Is governemnt ruining our hobby?

[Leslie(nova scotia)]

From the land of the Bluenose.....it seems that in our lives government has controls, regulations, law and restrictions that affect every aspect of our day to day activities. Not one to cry wolf or expound the paranoia of the "Big Brother" syndrome but it is increasingly evident that the tentacles of every level of government is sucking the life blood out of our hobby.

While "pruising" (cross between prowling and cruising) the various metal detecting forums on the net that I patronize I have noticed with ever more frequency posts that indicate that metal detecting in not allowed in this town, this city and so on. Is government the cause or is a direct result of detectorists not following the code of ethics, utilizing common sense or just an apathetic approach to the hobby and not standing up to this encroachment?

Rationalization of both perspectives must be voiced so that an amicable compromise can be reached to preserve the hobby. One can easily see the various levels of governments view that detectorists clandestinely loot historic sites, invade private property and leave craters in the ground causing dangerous situations. As with everything in life there is a small percentage of detectorists that fall into this category who taint the reputation of the majority of treasure hunters.

On the flip side of the coin detectorists provide services for the general public finding lost rings, keys, keep sakes and on the odd occasion assisting local law enforcement officers in collecting evidence. As an entity the metal detecting communities is often over looked for other valuable services such as the recycling of coins. If you added up all the coins that detectorists but back into circulation in the run or a year I'm sure the amount would be staggering. Treasure hunting also promotes a healthy outdoors life style without the injuries associated with contact sports thus cutting down on health costs.

Somewhere along the line a unified front has to be established to combat the assault on our hobby while at the same time nurturing a positive and lasting general appreciation of a truly great hobby!

 

[Joe G]

The first time someone tells me it's not legal anymore, I'll be sure to voice my opinion on that one. Right now in my area, there isn't a problem. However, I can see how some bad apples can surely spoil everything.

No different than when I went fly fishing a lot. There were those WITHOUT fishing permits who didn't care about limits of catches, seasons, or even sizes. I've seen people keep blue gills or pumpkin seeds that were so small, if you held them up to the light, you could see there little hearts pumping. Same goes for bass and crappy... Amazing.

I guess this world has no shortage of idiots (present company excluded of course )

 

[Mike from MI Iron Brigade]

Makes me mad!

 

[Greg from Mi.]

n/t

 

[MI$$OURI BETTY]

when storms hit and you have your scum taking all they can from whomever they can. Some people don't care and others do.....that's life! Some are jealous and want the territory just for themselves and others are jealous enough to holler to someone they know in Gov't to keep us from certain areas are from hunting anywhere! Jealousy is greed and therefore sin enters and causes problems, for satan comes to kill, steal and destroy! The FMDAC is a good organization to join as they do a lot in keeping areas open to metal-detecting and good PR for our hobby! Let us keep the good things about detecting in the forefront, so people will see our good deeds! Seek and we shall find answers for keeping our hobby going for all who love to detect!

God Bless & Happy Hunting!
Betty

 

[Mike Chgo area]

n/t