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Kicked out of city park in upstate NY
- Thread starter tomosgood
- Start date
Tom, whenever someone says to us: "you can't do that because of holes", we all, like you, say under our breath: "durned those guys who must've left holes". 
Right ? But it's possible that there was never really an incident of holes . What I mean is, let's be honest here folks: What's the connotation of a man with a metal detector ? What's the connotation mental knee-jerk image, when a pencil-pusher is tasked with thinking about "metal detecting" , or when he sees a man in a park with a metal detector ? HOLES! of COURSE. So if he gets a bee in his bonnet to dis-allow md'ing (or say "no" to the person standing their asking "can I metal detect?"), he will often just say "no because of holes", EVEN THOUGH there may not have ever really been such an incident. And ONLY because it's the mental connotations that our hobby automatically has.
So don't be so quick to assume that someone must've left holes.
I notice that you've gone there for well over 2 yrs, and never had any issues. Even when past city persons were there. So this was a first-time occurance. If it were me (and I know this is ballsy, and not for everyone), I would a) look up the city rules to see if there's really a rule that says "no detecting" [which I doubt there is], and then b) if not, just go on days or hours when there's no city workers present. Ie.: federal holidays, or after 6pm, etc.... But that's just me. I had parks where we got lip from persons, and did not take that as meaning there is some sort of true "new rule". But rather, if a single person in the world "doesn't like it", sometimes it means "avoid that one person". But that's just me.
Right ? But it's possible that there was never really an incident of holes . What I mean is, let's be honest here folks: What's the connotation of a man with a metal detector ? What's the connotation mental knee-jerk image, when a pencil-pusher is tasked with thinking about "metal detecting" , or when he sees a man in a park with a metal detector ? HOLES! of COURSE. So if he gets a bee in his bonnet to dis-allow md'ing (or say "no" to the person standing their asking "can I metal detect?"), he will often just say "no because of holes", EVEN THOUGH there may not have ever really been such an incident. And ONLY because it's the mental connotations that our hobby automatically has. So don't be so quick to assume that someone must've left holes.
I notice that you've gone there for well over 2 yrs, and never had any issues. Even when past city persons were there. So this was a first-time occurance. If it were me (and I know this is ballsy, and not for everyone), I would a) look up the city rules to see if there's really a rule that says "no detecting" [which I doubt there is], and then b) if not, just go on days or hours when there's no city workers present. Ie.: federal holidays, or after 6pm, etc.... But that's just me. I had parks where we got lip from persons, and did not take that as meaning there is some sort of true "new rule". But rather, if a single person in the world "doesn't like it", sometimes it means "avoid that one person". But that's just me.
Tom in CA, you may be correct in some instances but trust me i've seen the damage done to park lawns with my own two eyes and in just about every park around here with a history. I try to fix the damage best i can but its usually futile.
Someone mentioned to steer clear of crowds and park keepers. I agree with the crowd part but whenever i see a park keeper i go out of my way to BS with them. Once they see my garden spade and not a shovel they're usually happy to supply some good tips on where to hunt in their park. To date i have had no park keeper tell me i can't detect but did have a few say 'as long as you don't use a shovel'.
Someone mentioned to steer clear of crowds and park keepers. I agree with the crowd part but whenever i see a park keeper i go out of my way to BS with them. Once they see my garden spade and not a shovel they're usually happy to supply some good tips on where to hunt in their park. To date i have had no park keeper tell me i can't detect but did have a few say 'as long as you don't use a shovel'.
Iron, I agree for the most part. But I avoid the park maintenance guys. I believe it's the individual that you come across. If there is no detector codes I've read where the management at the time may decide to prohibit detecting. Over had older folks watch me for an hour. They just ask" what are you finding. I showed them the little bit of pennies I dug. Then show the trash and grab the sharpest looking piece. I explained how we detectorist clean all trash up and how many people have cut themselves on these sharp thin tabs and tops. People usually chalk it off to unseen glass I'll tell them. And I explained that after a rain many times it exposes these sharp little tab edges that are just under the surface.. I teach them about all the canslaw that is also responsible for feet being cut.
