t

 

[darrenb]

I'm not sure if you have to, but I'd say it would be a good idea to at least call the school and speak with someone. It's always nice to be able to give a name when the police come by and ask you what you are doing!!
HH
Darren

 

[MNCoinhunter]

I'm thinking that legally you don't have to, but you may want to let someone know you are going to visit occasionally. I can hunt the K-12 school in my town anytime but I usually limit my visits to weekends.

 

[INCH]

Allways good to have a reference to a name or names with permission. You never know what kind of person (who thinks they have authority over you ) will interfere . Your chances are good on public land , just read the signs if posted . Destruction of property will get your attention on the list of not prohibited, but use your own judgement.

 

[JimCVA]

Ask your local police dept. they will know. You should hav no problem metal detecting school yard. most schools and park will have signs with rules and regulation if metal detecting is not listed it legal to metal detect. good hunting

 

[gsmith]

I was hunting a local school last weekend...police car pulled up after I'd been there about 1/2 hr...he watched me for about 20min...never said a word...then left...I suppose he was just making sure I wasn't breaking into the school...

 

[5900_XL-1]

There's an old saying that fits if "you really don't have to ask." It's easier to ask for forgiveness than permission. Point being, there's lots and lots of people holding a small position in an organization who will just say no by default. martin

 

[Dan-Pa.]

Heres a tip Public is one thing but digging a hole may be conceived to damaging property..Would I ask a prinicipal I doubt it but ask the maintenance guys and get a name and if confronted
mention his name and chance are far better asking the maintenance guys...been there done that....

 

[andrew9091]

The prob with asking permission at schools...they may tell you no, then you are screwed. Ive NEVER gotten n trouble etc hunting at schools...Ofcourse though like Dave said, keep it to weekends only and you will be fine. If anyone tells you to leave, simply tell them you are sorry, you didnt realize you couldnt and leave the school......BUT definitely keep it to weekends.

 

[fongu]

I think the weekend is the best time to go. Unless you ask permission or tell somebody what you are doing, they don't know who you are or if you are a threat to anybody. It's sad we live in the times when children are not safe in our schools. The weekend avoids the hassle for everybody involved. When they are out for the summer, metal detecting should be a daily ritual.

 

[metalhead]

There's an old saying that fits if "you really don't have to ask." It's easier to ask for forgiveness than permission. Point being, there's lots and lots of people holding a small position in an organization who will just say no by default. martin

Yeah man, I see what you're sayin', but it's always best to ask for permission anywhere you hunt. So what if they say no. There's lots more places to hunt.
While I am metal detecting, I would rather someone ask "How are you doin?" than "What are you doing?"
I've also heard about guys having their equipment confiscated. Have you ever seen a grown man cry?

 

[andrew9091]

Yeah I see that side of it also.....I look at public schools as public property that I pay taxes on...yeah if Im told to leave I would.....but asking to hunt on weekends I dont ever do....I do see your point though. Ive learned to that if you are hunting somewhere and if someone is "eyeballing you" DO NOT FEAR...go up to that person with a smile and ask how they are etc....break the ice etc. A little courtesy goes along way. 9 times out of 10 that person you are talking to is so interested in the hobby, they love the fact that you are cleaning up the area of trash and finding history : )

 

[khouse]

Keep it simple. Can I scan the grassy areas with my detector? 50/50 yes/no. Note ( don't say you want to dig anything). If "yes" still go on the weekends right before sunup.(Sunday morning is the best) If "no" say your only looking for stuff on the surface. If you see people start showing up then pack it up. Do not ever take a shovel. Hide your digging tool while hunting. Make sure you are an expert at target recovery. Always start with trash in your pouch to include broken glass and nails. Your going to find them anyway. Note: I was hunting a baseball field. The local police man walked up to me in left center field on a Sunday morning. He asked me what I was doing? I said making the field safe. I showed him my glass and trash. He said he always wanted a detector. We talked a little bit and he left.
PS: I was hunting a field where there is an old ball field from the early 1900's - with permission. When I got there I say signs of digging. Not from hunters but from a dog digging up moles. I filled every crapping one of those holes! You do the same.......

 

[dirtweasel]

I got permission to hunt my area elementary schools from the principal. He said any elementary was fine with him and good luck.

 

[GunsDrawn_44]

If I was going to ask permission to metal detect at a school,I would ask permission from the custodian and not the principal.I am a school building custodian,and we are incharge of the building and grounds.The principal can give you permission but if the custodian see's you out their digging holes,he will either stop you or call school sercurity.If you ask the custodian,it would be best to try and show him how you dig and fill in the holes,if he's willing.The school building is state property,and even if the custodian does give you permission,and the police see you,they can arrest you for damaging school property.I would'nt recommend metal detecing during school hours,with kids being there.Your best bet would be on the weekend.

 

[khouse]

I still say Sunday morning from sunup to about noon is the best time. When you see cars start showing up after Church it's time to leave. Again - you need to recover your targets like a Surgeon before you hunt any other property besides your own.

 

[metalfun]

Thanks guys for all your help Great advice!!! HH

 

[lafatlife]

Well I would have to say it depends on where you live. I live in a small town and actually work at the public schools and still the towns people call the police on me!! I received permission from the Principal, the custodians and the parks and rec guys in writing that I took to the police department and spoke directly to the chief that I happened to have gone to school with.

People still call the police on me but now when they see it is me, they keep on driving and no long stop me.