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Metal detecting clubs are popular all over the world, and the US is not an exception, because it is always more fun to join the group of like-minded people in your area rather than wandering around with a metal detector all alone. Clubs are definitely more fun, one can travel to remote and deserted locations with people from the club instead of doing that alone, or trying to convince their family to go in case they are not very supportive of the hobby. Moreover, beginner treasure hunters can learn a lot from more experienced colleagues, ask for help or advice, or even borrow a metal detector or other equipment for a test drive. So, if you have ever asked yourself what are metal detecting clubs near me, in the list below you can check that out. Also, we can recommend you check out the metal detecting laws by states page before start metal detecting somewhere.
Alabama is a good place for metal detectorists, since there is a healthy choice of metal detecting clubs:
Alaska is one of the most metal detecting friendly states, but the detecting conditions are harsh there. Moreover, some serious mining is often needed, especially for gold prospecting. The local clubs include:
Arizona is especially rich in metal detecting clubs, so local treasure hunters really have a wide array of organizations to join:
California has an insane number of clubs and societies, despite the fact that free detecting is actually allowed only on salt water beaches. Local rules are somewhat tricky, but like-minded folks from the clubs will tell you more:
There are many Florida metal detecting clubs, since in this state the hobby is especially popular:
Hobby metal detecting is technically prohibited
In some states, metal detecting for recreational purposes is technically prohibited, or tons of permissions by state authorities and\or local authorities are needed. However, metal detecting clubs may still exist, and in fact, members can travel to other states where the hobby is allowed.
In Hawaii, hobby detecting is allowed on sandy beaches, but other locations are not welcomed for digging, especially any archaeological sites and aboriginal grounds.
Iowa has curious detecting rules. From May 22 to September 27, detecting is allowed from 4 am to 11 am. During the rest of the year, detecting is allowed from 4 am to 10:30 pm daily. Digging on restricted hours, or without permit, is prohibited.
Practically, hobby detecting is allowed on private lands with permit from the land owner.
The laws state that metal detecting for recreational purposes is not allowed, but there is a healthy amount of clubs here:
In Montana, topsoil disturbance for recreational and hobby purposes is prohibited. However, this law seems to work only for public lands like parks etc.
Tribal lands or tribal burial grounds are strictly prohibited. For other locations, many permits are necessary. Perhaps official clubs have less issues with acquiring these permits for their members than lone detectorists.
A paradise for metal detectorists, but one has to double-check local rules for every location with local authorities.
North Dakota seems to be really serious about its legal prohibition. The only non-industrial detecting possible is the one to find lost personal items, but special permission is necessary.
According to the law, free detecting is allowed only on swimming beaches. However, there is a healthy number of clubs:
Most lands in Texas are privately owned, so technically there is little freedom for hobby detecting. However, it is possible on private lands with the owner’s permission.
According to the local law, metal detecting is not illegal as it is, however, disturbance and removal of objects by non-official persons is prohibited. But perhaps there are nuances that local club members can explain.
Metal detecting seems to be allowed only to find a lost personal item. However, the situation with gold prospecting may be different, considering the clubs:
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«Sometimes, good targets sound like iron, and vice versa »
