Metal Detecting in Madison, Wisconsin: Permits, Parks & Rules

You’ll need different permits depending on where you detect in Madison. DNR lands require Form 9400-239 for personal item recovery only (May 1–October 15), while Dane County parks mandate annual permits displayed during use. You can’t remove anything over 50 years old from either location, and detecting is prohibited at archaeological sites and burial areas. Violations result in permit revocation and potential criminal penalties under state and federal law. Understanding the specific requirements, restricted zones, and proper reporting procedures will help you stay compliant.

Table of Contents hide

1 Key Takeaways

2 DNR Lands: Special Permits for Lost Personal Items Only

3 Dane County Parks: Annual Permits and Metal Detecting Rules

4 What You Must Know Before Detecting: Restrictions and Reporting Requirements

5 Frequently Asked Questions

5.1 Can I Metal Detect on Private Property in Madison Without Permission?

5.2 What Federal Laws Apply to Metal Detecting for Archaeological Resources?

5.3 How Do I Contact DNR for Metal Detecting Questions?

5.4 Are There Sandy Beaches Where Recreational Detecting Is Sometimes Allowed?

5.5 What Happens if I Find Items Older Than 50 Years?

6 References

Key Takeaways

Metal detecting in Dane County Parks requires an annual permit valid January 1–December 31, displayed visibly during activity.
DNR lands require special permits via Form 9400-239 with property manager approval; detecting allowed only May 1–October 15.

Archaeological items over 50 years old must remain in place; removing objects over 100 years old violates federal law.
Metal detecting is prohibited in recorded archaeological sites, burial areas, and natural areas without specific permits.
All recovered items must be verified at the property office; unauthorized detecting results in permit revocation and penalties.

DNR Lands: Special Permits for Lost Personal Items Only

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources maintains strict regulations governing metal detector use on state-managed properties. You’ll need a special permit to conduct metal detecting on DNR lands or waters, but it’s limited exclusively to recovering specific lost personal items you’ve documented.

Metal detecting on Wisconsin DNR properties requires a special permit restricted solely to documented personal item recovery, not general treasure hunting.

General treasure hunting isn’t allowed. This policy, implemented in 2009, prioritizes archaeological protection under state law and federal mandates.

You must complete Form 9400-239 per s. NR 45.04(3)(i), Wis. Adm. Code, detailing your lost items. The property manager overseeing your search area must approve your application before you begin.

You’re required to carry this permit while detecting. Any recovered items require verification at the property office, and you can’t remove archaeological materials over 50 years old. Search conducted only during the authorized period between May 1 and October 15.

For questions about permits or DNR regulations, call the customer service hotline at 1-888-936-7463 available from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Contact historic preservation officer Richard Kubicek at 608-445-8395 for additional information.

Dane County Parks: Annual Permits and Metal Detecting Rules

While state-managed DNR properties require permits solely for recovering documented lost items, Dane County Parks operates under a different permitting structure that allows metal detecting as a recreational activity.

You’ll need to complete a permit application through direct contact with the Dane County Parks Office at (608) 224-3730 or via email—online purchasing isn’t available.

The equipment regulations and permit requirements include:

Annual permits run January 1st through December 31st
You must display your permit in a viewable location while detecting
Replacement permits are available at reduced fees if lost
Metal detecting without proper authorization violates archeological excavation ordinances

County authorities can revoke your permit for violations.

Remember that all archeological materials (50+ years old) must remain in place, and you’re required to present found items to park authorities. Rules are enforced by the Dane County Land & Water Resources Department to ensure compliance with park regulations. Similar to activities like geocaching, regulations are subject to periodic changes, so verify current requirements before proceeding with metal detecting activities.

What You Must Know Before Detecting: Restrictions and Reporting Requirements

Before you begin metal detecting on any Wisconsin DNR property, you must understand that these lands operate under strict federal and state archaeological protection laws that considerably limit your activities.

The Archeological Resources Protection Act prohibits removing man-made objects over 100 years old from public land.

While NR 45.04 restricts possessing state property without permission.

Historical preservation mandates require you to present all recovered items to the property office for verification.

You can’t remove archaeological materials 50 years or older, and items not matching your permit description will be retained.

Legal enforcement has intensified since 2009, with metal detecting now banned within recorded archaeological sites, burial areas, and state natural areas without specific scientific permits.

You’ll face immediate permit termination if regulations are violated.

Unpermitted detection on parks and public land can lead to penalties, making prior approval essential for legal hobby practice.

For clarification on specific locations and current enforcement standards, contacting Wisconsin DNR archaeologists is strongly advised.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Metal Detect on Private Property in Madison Without Permission?

No, you can’t metal detect on private property in Madison without permission. Private property regulations strictly require written landowner consent beforehand. Detecting permission protocols mandate documented authorization, as unauthorized detecting violates property rights and constitutes illegal trespassing under current law.

What Federal Laws Apply to Metal Detecting for Archaeological Resources?

Federal regulations like ARPA and the Antiquities Act protect ancient artifacts over 100 years old on federal lands. You’ll face $20,000 fines and two years imprisonment for unpermitted excavation, removal, or transport of archaeological resources.

How Do I Contact DNR for Metal Detecting Questions?

You can contact the DNR for metal detecting regulations at 1-888-936-7463 or reach specialist Mark Dudzik at (608) 266-3462. This DNR contact information connects you with permit details and policy guidance for lawful detecting activities.

Are There Sandy Beaches Where Recreational Detecting Is Sometimes Allowed?

Yes, you’ll find sandy beaches where recreational detecting is sometimes allowed—specifically some non-vegetated beach areas and private shorelines. However, DNR-regulated beaches generally prohibit it without permits, protecting archaeological resources while National Forest beaches remain selectively open.

What Happens if I Find Items Older Than 50 Years?

You must immediately report items older than 50 years to the property office. Ancient artifacts and items of historical significance cannot be removed from DNR lands—they’re retained by authorities regardless of who discovered them.