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I really believe that most Noobs think you just walk on any old looking property and beep away on relics and gold coins in hoards. If I hit on a nice cache I will not tell anyone,,Ok, maybe you all because you understand. But not to be dishonest but I'm not wanting people to get that impression that It's big money.
Dog
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I really believe that most Noobs think you just walk on any old looking property and beep away on relics and gold coins in hoards. If I hit on a nice cache I will not tell anyone,,Ok, maybe you all because you understand. But not to be dishonest but I'm not wanting people to get that impression that It's big money.
Dog
Digdoggy said:
That was my thoughts too, when I read Iron's part about going out of his way to chat with parks people. I , like you, want park's people to think as little as possible about me and my hobby. The less the topic of md'ing is on their radar, the better. If I see a park's person mowing the lawn or fiddling with sprinklers, is not the time to be metal detecting that particular park, in my opinion. NOT because I necessarily think I'm doing anything wrong, but just because I recognize that detecting has connotations, and the person may think you're about to leave holes. Thus, out-of-sight is out-of-mind.
As for the "holes" reason as having any real genesis, sure, it can happen. But I'm just saying that we all shouldn't be so quick to believe that a ) there necessarily ever was such an incident, or b ) that if there had been, that it was one that would have led to a true rule or policy.
Because even when and if there were truly incidents of holes, which subsequently caused them to boot the following md'r they say, then think of it: What precipitated their booting of that subsequent md'r? The "seeing" of him. So therefore, no, I do not wish to wear a big red bullseye on my back, when in a hobby like this that's an eye-magnet for curious lookie-lou park workers. Go at low traffic times.
Thanks for the messages. My case may not be the same as other places. The person that asked me to leave was not one of the park workers that work Monday - Friday. It was late Sunday. The man that kicked me out works in the parks office. And I have found some bad holes not just in the park I was in but others in my area I do believe we have a problem with too many inexperienced metal detectorists. And I do believe within the next 5 years you will see a lot parks closing.
I'm afraid you maybe right about the outlook of our hobby. I think there is just too many folks doing this. I'm not selfish and I think its good for some to get off that couch and away from the tv and get a bit of exercise. Its just a fact that because there's a chance to find something of value people will copy cat. Just watch cable tv where two regular simple guys walk a few minutes on a property and start digging out coin after coin and relics of high value!!
Its not always holes its jealousy. Park worker or nieghbor that calls it in. They think we are "taking it to the bank". Jealousy. The green monster, envy. If there is no code--just call it something else. When a company wants to get rid of an employee, I've actually heard them say,,we just call it something else. Like we have no contracts in the future. Not sorry but your overwieght and slow. Just call it something else.
Its not always holes its jealousy. Park worker or nieghbor that calls it in. They think we are "taking it to the bank". Jealousy. The green monster, envy. If there is no code--just call it something else. When a company wants to get rid of an employee, I've actually heard them say,,we just call it something else. Like we have no contracts in the future. Not sorry but your overwieght and slow. Just call it something else.
Tom_in_CA said:Digdoggy said:
That was my thoughts too, when I read Iron's part about going out of his way to chat with parks people. I , like you, want park's people to think as little as possible about me and my hobby. The less the topic of md'ing is on their radar, the better. If I see a park's person mowing the lawn or fiddling with sprinklers, is not the time to be metal detecting that particular park, in my opinion. NOT because I necessarily think I'm doing anything wrong, but just because I recognize that detecting has connotations, and the person may think you're about to leave holes. Thus, out-of-sight is out-of-mind.
As for the "holes" reason as having any real genesis, sure, it can happen. But I'm just saying that we all shouldn't be so quick to believe that a ) there necessarily ever was such an incident, or b ) that if there had been, that it was one that would have led to a true rule or policy.
Because even when and if there were truly incidents of holes, which subsequently caused them to boot the following md'r they say, then think of it: What precipitated their booting of that subsequent md'r? The "seeing" of him. So therefore, no, I do not wish to wear a big red bullseye on my back, when in a hobby like this that's an eye-magnet for curious lookie-lou park workers. Go at low traffic times.
