National Forest (BLM) Land is the best land to explore in all of the United States. It’s 245 million acres that act as a playground for anyone and everyone who wants to experience the outdoors. People hunt, backpack and fish this acreage, but very few choose to metal detect it. Most don’t ever bother trying.
There are going to be restrictions when it comes to metal detecting on BLM land. However, the recreational use of metal detectors is generally legal. These landscapes are not only beautiful, but they are full of artifacts worth finding.
What BLM Land is Illegal to Metal Detect on?
As metal detecting has gained popularity, the exact guidelines and restrictions have begun to become more clear. The National Forest Service encourages people to metal detect, but are protective over certain areas. Any piece of BLM land that is considered historic is off limits.
However, as of the last 10 years, there is a program called Passport In Time that allows the public to work with archaeologists to help work through historical sites. Visit passportintime.com to find out more information on how this can become a partnership.
There are considered to be four types of metal detecting. The first type is searching for “treasure trove.” Treasure trove is considered to be money, precious metals, etc, that have been hidden with the intention of recovering it later. This type of detecting is going to require a permit. Applications for those permits can be found through the state’s website in which you choose to detect.
The second type of detecting is searching for objects that have historic or archaeological value. The requirements for this are mentioned in the paragraph above. Don’t remove artifacts or detect in any area that is considered to be historical.
Searching for gold is allowable without a permit on most BLM land. As long as you aren’t searching within a mineral claim, you’re good to go. If you are, all of the minerals found belong to the claim holder.
The safest type of detecting is what the Forest Service considers to be recreational. If you are searching for coins that are less than 50 years old or other small objects with no “historical value” in areas that aren’t restricted you should be good to go. Don’t be surprised if these rules continue to get more strict. The best option is to call the local National Forest Service office to get up to date information on the exact regulations.
Understanding BLM Regulations for Metal Detecting
When it comes to metal detecting on BLM land, it’s crucial to understand the specific regulations and permissions required. Each BLM area may have its own set of rules regarding metal detecting, especially concerning historical and archaeological sites.
It’s important to research and adhere to these regulations to ensure your metal detecting activities are legal and respectful of the land’s heritage. Always check with the local BLM office for the latest guidelines and obtain any necessary permits before beginning your search. Here’s a link to the Bureau of Land Management 👉 Can I Keep This?
Best Practices for Responsible Metal Detecting on BLM Land
Responsible metal detecting on BLM land involves more than just following the rules; it’s about preserving the natural and historical resources of the area. This includes avoiding any disturbance to wildlife habitats, not digging in sensitive archaeological sites, and ensuring that all holes are filled back in after searching.
Metal Detecting Tip: After years of swinging my machine, I’ve come to realize find treasure is cool, but also having a conservation ethic is better. If you read just a little bit about the 1906 Antiquities Act you understand the idea of perseveration and conservation. Here’s a link. 👉 Antiquities Act U.S. Department of Interior
By practicing these responsible metal detecting habits, we contribute to the conservation of these public lands for future generations to enjoy. I’ve got a couple resources to help 👉 Metal Detecting Code of Ethics, Rules and Laws
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Exploring Diverse BLM Lands for Metal Detecting
BLM lands offer a diverse range of environments for metal detecting, from desert landscapes to forested areas. Each type of terrain presents unique opportunities and challenges for metal detecting.
For instance, desert areas might reveal relics from old mining operations, while forested lands could hold historical artifacts. Exploring different BLM lands can be a rewarding experience, offering a variety of finds and the thrill of discovery in stunning natural settings
Check Out These Spots for Your Next Metal Detecting Trip
- Metal Detecting Places for Beginners- Some special metal detecting spots for newcomers
- Metal Detecting in Rivers and Creeks– How and where to metal detect along rivers
- Best Places to Metal Detect on The Outer Banks– Laws, clubs, and locations to metal detect on the Outer Banks
What artifacts can and can’t I remove from BLM land?
Like mentioned earlier, cultural materials are not allowed to be removed without a permit. Anything that was used or produced by humans that is more than 100-years-old is considered a cultural artifact and can’t be altered.
Newer artifacts dropped by tourists such as jewelry, coins, etc., are all fair game. Also, gold and other minerals are allowed to be kept.
