Metal Detectorists Participating in Archaeology Research

Metal Detecting, Archaeology Sites, and the Law

If artifacts are recovered during metal detecting, or archaeological sites are disturbed, the metal detector user can be in violation of the Antiquities Act or Archaeological Resource Protection Act. Violation of each of these laws carries serious consequences including the possibility of fines, jail time, and confiscation of the metal detector.

Laws Regarding Metal Detecting on private property, State property, and Federal property

Penalties for Illegal Metal Detecting at Protected Archaeology Sites (Some Examples)

Archaeologists Using Metal Detection and Dectorists in Site Research