Where to begin? My experience and maybe i've been lucky is that a guy mowing for example 8hrs a day is more than happy to stop and BS for a while. Nothing wrong with being friendly. IMO, ignoring park workers especialy if they see you is counter productive in so many ways.
Having said that, I will not go into a park office and ask official permission from some bureaucratic politician. The park workers on the other hand have in my experience always say its OK to detect. Bingo, permission, potential friend and hunting area tips to boot!
Just bypass the bureaucrats is all i'm saying.
Short and sweet, I dont know how you all see it. Holes big, yes someone could get hurt. etc. I personally wont dig if i think its an anvil etc. I trap door, with a hinged flap, things go back in place neatly. (i know about the big debate on that topic). I not being facetious here, but there are some parks, so compacted, that I think we are actually helping air rate the soil. I hope nobody mouths off to a park employee, its almost like a challenge to them, oh yeah i'll definitely mention that to the supervisor. Keep your cool. Dont forget some parks more than others care about the manicured baseball fields, that where we lost a park here, somebody jumped the low fence because they had to go in there and dig up the ball field. I agree go in off hours, on Sundays, etc. Permission is a funny thing. Once a hospital nearby was putting in a parking lot, and had only done the rough dozing, I went in and asked security for permission and heck they said yes. I was shocked. Didnt get much, but I didnt have to be looking over my shoulder either. Yes private estates and properties hold a lot of promise for sure. Good Hunts All, CO
Robert2300
New member
There are some real incosiderate stupid people out there
many of whom don't have have watched that dang metal detecting show
on TV. Shows llike this, in my opinion, spoil it for the rest of us,
as do lazy bozos who don't coer holes.
many of whom don't have have watched that dang metal detecting show
on TV. Shows llike this, in my opinion, spoil it for the rest of us,
as do lazy bozos who don't coer holes.
By the way, I thought we should add, if any new detectorists are reading these posts thats OK. All should learn what we mean by proper recovery of targets.
I think the best for any area with grass, the thicker the sod the better, is the hinged flap, or called trap door or similar names. You take your lesche hand held standard digging tool or simlilar type. Cut a 3 sided hole. Actually a nice U shape, then lift the plug up with your digger and free hand and open the flap/door leaving the grass/sod still well attached. Now you have a neat little hole to work in.
The size doesn't have to be over done, you only need 4 inches across to get to coin depths MOST of the time. I go as far as pilling all dirt removed on a bandana right next to the hole. Retrieve your coin, that is many times right in the plug and dump your dirt off the bandana/ hand towel back into hole. Close the flap/door and tamp down tightly. You should be able to stand over this spot and not see any sign of digging. I'm assuming most everyone realizes that parks are coin shooting or jewelry hunting sites. Not places where relics should be expected. Ok there shallow things you'll hit that may be considered a relic. Overall though relics are more of a woods hunting endeaver.
I know new folks read here and we may be scaring you away so that you don't post. Not at all! Ask! You'll be surprised how these experienced hunters will share their knolege. As far as being seen trapsing across a park with a full blown shovel, we are going to have a talk.
Dog
I think the best for any area with grass, the thicker the sod the better, is the hinged flap, or called trap door or similar names. You take your lesche hand held standard digging tool or simlilar type. Cut a 3 sided hole. Actually a nice U shape, then lift the plug up with your digger and free hand and open the flap/door leaving the grass/sod still well attached. Now you have a neat little hole to work in.
The size doesn't have to be over done, you only need 4 inches across to get to coin depths MOST of the time. I go as far as pilling all dirt removed on a bandana right next to the hole. Retrieve your coin, that is many times right in the plug and dump your dirt off the bandana/ hand towel back into hole. Close the flap/door and tamp down tightly. You should be able to stand over this spot and not see any sign of digging. I'm assuming most everyone realizes that parks are coin shooting or jewelry hunting sites. Not places where relics should be expected. Ok there shallow things you'll hit that may be considered a relic. Overall though relics are more of a woods hunting endeaver.
I know new folks read here and we may be scaring you away so that you don't post. Not at all! Ask! You'll be surprised how these experienced hunters will share their knolege. As far as being seen trapsing across a park with a full blown shovel, we are going to have a talk.
Dog