Too good to be true...

[JimmyCT]

Well I finally secured permission to hunt an old private religious retreat created in 1865. So this morning I am on the grounds hunting away and and it wasn't long before a gentlemen (one of the directors of the organization) approached and asked I lived on the property. I explained I was a guest of a distance relative and that the president of the organization had given written permission. I introduced myself and we shook hands. He looks at me and says, " ok well,many people are asking who you are and what you are doing here" I then explained to him again that the president did provide written consent to search the field only. He then asked to see the letter and I happily provided it to him. He reads it and looks at me and says "OK" and finishes walking his dog.

So I continue to hunt and then I am approached by a woman that says to me, " you can't be digging in here" I looked at her and explained that my hobby requires one to cut into the ground to retrieve the item and that it would defeat the whole purpose of the hobby if I couldn't make a cut into the dirt ( there wasn't much grass where I was hunting) She just looked at me and shrugged her shoulders. My wife then shows up and explains that our relative had called at our home and for me to give our relative a visit.

So I spoke with my relative to clear the confusion up. She said, " Jim the president said you can hunt the field but can not dig." I gave a look as to "HUH?" I explained to her that my hobby requires it and that the president was fine with it and now he isn't? So I asked her "Why the change?"
She said too many people in the campground were complaining. Another look of "HUH?" I asked if I could have the presidents phone number and she said to me, " JIM, it isn't going to change anything, I'm sorry" So there are others in this organization that has a lot of pull -- more then the president and didn't like the idea and must of "ganged up on the president" to have him change his mind.

So my day started off great but ended in a sad ending. I feel this place is a gold mine and now, right before my very eyes, it has been closed

I did manage to find two wheats from the 1930's and some type of jewelry. It registered a smooth 167 on my meter.

Oh well, back to the drawing board.

Thanks for looking - Jim

 

[ZOFCHAK]

Nice finds for a short hunt, but that's a real bummer about your loss of access to the property. Is the place seasonal? Perhaps you could get permission to hunt there when no one is around to complain? Or maybe make an agreement to share any items of monetary value or historical value with the religious group?

 

[goodmore]

Somebody always has to complain. Like you were raping mother Earth. Permission is the name of our game. At least you remained polite. Nice job on that!

 

[joecoin]

GD religious kooks!

 

[JimmyCT]

I should clarify - sometimes when I start writing I just keeping going. It use to be a religious retreat back 1965 - 1960's then long story short, they were turned into seasonal homes for retirees. Now one too many itty bitties have too much time on their hands & complained (And I think you are "right on" goodmore) that I stabbed mother earth and made a hole. I wanted to say so bad to that woman that approached me, "you made a bigger hole to plant your flowers then I did finding the wheat penny" Permission is my only way and if they said "out" then out I go.

ZOFCHAK - I was thinking this myself as they have to be out by the end of October and can't return until April 15th. BUT there is one big problem. There is one home in the front of the organization that people live in year round. I am not quite clear if they are part of this camp or it is a seperate lot. They are so close... hmmm Time to pay a visit with my relative and find out more info. I feel this place is a treasure trove of goodies. I did a lot of research on the land and this place is packed with history! Back in the day - thousands use to come in by train from all over the country to come to this religious retreat. I could spend the rest of my life detecting in this one camp. - Jim aka dimeman

 

[GunnarMN]

Jim you have a Neamia situation , they tried to shut him down to but he got permission to keep building the wall , I will pray you get permission back . kinda like indiana jones the closer he got to to the treasure the more havoc broak out this must really be a good spott and you are close to something great > , can you bring some floweres to that lady and try to calm her down , no one like a new kid on the block but after a time they will love you hope you can tell them of your finds and so on maybe they will see you are not a threat

 

[BeachBat]

the president said you can hunt the field but can not dig

Sort of like going fishing where you can use a rod & line but no hook........ pointless

Well, Jim you did everything right - its annoying but there will be other sites, one's where the people are friendly or the fence's are lower!

