Relic hunting in West Virginia

[ma and pa diggins]

Hello all. Pa Diggins here.

I just spoke to someone at the Berkeley County Historical Society to get info on a Civil War battle site in my area. He just told me that in WV, it is illegal for a private citizen to use a metal detector on private land even with permission from the landowner. He said that only the landowner himself was permitted to do so.

I think he's a metal detector hobbyist and doesn't want anyone else out there digging relics but now I'm not quite sure. I intend to research this and I will post the results.

Has anyone here ever heard of such a thing or is this guy jerkin' my chain?

Thanks in advance,
Pa Diggins

 

[Steve in PA]

misinformed or trying to keep you out of WV. I'll be interested in your findings.

 

[mdholedigger]

hey ma and pa,

that would suck.......i think if the owner says its ok than for that day i'm there kid if that is what they want..

looking forward to going out with ya all real soon again

your diggin buddy
hazel

 

[bunn leonard]

Awhile ago on the minelab forum Va.historical and arcologists were trying to make metal detecting illegal in va. its true it was on the news and everything it didnt pass but i dont know about west va. sorry for the sp.errors.

 

[Mike from Balto]

I have hunted construction sites and private property in Jefferson and Berkley counties for the last 2 years, with permission from the landowners and never had any problems. Would be interested in seeing what you find out.
hh...Mike