Detecting Georgia rivers and waterways

[kcox418]

Good afternoon. Does anyone know the legality of detecting rivers, streams and waterways in Georgia. Of course not on federal, state, protected areas. I've heard conflicting stories on the matter. If anyone has some facts I sure would appreciate it!! THANKS!!!!

 

[archieclement]

Creeks in Georgia are private property, so fair game with landowner permission.

Georgia is one of the clearer states in it doesn't grant right of passage to non navigable waterways.

 

[kcox418]

Creeks in Georgia are private property, so fair game with landowner permission.

Georgia is one of the clearer states in it doesn't grant right of passage to non navigable waterways.

Right I get that and understand. Is areas that you can take a boat/kayak. Navigable waters.

 

[archieclement]

Right I get that and understand. Is areas that you can take a boat/kayak. Navigable waters.

Georgia defines navigable as a boat carrying cargo.

Alot of states, right of passage and navigable less defined so more murky, generally just use common sense. The bigger the project/body of water, the more you should check for approval.

Most states aren't going to care just metal detecting creeks rivers where land is private. If land is public along river.......depends on authorities....Whether they are Andy Griffith or Barney Fife....

Some parks will issue permits to hunt beaches/swimming areas.

 

[UCVRelics]

Here is the 411

Metal Detecting in Georgia: A Complete Guide for 2022 - moneyworths

Metal detecting laws in Georgia are fairly liberal. Learn more about the best places to detect in Georgia.

moneyworths.com

 

[Tanglewood]

Here's a link concerning the lawsuit involving the Chance brothers and David Topper hunting (diving) on the remains of the Nashville in the Ogeechee river. Seems like it boiled down to "on the river bed" as opposed to "in the river bed". It might help clarify the state of Georgia's position on river salvage relics for you.

Chance v. Certain Artifacts Found and Salvaged, 606 F. Supp. 801 (S.D. Ga. 1984)

Chance v. Certain Artifacts Found and Salvaged, 606 F. Supp. 801 (S.D. Ga. 1984) case opinion from the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia

law.justia.com

 

[kcox418]

Here is the 411

Metal Detecting in Georgia: A Complete Guide for 2022 - moneyworths

Metal detecting laws in Georgia are fairly liberal. Learn more about the best places to detect in Georgia.

moneyworths.com

I read that one. Def won't be on any FED/state property or that even butts up to it.
THANKS!! Some lady told my buddy that detecting in any Ga river or stream is Federally illegal.

 

[Tanglewood]

"Some lady told my buddy that detecting in any Ga river or stream is Federally illegal. "

I doubt that, but best to check it out. I know that lots of shells came out of the river at Milledgeville, all on the up and up. And lots of recreational gold hunters searched the Etowah below Dahlonega for years. All my hunting knowledge is old, though, so find out for sure.

 

[UCVRelics]

I read that one. Def won't be on any FED/state property or that even butts up to it.
THANKS!! Some lady told my buddy that detecting in any Ga river or stream is Federally illegal.

Are you going to diving or magnet fishing?

 

[kcox418]

Are you going to diving or magnet fishing?

Magnet fishing and detecting .. the river and creeks around here get pretty low to walk