Your Views on MDing BLM Land !!!!

[mtpockets]

Hey All,

Just wondering how many of you guy's MD on BLM lands?

 

[mtpockets]

Is this a weak spot for some....

It is legal to Hunt BLM Land...... They Just don't like you Digging alot..

I've seen some really nice place that I'd like to MD but of course going through the back road's I just never had my Detector with me. Shame...

 

[Wisconsin Pete]

n/t

 

[jackinaustin]

n/t

 

[khouse]

I guess write or call that department and ask. I'm not sure really what that department is. When in doubt - don't dig it out...

 

[azdigger]

I detect on BLM land all the time, that is where we hunt for gold in AZ also meteorites. It is legal just fill in your holes and watch for claimed areas as you can't hunt gold on them.

 

[silvernail]

Try a Google search on "metal detecting blm lands." Prospecting generally OK, relicking generally Not Ok. All Federal agencies charged with preservation of"cultural properties."

 

[DonNWF]

In the late 1970's I lived in Tombstone Ariz. A lot of public land in that part of Ariz is BLM land. There was no problem detecting,as well as prospecting, hunting, rock hounding, animal grazing. I just Googled BLM to see current regulations . The San Pedro River basin has since been designated a special area by BLM and right there in their regulations for that area it states that Metal Detecting is NOT authorized but all those other activities are still permitted. Now why this change in policy? Have the rocks, dirt and sand taken on some special significance? Have some recent archaeological studies exposed some outstanding Indian cultural site or one of historical interest (There are some sites and they have always been protected by law)? I would bet money that this is not the case. What has changed is that every time new government land designations/regulations are adopted. the process is reviewed and approved by special interest archaeologists and historic organizations connected too and funded by the Fed government. These organization are biased against Metal Detecting. I don't want to rant about this but those that view MDing as a legitimate hobby with equal rights to public land use, need to be aware of whats going on. If you are affiliated with an MDing organization you might ask your leadership "What are we doing about it". If their reply is "educating the public" . you can equate that to NOTHING. The same process is taking place at the State level (see MDing State Parks posts). Shall we surrender together or individually. HH don