heb, what is it, that you're seeing on the internet, that leads you to believe that Alabama has "strict laws"? Can you link to what you're talking about? There are scores of hobbyists there in Alabama, so .... obviously ..... it's going on (yup, even in public places). I think what you are probably seeing, and mis-interpretting, is state level laws (for AL state parks). But you have to remember that this is only for STATE parks, and not other types of parks (city and county). State parks laws don't subrogate down to county and city parks. On the contrary: Park and land use rules can differ all the time, from entity to entity. You know, like one allows fireworks, while another doesn't, and so forth. One has a dog leash law, and another is silent on the subject (doesn't address dogs one way or another). etc... And also remember that not all state land is state PARK land. There's land that the state has, that's not necessarily "parks" of theirs.
As far as what bootyhoundpa says, about researching the rules (if you are skittish) on other types of public land (city and county, for instance), don't interpret that to mean: "go in and ask a deskbound bureaucrat 'can I?' ". Because then the danger becomes, you can sometimes get a "no", where detecting has just routinely gone on, and no one's ever cared. Ie.: they give you the "easy" answer, or morph something else to apply to your "pressing question" (when in fact they probably never gave the matter a moment's thought before). Thus the way to do what bootyhoundpa says, is not to go asking "can I" questions, but rather: to look it up for yourself. Rules, muni codes, laws, etc.... are all a matter of public record, at whatever level you're at. You know, like city or county's often have websites, which you can scroll around and find the section dealing with the city or county charter, muni codes, parks dept rules, etc.... Or if there's no detailed website like that, then it's still got to be available for public viewing SOMEWHERE. Like in binder form at city or county hall on the front desk.
If you see nothing there that says "no metal detecting", well then PRESTO, it must not be a prohibited activity. But, I mean, of course use some common sense. Still stay away from obvious sensitive historic monuments, don't go waltzing over beach blankets at an archaeologist convention, etc....