Unfortunately its one of those situations that there is no middle ground - it either goes good or bad......... sadly in this case you have been met by opposition from people who have absolutely nothing to do but complain. If I can make one suggestion, if you ever get a place like this again - ie: residents and a president, they will very likely have meetings once month and that is where you need to be initially - groups of residents can be like a militia and the president nothing more than an appointed "puppet".

Onto the next site............

 

[JimmyCT]

LOL you are so right beachbat. hmm I will inquire about these meetings when I visit my relative. Thanks!

the president said you can hunt the field but can not dig

Sort of like going fishing where you can use a rod & line but no hook........ pointless

Well, Jim you did everything right - its annoying but there will be other sites, one's where the people are friendly or the fence's are lower!

Unfortunately its one of those situations that there is no middle ground - it either goes good or bad......... sadly in this case you have been met by opposition from people who have absolutely nothing to do but complain. If I can make one suggestion, if you ever get a place like this again - ie: residents and a president, they will very likely have meetings once month and that is where you need to be initially - groups of residents can be like a militia and the president nothing more than an appointed "puppet".

Onto the next site............

 

[Birdseed]

Earthly

Your situation sounds very much of a miniature version of the timber industry situation in Tasmania. Here we rely on logging for a major part of the states income. Conservation factions now have so much pull that the city dwellers believe that every tree that is cut is equivalent to rape. Even the furniture chain stores are being picketed for selling products made from wood. The industry is now in collapse with thousands out of work.
This is affecting logging towns to the extent that schools and essential services are being shut down, affecting the life styles of the very same people that are doing the protesting.
Like the people complaining of your detecting, even with permission. Here in Tasmania they say that the loggers are making money from a state owned resource (even though they are also licensed to do so).
The perception is, that being state owned, the logs belong to the people and therefore should never be cut for profit by a company, even though these companies pay millions in royalties and support entire communities.
It would seem that the people at your retreat have a similar view. You might profit somehow at their perceived loss. So out you go !!!!

Sorry if I went on a bit, this issue is close to my heart.

Pete

 

[JimmyCT]

Hi Pete,

do not be sorry as I was very intrigued by Tasmania's real life story. A bunch of tree huggers so bent on saving a tree that human life suffers - well they might not have schools and essential services but at least they will have trees to look at. Maybe the tree huggers can build a tree house, live in it and see how that works out for them lol. Wow, it seems as though the loggers have to work for free in order to cut down the trees and it is ok, but if they take a living wage / make a profit it is un-thinkable?

You might profit somehow at their perceived loss. So out you go !!!! Thanks this helps me to understand more.

I am curious how do people (gov't) in Tasmania view your metal detector? Are there lots of restrictions like the U.S. ? - Jim

Earthly

Your situation sounds very much of a miniature version of the timber industry situation in Tasmania. Here we rely on logging for a major part of the states income. Conservation factions now have so much pull that the city dwellers believe that every tree that is cut is equivalent to rape. Even the furniture chain stores are being picketed for selling products made from wood. The industry is now in collapse with thousands out of work.
This is affecting logging towns to the extent that schools and essential services are being shut down, affecting the life styles of the very same people that are doing the protesting.
Like the people complaining of your detecting, even with permission. Here in Tasmania they say that the loggers are making money from a state owned resource (even though they are also licensed to do so).
The perception is, that being state owned, the logs belong to the people and therefore should never be cut for profit by a company, even though these companies pay millions in royalties and support entire communities.
It would seem that the people at your retreat have a similar view. You might profit somehow at their perceived loss. So out you go !!!!

Sorry if I went on a bit, this issue is close to my heart.

