The law of the search
Metal Detecting and Treasure Laws in Mississippi
RestrictedMetal detecting. Banned on ALL state parks; outright public-land ban
Treasure trove and found property. State claims antiquities
Submerged and wrecks. Claims submerged & coastal cultural resources
Treasure trove and found property. State claims antiquities
Submerged and wrecks. Claims submerged & coastal cultural resources
Worth knowing
Strict, fines and possible jail; leave 100+ yr items in place.
This is a plain-language starting point, not legal advice. The rules change and vary by county, city, park, and parcel, and federal land carries its own restrictions. Always confirm with the specific land manager or agency before you search, and record and report finds where the law requires it.
See the whole law map
Every state and country tinted by how friendly the rules are, on the live Atlas.
Open the law mapGet the dispatch
The best of the map every week, the newest case files and the legends worth chasing. Free.