Quote from Big D on April 5, 2025, 7:01 pm

In Alabama, metal detecting is allowed on public lands, but you must obtain permission from the landowner before using a metal detector on private property, including beaches, footpaths, or council-owned land. Additionally, historic sites are not open to collecting, and coins and artifacts more than 100 years old may not be collected. 

 

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

• • Public Lands:

    Metal detector use is allowed on public lands. 

     
  • Private Property:

    You must obtain permission from the landowner before using a metal detector on private property. 

     

• Historic Sites:

  Historic sites such as cabins, sawmills, graves, trail traces, mining areas, townsites, ranches, and railroads are not open to collecting. 

   

• Artifacts:

  Modern money may be collected, but coins and artifacts more than 100 years old may not be collected. 

   

• Orange Beach:

  You may use a metal detector and small sifting shovel to uncover found items but be sure to fill in any holes. 

   

• Dauphin Island:

  Be aware that some areas, like Dauphin Island, may have specific restrictions or outright bans on metal detecting. 

   

• Beaches:

  Some beaches may have specific rules or restrictions on metal detecting, so it's always best to check with local authorities or park officials beforehand. 

   

• Tips for Metal Detecting:

   
• Move slowly and deliberately, keeping your detector coil as close to the ground as possible. 
   
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• Be aware of your surroundings and potential obstacles. 
   
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• Fill in any holes you dig to prevent hazards. 
   
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• Metal Detecting Clubs:

  Alabama has a number of metal detecting clubs, which can be a great resource for finding information and connecting with other metal detector enthusiasts. 

   

• Pawn Shops:

  Due to the popularity of metal detecting, there are also a number of pawn shops in Alabama where people can sell their finds.