Pete

 

[Birdseed]

Jim

Not 100% sure about this, but to the best of my knowledge detecting is OK on "Unallocated Crown Land" providing one holds a Fossicking Licence about $13.00 this year.
Technically, no detecting in Parks, Reserves or Sanctuaries etc This includes most beaches as they are in foreshore reserves.
The above areas do not seem to be actively policed, though I use plenty of discretion, don't want to upset the do-gooders. Beaches never seem to be policed but I always fill in holes and take away all rubbish that I come across.
About 50% of the landmass of Tasmania is locked up in parks and reserves
Google Tasmania for a good selection

Pete

 

[JimmyCT]

Hi Pete,

I had to look up this fossicking license as I never heard of it. Sounds like you can hunt on beaches for coins and relics and do not even need this license. I wish my state of Connecticut / United States would implement such a system to where we could purchase a license and then metal detect the state parks and actually use a small digger like the lesche. See, the state allows detecting in many of its state parks but NO DIGGING lol sounds like my campground story. Totally defeats the purpose. Historic parks are absolutely off limits. Beaches can be detected but the vegetation can not be disturbed. What a bunch of environmental nuts! So many rules / laws / restrictions for detecting and it seems to be getting worse as time goes on. I read articles hear on findmall of people in Florida and California where beaches are totally off limits / closed to detectors. The parks dept in my town are pretty nice and allow detecting. Although two towns over they have big signs in their parks - NO METAL DETECTING. So I feel fortunate that my park system is really good about it. There is an ordinance on the books in my town not to disturb vegetation, flowers, trees, etc but they are after the nut jobs digging flowers and small trees out of the parks and bringing them home for themselves. Also, if there is some idiot leaving craters after locating a target with their detector, the ordinance on the books can be used to arrest them. The parks dept sees that I am not one of these and smile and keep on driving. Police even see me in the parks and sit there in their cars while I detect. They could care less lol That is why I concentrate so much of my time in my local parks / schools as there are not too many places to go. - Jim


you need a Fossicking Licence to search for minerals such as gemstones or gold. You are only allowed to use hand tools such as picks, shovels, sieves etc. The use of metal detectors is also covered by the licence. In order to conduct your hobby of fossicking legally, you will need a fossicking licence. Also you will require the permission of the property owner (grazing lease holder).

He should endorse the licence and can impose conditions. He is within his rights to refuse entry to his grazing lease. The signing of the fossicking licence is actually a good thing for both parties as it covers the grazing leaseholder for public liability. You will need a separate licence for each state in Australia. Coins and relics are not minerals so you don't need a fossicking licence to detect for them (public lands such as beaches etc.). Make sure you have permission if detecting on private land. Local council may also have some by laws covering parks.
Get yourself a fossicking licence anyway. Do not detect historic heritage listed sites.

Jim

Not 100% sure about this, but to the best of my knowledge detecting is OK on "Unallocated Crown Land" providing one holds a Fossicking Licence about $13.00 this year.
Technically, no detecting in Parks, Reserves or Sanctuaries etc This includes most beaches as they are in foreshore reserves.
The above areas do not seem to be actively policed, though I use plenty of discretion, don't want to upset the do-gooders. Beaches never seem to be policed but I always fill in holes and take away all rubbish that I come across.
About 50% of the landmass of Tasmania is locked up in parks and reserves
Google Tasmania for a good selection

Pete

 

[JimmyCT]

Thanks Gunnar! Bring some flowers? Good idea I'll bring some beautiful flowers that have to be planted outside. I will then proceed to pull out my shovel and just as I am ready to dig, I'll look at her and say, "you can't have these flowers as it requires digging to keep them alive" lol. Gunnar, I didn't even have time to get to know anyone - that is how quick I was out of there.

Jim you have a Neamia situation , they tried to shut him down to but he got permission to keep building the wall , I will pray you get permission back . kinda like indiana jones the closer he got to to the treasure the more havoc broak out this must really be a good spott and you are close to something great > , can you bring some floweres to that lady and try to calm her down , no one like a new kid on the block but after a time they will love you hope you can tell them of your finds and so on maybe they will see you are not a threat

 

[Goldmanjace]

Well I finally secured permission to hunt an old private religious retreat created in 1865. So this morning I am on the grounds hunting away and and it wasn't long before a gentlemen (one of the directors of the organization) approached and asked I lived on the property. I explained I was a guest of a distance relative and that the president of the organization had given written permission. I introduced myself and we shook hands. He looks at me and says, " ok well,many people are asking who you are and what you are doing here" I then explained to him again that the president did provide written consent to search the field only. He then asked to see the letter and I happily provided it to him. He reads it and looks at me and says "OK" and finishes walking his dog.

