If you’re seeking for information on how to get started metal detecting in Oklahoma, you’ve come to the right place.
Metal detecting is a pastime in which people use a metal detector to look for valuable and rare metals like gold and silver, which are then sold for profit. This hobby has a long history as a recreational activity. On the other hand, going on a treasure hunt while earning money is a relatively new alternative. Thanks to technical developments in metal detectors, detecting these rare metals has become a lot easier, as long as you know where to look.
This is a popular treasure hunting and metal detecting location in Oklahoma. There are plenty of undiscovered diamonds and gold in the area, and the weather is ideal for metal detecting. The state’s beaches, rivers, lakes, and streams make metal detecting more pleasurable. You never know what you’ll come upon on your journey: gems, coins, Civil War antiques, or even gold nuggets. However, you should do your homework and learn about the state and federal rules that govern metal detecting in The Sooner State.
Metal detecting laws in Oklahoma
Even if we want the government to stay out of our hobbies, we must safeguard historical places on their land. As a result, state rules and regulations on metal detecting differ.
The state of Oklahoma has created metal detecting rules and regulations. The Archeological Resources Preservation Act, or ARPA, governs metal detecting on government land.
Keep in mind that metal detecting is only permissible on public or federal land under ARPA or state legislation. Metal detecting is only authorized on private property with the owner’s or lessee’s express authorization.
The rules for metal detecting in Oklahoma are simple. Make sure you’re not metal detecting in any historic sites in Oklahoma. On any historical public lands, metal detecting is banned. As a result, exercise caution when excavating native mounds, burial sites, or earthworks.
Additionally, in Oklahoma, it is illegal to use metal detectors on Trust’s land without permission.
Don’t dig up anything that appears like an artifact or is more than 100 years old if you’re metal detecting in Oklahoma on a state or federal territory. If you locate and collect a historical relic, notify officials so they can properly care for it. Metal detecting is also forbidden in Oklahoma National Parks without valid permission. Metal detecting, on the other hand, is permitted in Oklahoma’s public parks as a leisure pastime. It’s conceivable, though unusual, that you’ll be granted permission to detect metal in specific regions by chance.
Overall, it is vital to understand and follow the rules while metal detecting in Oklahoma. Breaking these rules will result in severe penalties, including fines or, in the worst-case scenario, jail time. If you’re searching for a new site in Oklahoma, make sure you contact local, county, and state officials to make sure you’re following all of the rules.
Is it legal to metal detect in Oklahoma?
In Oklahoma, metal detecting is legal. The laws, however, contain restrictions. Metal detecting without a permit is prohibited on Oklahoma’s historic sites, state parks, and federal properties, as previously indicated. As a result, metal detecting will require a permit on Oklahoma’s public lands. Permits are available over the phone and online. To receive one, please contact your local park and recreation office. It is reasonably priced, with a single unit costing around $10.
You’ll be OK if you exercise common sense and just look for jewelry, money, and gold nuggets on public ground. Before metal detecting at a historic site, check with the local county office for rules.
Can you metal detect on BLM land in Oklahoma?
The same regulations apply to metal detecting on BLM land as they do on all other Oklahoma public lands. Metal detecting is allowed on BLM land in Oklahoma, but you must be cautious not to destroy or expose any artifacts. Remember that the government has the ability to take any “archaeological treasures” discovered on BLM territory, according to ARPA. Archaeological resources are tangible artifacts from human life or activities that are at least 100 years old and have archaeological value.
Where can you metal detect in Oklahoma?
Although many traditional metal-detecting settings are now prohibited in Oklahoma, the state still has a number of great metal-detecting locations.
If you are a local to Oklahoma, your hometown is one of the first places you should go metal detecting in Oklahoma. Knowing the area’s history can not only save you time but will also help you locate the astonishing treasures. What you find and how valuable it depends on where you metal detect and the history of the location. On average, metal detecting based on historical research will yield better results than detecting in random sites.
