FL Arkies Against 'American Diggers'

"'American Digger,' the TV show featuring a former pro wrestler and his team digging up historical treasures is entertainment, says the show’s spokeswoman.

'We don’t encourage any digging on federal or state lands,' said spokeswoman Shana Tepper for Spike TV, the producers of the show. 'It is only on private property' and done within the boundaries of the law, including the site in downtown St. Augustine that will be featured in an upcoming show.

'If you watch the show, you’ll see (host) Ric (Savage) going from door-to-door getting permission,' she added."

Read more HERE.

On a side note, at the end of the article it outlines many of the laws regarding our hobby in FL, in particular the St. Augustine area.

How do you feel about the ethics in the show and how they portray folks in the like-mind?

MDing Damages Mammoth Sites? SB105

Yes folks, we've now heard it all. Apparently our machines now detect mammoth bones... not sure what they show up as on the VDI, but I'd bet it's somewhere just inside the BS range.

"Legislation that would allow people to use metal detectors in state parks and monuments has some concerned it could put historic sites at risk for damage.

Some who oppose Senate Bill 105 fear it might open the floodgates for amateurs digging up artifacts at Big Bone Lick State Park in Boone County, which is famed for its bones of extinct mammoths, sloths and other large mammals.

State Sen. Dan Seum, R-Fairdale, introduced the bill, which passed the Senate this week 20-16, and awaits approval in the House. Seum did not return messages seeking comment this week on why he introduced the bill."

Read more HERE.

SB105 to Effect KY Hobbyists

"'Finders keepers' is not exactly the law in Kentucky and when it comes to use of metal detectors, a popular and sometime lucrative hobby, it is not allowed in some places.

That may change if Senate Bill 105 makes its way through the legislature this session.

On Tuesday, SB105 passed through the Senate Committee on Economic Development, Tourism and Labor to allow the use of metal detectors at state parks and monuments.

If passed, the law would protect enthusiasts who use metal detectors, within the guidelines of the law, officials said."

Read more HERE.

Ticonderoga to Ban Hobby?

"It's been 12 years since Ticonderoga tried to restrict use of personal metal detectors.

Now, concerned that treasure-hunters may flock to the community rich in 18th-century history, town officials are going to try again.

The town has scheduled a public hearing for 6 p.m. Thursday in the Ticonderoga Community Building on a proposed local law to ban the use of metal detectors on public property in the town."

JUNE 20th UPDATE: It was voted NOT to ban the use of metal detectors. They may still be used for surface finds, and NO digging is allowed.

Read more HERE.
Another article HERE.

Image Credits: Town of Ticonderoga

Iowa Men Charged in Relic Hunt

"Two men have been accused of relic hunting at the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site in West Branch.

According to a press release, a park ranger caught two men using metal detectors and digging in the park on Nov. 9. The two men, Joseph B. Evans, 44, of Cedar Rapids and James B. Henricks, 45, of Solon, were cited for possessing and using metal detectors on federal land, which is a violation of federal law."

Read more HERE.

Be sure to check out the article comments :/

Another article HERE.