babulin2002
New member
Hi all,
Had an unpleasant surprise yesterday, went detecting again, as i have been doing here (Germany) for 4 years already, and was approached by a guy who said he represents a local archeological department and wants to see my permit. When i told him i read one doesn't need one and accordingly i do not have one he told me it's not true, you can detect only the surface, but when you dig in the ground (any depth, even 2mm ) it's archeology and you need a permit. Apparently local metal detectorists often claim they lost keys or something when caught without a permit
Typically german solution, divide the hair into million parts, detecting on the surface must be thrilling As i had a shovel the case was clear to him, threatened me with a fine of 20 000 euros etc. After some time, when i didn't refuse to show him some id (he demanded one but only police has the right to do so) and talked to him in a friendly manner, he relaxed a bit and we were able to talk like normal people He said it's normally easy to get a permit, but now it might be tough for this area since recently a spectacular discovery of a roman battlefield was made here, so they're on their toes and freak out about the possibility of people plundering possible further sites etc. In the end i have to call the local archeological office on monday and by that prove i'm no crook, i will try to convince them to give me a permit too. I have no intention of giving up a great hobby
Cheers!
Had an unpleasant surprise yesterday, went detecting again, as i have been doing here (Germany) for 4 years already, and was approached by a guy who said he represents a local archeological department and wants to see my permit. When i told him i read one doesn't need one and accordingly i do not have one he told me it's not true, you can detect only the surface, but when you dig in the ground (any depth, even 2mm ) it's archeology and you need a permit. Apparently local metal detectorists often claim they lost keys or something when caught without a permit
Typically german solution, divide the hair into million parts, detecting on the surface must be thrilling As i had a shovel the case was clear to him, threatened me with a fine of 20 000 euros etc. After some time, when i didn't refuse to show him some id (he demanded one but only police has the right to do so) and talked to him in a friendly manner, he relaxed a bit and we were able to talk like normal people He said it's normally easy to get a permit, but now it might be tough for this area since recently a spectacular discovery of a roman battlefield was made here, so they're on their toes and freak out about the possibility of people plundering possible further sites etc. In the end i have to call the local archeological office on monday and by that prove i'm no crook, i will try to convince them to give me a permit too. I have no intention of giving up a great hobby Cheers!
