Federation of Metal Detector & Archeological Clubs, Inc

South Dakota State Regulation

Is Metal Detecting allowed:    YES, with written authorization from the park manager. 

You can view the state regulation HERE:

No person may use a metal detector on lands owned, leased, managed, or controlled by the department without written authorization from the site manager.

Metal detector use granted by a permit and will only be allowed if you are

•     Recreational metal detecting on designated swimming beaches.
•     Department staff performing operations tasks.
•     Archaeologists performing official research (they must first have a permit from the State Archaeologist before a Department permit can be issued.)
•     Looking for a lost personal item. When looking for a lost personal item, the person needs to describe the lost item to the site manager issuing the permit. If the area to be searched is not within a designated swimming beach, digging will not be permitted since the lost item will most likely be above the surface.

Before a permit is issued, the site manager needs to explain the special conditions and restrictions stated on the permit. By the permittee signing the permit, they acknowledge the limitations and restrictions set forth by the permit.

Download permit HERE and mail to:

South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks

Division of Parks

523 East Capitol, Ave

Pierre, SD 57501

Contact (Custer): Email Kevin.Stoltz@state.sd.us

FMDAC Disclaimer:  FMDAC assumes no responsibility for any person who knowingly or accidentally violates any state park regulation. Although FMDAC will try to keep this information current we cannot anticipate how each regulation will be interpreted by a specific park department, park employee or other government employee. It is the sole responsibility of each individual to know and obey the regulations of the park or area they are visiting and or metal detecting.