So I continue to hunt and then I am approached by a woman that says to me, " you can't be digging in here" I looked at her and explained that my hobby requires one to cut into the ground to retrieve the item and that it would defeat the whole purpose of the hobby if I couldn't make a cut into the dirt ( there wasn't much grass where I was hunting) She just looked at me and shrugged her shoulders. My wife then shows up and explains that our relative had called at our home and for me to give our relative a visit.

So I spoke with my relative to clear the confusion up. She said, " Jim the president said you can hunt the field but can not dig." I gave a look as to "HUH?" I explained to her that my hobby requires it and that the president was fine with it and now he isn't? So I asked her "Why the change?"
She said too many people in the campground were complaining. Another look of "HUH?" I asked if I could have the presidents phone number and she said to me, " JIM, it isn't going to change anything, I'm sorry" So there are others in this organization that has a lot of pull -- more then the president and didn't like the idea and must of "ganged up on the president" to have him change his mind.

So my day started off great but ended in a sad ending. I feel this place is a gold mine and now, right before my very eyes, it has been closed

I did manage to find two wheats from the 1930's and some type of jewelry. It registered a smooth 167 on my meter.

Oh well, back to the drawing board.

Thanks for looking - Jim

This is an interesting thing. This is what has been happening to me everywhere I go in this little town I live in. I spend lots of time getting permission and finding out who to get permission from. Checking to see if there are any ordinances etc.... Then when I get to the parks, for example, I get a visit from the same people that gave me perimission telling me that I cant do this because people have complained???? So now it is at the point that I have nowhere to go. Park off limits, courthouse off limits, etc..... eventhough I had permission to do this.

 

[JimmyCT]

Goldmanjace,

I hear everything you are saying. It seems as soon as they see some sort of digger in your hand - it's game over. Like you said even AFTER you have received permission and explain your hobby / intentions. Or it can be like what Birdseed (Pete) mentioned "You might profit somehow at their perceived loss" and now you are out! Yep, it is getting harder and harder to get permission on private land and public areas such as schools and parks. Someone mentioned on another findmall board that sometimes just going at "off- times" can prevent this. like a sunday after noon or Friday evening when everyone else has gone out. That is how I work it with the schools in my area. (Although, I know a lot of people in the local school system so that helps)The town green I always wait until after 3pm or wait until early morning hours on the weekends. The parks & police dept doesn't care, BUT critics that drive through the area during day time hours do care. So, I just wait. There is always one "environmentalist" that says, "oh my he is making a hole in the ground someone call the police - he is destroying public property - HELP HELP ! lol Like goodmore mentioned: to others its like I am raping mother earth lol funny but very true in some peoples eyes. Keep your head up and keep plugging away. Look for construction projects around town / in other towns - then at least then they can't say you are destroying the "nice pretty grass" - HH - Jim



This is an interesting thing. This is what has been happening to me everywhere I go in this little town I live in. I spend lots of time getting permission and finding out who to get permission from. Checking to see if there are any ordinances etc.... Then when I get to the parks, for example, I get a visit from the same people that gave me perimission telling me that I cant do this because people have complained???? So now it is at the point that I have nowhere to go. Park off limits, courthouse off limits, etc..... eventhough I had permission to do this.[/quote]

 

[Birdseed]

