[BJ]

Hi All
I am looking at starting detecting as a hobby. I would like to start off with the garret ace250. I would like to know if I would need permits to detect on public beaches or parks. I am in the Eastern Cape but would also like to take my detector with me if I go on holiday to other parts of the country, so would there be different laws in different parts of the country. I cant  wait to get started and really enjoy reading all the interesting posts on this site.

[Peter Callahan]

Welcome to the forum BJ. You dont need any permits for the beaches or the parks. If you want to hunt in Victoria Park it is advisable to get permission from the municipal offices on site. I presume that would also need permission for St Georges Park. All the small kiddies parks in the suburbs you dont need permission. Hope this helps and good luck.

[James Kraft]

Hi BJ and welcome to our Familia

The Garrett Ace 250 is a good entry level machine for beginners in the field of metal detecting. It is quite versitile and can be used almost anywhere (Under water excluded). As far as permits are concerned, I do not believe permits are required but permission when intending to hunt in Government Governed areas such as Municipal parks may apply....Same in Nature Reserves etc as well as Private Property..... Open velds etc should be no problems.

[Danny]

 no restrictions you will only get our support WELCOME

[Tom White]

Welcome to the hobby mate

[Wilhelm Ludik]

Welcome BJ. Hope to see your first finds soon.

[Danie]

Welcome and enjoy the forum...

[stevo007]

Very big Welcome , Hope you going to enjoy the forum lots of help and good advice available.

Happy Digging

[Flemish Hunter]

Welcome to this great forum BJ!

[James Kraft]

no restrictions you will only get our support WELCOME

This is very true. I can vouch for this 1000%. A year ago I was a strange newby in a strange world here on the forum. Without the help and advise from the "Experienced Old Hands" here I would never have come this far. This is one awesome information and knowledge box just waiting for any new detectorist to open and enrich his/her hunting experience.

Please feel free to ask anytime. Help and advise is always available, and if not, someone will definately make effort to find and give you the answers you need.

[Kobus]

Welcome BJ ,all above tru by far the best forum enjoy your hunting.
Kobus

[Paul van Heerden]

Welcome to the forum and hobby. You ate going to love it

[GoldChaser]

Lo BJ and a big welcome!  Enjoy!

[Fred Necke]

Hello All, I'm new to this forum and also wondering about the rules in SA.

I got thrown out of Silvermine Nature Reserve picnic site today for not having a permit for what I was doing. The Sanparks Enforcer didn't know what the detector was but he was sure I needed a permit to use it in his park. I was walking back to my car with spade and detector in hand and bag of trash on shoulder. Gotta love our Public Serpents, bless their tiny minds.

Went to see the Ranger and was told I was suspected of "disturbing a plant or animal" which carries a R500 fine. Bless Sanparks and their FINE attitude.

[Peter Callahan]

Welcome to the forum Fred and dont forget to get permission..lol