The main issue is your location more so than the artifacts you find. If you’re disturbing a historical site, you are likely going to be subjected to a hefty fine. First, pay attention to your location and then worry about the things you find.
Here is a great link that shows what the Federal Government considers to be legal to remove: https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/documents/files/collecting_on_publiclands.pdf
There is also information on this article about fossils and other artifacts. It’s a great one stop shop for all things collectable!
Find out more about essential metal detecting gear with these articles
- Metal Detecting in the Water– Learn about waterproof metal detectors and how to properly use them
- The Gear for Gold– If gold is what your after, this article has plenty of tips
- What is Pinpointing in Metal Detecting?– Find out what pinpointers are and how they will change your metal detecting game
How to Find the Best BLM Land to Metal Detect
There are a few answers to this question. For the most accurate information, here is a list of emails for states with BLM land to contact for more information:
- Alaska email – AK_AKSO_Public_Room@blm.gov
- Arizona – blm_az_asoweb@blm.gov
- California – BLM_CA_Web_SO@blm.gov
- Colorado – blm_co_info@blm.gov
- Idaho – blm_id_stateoffice@blm.gov
- Montana-Dakotas – BLM_MT_SO_Information@blm.gov
- Nevada – nvsoweb@blm.gov
- New Mexico – blm_nm_comments@blm.gov
- Oregon-Washington email – blm_or_so_land_office_mail@blm.gov
- Utah email – blm_ut_so_public_room@blm.gov
- Wyoming Contact email – blm_wy_state_office_wymail@blm.gov
Otherwise, the best option is to choose places with a decent amount of civilization around. For example, the BLM land in Wyoming is extremely barren. The Bighorn National Forest is vast and only has a few lodges spread across it. In this case, there are likely not as many artifacts to be found. If you’re searching for seclusion, Alaska, Wyoming and New Mexico are going to be your best bets.
The Black Hills National Forest in South Dakota would be a great option for metal detecting. This is where I have done the most of my detecting and I have been successful every time. There is a large stretch of National Forest, but there are towns and other communities spread throughout the forest that provide plenty of artifacts.
Access can be a bit tough, but any road sign that is brown is considered a forest road. Travel down these and as long as you don’t cross through privately marked cattle gates, you’re okay to begin searching. The north side of Custer all the way up to Hill City is full of lakes and forest roads. You can spend a weekend alone on this land!
Colorado, Utah, California and Arizona are going to be some more populated land that is great for metal detecting. I’ve spent quite a bit of time searching the Prescott National Forest since it’s only an hour and a half from my parents house in Phoenix. It’s a beautiful, wooded escape from the heat of the valley. I have found the Forest Service employees to be extremely friendly at the Prescott office.
Try detecting near campgrounds or picnic areas. These are obviously going to have the most traffic around them and keep you the safest. Also, any public beach is going to give up solid treasure. Any lake in a National Forest is going to receive a lot of traffic. People love lakes in beautifully wooded areas and the more people, the more treasure.
Rangers will not stop people detecting around these areas because chances are anything found is going to be newer than 50-years-old and considered to be recreational. The further you venture off the beaten trail, the more risk you are putting yourself and your group in.
Can I Metal Detect in a National Forest?
The National Forest Service is extremely happy to answer questions. They’ll always tell you that they are much happier when people ask for permission before they start doing something. More often than not, if you call to ask, they’ll give you some secret spots that people don’t know about.
A great resource for understanding if you can metal detect is the linked document provided by the NFS. Check it out – The Use of Metal Detectors on National Forest Land
Go on Your Next Metal Detecting Trip to These Awesome Locations!
- Can I Metal Detect at Virginia Beach?– Yes, you can and so much more!
- 15 Places To Metal Detect in South Carolina– The best locations in South Carolina to find all the best treasure
- The Best Place in Tennessee to Metal Detect– Learn all about the laws and clubs in Tennessee
David Humphries, Writer and Creator of METAL DETECTING TIPS. After borrowing my son’s detector and finding $.25. I felt like a treasure hunter. FREE MONEY! I was seriously bitten by the metal detecting bug.
Read about David -> HERE
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