Jim

Thanks for your comments on "Fossiking". The excerpt you posted is from the rules set down in the state of Queensland. I think the rules in Tasmania are very similar but it is hard to find anything in writing.
As I mentioned before. Tasmania is pretty much a state of National Parks and Reserves and a very beautiful place to live. Unfortunately it is an expensive place to get to so income from the parks is limited. Our population for the whole state is just a little over 500,000.
I have never been challenged due to my detecting, Though I am discrete in my habits and I keep well away from publicly frequented historical sites. Except on the odd occasion when I have been invited.
Metal detecting is a very minor interest here. The gold deposits in Tasmania, though not extensive, are either deep underground, or too fine to be detected. Though occasionally a nice piece is found. Also our history of European settlement is only 200 years old, the indigenous aboriginals had no metals. So you can see, metal detecting finds are limited. Even the beaches are only frequented for a short period each year. I reckon our weather is similar to Northern U.S. the summer temperatures average about 75 deg F with the odd day making 90/100 deg F in a hot year. Not a great incentive to go swimming. Easier to go to the local swimming pool, covered and heated.
Most beaches have been detected at some time or other, meaning that the older coins and jewelery are gone, but I am increasingly finding smaller items, including quite a few small silver coins with the Sovereign, its depth sometimes amazes me. I really enjoy going to old abandoned sites, like mines and old farm houses. It is not the value of the finds, but the historical interest. I have hundreds of coins, a few pieces of jewelery, some rings and lots of interesting artifacts of a bygone era when people were self sufficient and more reliant on their own ingenuity.
I also cut and polish gemstones, mostly stuff I have dug and collected myself, I am a Radio Ham, and I have an interest in electronics in general. I built my first two detectors from junk. They worked after a fashion. Enough to spur my interest. Nothing comes close to my Sovereign or Safari. I think the Sovereign does have the edge though.

Keep up the interest and good luck
Cheers from Tasmania

Pete

 

[JimmyCT]

Hi Pete,

Like you I couldn't find rules / regulations for Tasmania. My surmise are that the rules must be relatively close since it is the same entity controlling both land masses. 500,000 people for the whole state? Wow! Connecticut has 4,845 square miles of land and approx. 3 1/2 million people. Now that is suffocation lol. Historical sites whether here or there is just asking for a pair of shiny matching bracelets for our wrists lol Yes, we have very similiar in weather. From what I read you are a very smart mechanical type of person as I wouldn't even attempt to build a detector lol. I agree with you on the sovereign GT as it surprises me as well in depth / performance. A great machine that does more then I ever dreamed. I wish there were abandoned mines around where I live as that sounds like a lot of fun. Take care & happy hunting.

- Jim

Jim

Thanks for your comments on "Fossiking". The excerpt you posted is from the rules set down in the state of Queensland. I think the rules in Tasmania are very similar but it is hard to find anything in writing.
As I mentioned before. Tasmania is pretty much a state of National Parks and Reserves and a very beautiful place to live. Unfortunately it is an expensive place to get to so income from the parks is limited. Our population for the whole state is just a little over 500,000.
I have never been challenged due to my detecting, Though I am discrete in my habits and I keep well away from publicly frequented historical sites. Except on the odd occasion when I have been invited.
Metal detecting is a very minor interest here. The gold deposits in Tasmania, though not extensive, are either deep underground, or too fine to be detected. Though occasionally a nice piece is found. Also our history of European settlement is only 200 years old, the indigenous aboriginals had no metals. So you can see, metal detecting finds are limited. Even the beaches are only frequented for a short period each year. I reckon our weather is similar to Northern U.S. the summer temperatures average about 75 deg F with the odd day making 90/100 deg F in a hot year. Not a great incentive to go swimming. Easier to go to the local swimming pool, covered and heated.
Most beaches have been detected at some time or other, meaning that the older coins and jewelery are gone, but I am increasingly finding smaller items, including quite a few small silver coins with the Sovereign, its depth sometimes amazes me. I really enjoy going to old abandoned sites, like mines and old farm houses. It is not the value of the finds, but the historical interest. I have hundreds of coins, a few pieces of jewelery, some rings and lots of interesting artifacts of a bygone era when people were self sufficient and more reliant on their own ingenuity.
I also cut and polish gemstones, mostly stuff I have dug and collected myself, I am a Radio Ham, and I have an interest in electronics in general. I built my first two detectors from junk. They worked after a fashion. Enough to spur my interest. Nothing comes close to my Sovereign or Safari. I think the Sovereign does have the edge though.

Keep up the interest and good luck
Cheers from Tasmania

Pete