Some of the best places you can go for metal detecting in Oklahoma are:
- Abandoned Buildings and Structures
- Abandoned Parks and Churches
- Old wagon train routes
- Native American Trails
- Natural Disaster Distruction Sites
- Oklahoma Beaches, Rivers, Lakes, and Creeks
- School yards
- Civil war sites and Ghost towns
Is there any buried treasure in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma is not only a gorgeous state with breathtaking scenery, but it also has a fascinating history. Oklahoma is claimed to hold a significant amount of civil war-era hidden treasure. To prevent the Union Army from obtaining Confederate gold and silver coins, they are claimed to be buried beneath Oklahoma’s soil. There are still some out there waiting to be found! Despite the fact that many of these claims lack proof, treasure seekers and metal detectorists are confident that they will locate it one day.
| Treasures | Details |
|---|---|
| Buried Well Treasure Chest | An outlaw flung four bags of gold and silver money into a well at the old Fort Sill trade station, which is now covered. In 1892, the estimated market value was $100,000. A stagecoach was robbed of the coins. |
| Wilburton Outlaw Cache | In the hills north of Wilburton, an Indian criminal known as Black Face stashed three caches of stolen goods in a dry stream bed. |
| The Cache River Gold | The Cache River may still contain a gold bullion treasure. Mexicans fleeing a party of Indians buried the riches at the ruins of the old Pecan School on the Cache River, some fifteen miles south of Lawton. |
| Mill Creek Treasure | A treasure of the Army, stolen payroll, in gold and silver coins are hidden in a cave near Mill Creek in the Arbuckle Mountains. The coins were hidden in the cave when outlaws assaulted an army supply train. |
Metal detecting in Oklahoma Rivers
Oklahoma is home to numerous rivers, lakes, and streams, as well as rugged mountains and historic sites. Because there are so many rivers, creeks, and streams, it’s an excellent spot to go metal detecting. When detecting in rivers and streams, make sure you have enough waterproof metal detectors. The following are some of Oklahoma’s top metal detecting rivers:
- Glover Creek, McCurtain
- Kiamichi River, Pushmataha and Le Flore
- Washita River, Murray
- Washita River, Washita
- Blue River (Bryan, Johnston, and Pontotoc)
Metal detecting in Ghost Towns of Oklahoma
Hundreds of abandoned settlements are scattered in Oklahoma’s landscape. These are the towns where mining used to be done, but as the ore ran out, people abandoned it. People have fled to a number of historic cities for varied reasons.
In Oklahoma’s ghost towns, all of the villages and towns have been abandoned. These towns are significant in Oklahoma’s history. Metal detecting in Oklahoma’s ghost towns may also require permission from municipal officials. Oklahoma’s ghost towns will rapidly become one of your favorite metal detecting spots after you decide whether you need a permit and obtain one.
These ghost towns may include historical artifacts. In these Oklahoma ghost towns, coins, exquisite jewelry, and other treasures abound.
Some of the popular ghost towns in Oklahoma for metal detecting are:
- Garnerville, Oklahoma
- Parkland, Lincoln
- Blackburn, Pawnee
- Campbell – Pleasant Valley – Cowboy Flats, Logan
- Skullyville, LeFlore
Metal detecting clubs in Oklahoma
One of my favorite activities is metal detecting since it allows me to reconnect with old acquaintances while also making new ones. If you want to meet new people and go on a metal detecting trip with them, I highly recommend joining a metal detecting club in Oklahoma.
Metal detecting has grown in popularity in recent years, with clubs springing up all across the country. The club’s members are active and supportive of one another. These groups come together once a month to show off their treasures, plan their next trip, and talk about how to evaluate the diversity and worth of their finds.
Metal detecting clubs may be a valuable source of new treasure hunting locations and knowledge. Setting up your metal detector for a specific place might be tough if you’re a beginner. As a result, being a member of a metal detecting group is an excellent approach to addressing this issue.
In Oklahoma, there are numerous fantastic metal detecting groups. Metal detecting groups in Oklahoma can assist you to improve your abilities whether you’re a novice or a seasoned hunter.
It is not necessary for metal detecting groups to have an online presence. As a result, you can also join Facebook groups to contact other metal detectorists in Oklahoma and share your knowledge.
Some of the best Metal detecting clubs in Oklahoma are:
- Twin Territories Treasure Hunters, Del City
- Central Oklahoma Research / Recovery Club, Moore
- Cherokee Strip Treasure Hunters, Ponca City
- Oklahoma Historical Research & Recovery, Tulsa
Similarly, some of the most popular Metal Detecting Facebook groups in Oklahoma are:
- OK Underground Detecting Group
- Oklahoma Treasure Hunting
- Detecting Oklahoma MDC
- Detecting Oklahoma Treasure
Final Thoughts
Metal detecting in Oklahoma is a terrific experience in general. Natural beauty, history, weather, and flexible regulations combine to make this a terrific activity. Before you try metal detecting in public, be sure you’re aware of Oklahoma’s rules. Also, if you’re on private property, make sure you get permission from the owner first, otherwise, you might face trespassing charges.