Wyoming pairs a permission-based state-park rule with a strong Prehistoric Ruins Act — but with so much BLM land, detectorists have real options for modern finds. Here’s how the pieces fit.
At a glance
| State parks | Depends Detecting at a state park or recreation area is prohibited without the superintendent’s written permission, and it’s flatly prohibited at any state historic or archaeological site (except official use). |
|---|---|
| State & public land | Restricted The Prehistoric Ruins Act (W.S. §36-1-114) requires a State Board of Land Commissioners permit to excavate prehistoric or archaeological deposits on state or federal land; taking artifacts worth over $500 for gain is a felony. |
| Public land & lakes | Depends Landlocked; state-park reservoir shores fall under the superintendent-permission rule. |
| Local & federal | Depends Extensive BLM land generally allows recreational detecting for non-archaeological finds (ARPA protects artifacts); NPS prohibits it. |
*Even where detecting is allowed, archaeological/historic sites are protected and you must fill holes and follow posted rules. Always confirm the current rule with the specific land manager.
Metal detecting in Wyoming state parks
Under 024-1 Wyo. Code R. §1-15(c), metal detecting at a state historic or archaeological site is prohibited (except official use), and at a state park or recreation area it is prohibited without the written permission of the superintendent. So the first step is to contact that park’s superintendent.
Wyoming’s antiquities law
The Prehistoric Ruins Act (W.S. §36-1-114 to 116) requires a permit from the State Board of Land Commissioners before excavating prehistoric ruins, pictographs, or archaeological or paleontological deposits on state or federal land; a violation is a misdemeanor, and removing artifacts worth more than $500 for gain is a felony (up to a $10,000 fine and 10 years).
Public land, lakes & federal
Wyoming is landlocked; state-park reservoir shores fall under the superintendent-permission rule. Wyoming has extensive BLM land, where recreational detecting for non-archaeological items is generally allowed under ARPA (leave and report artifacts); excavating prehistoric or archaeological deposits on state or federal land still requires a §36-1-114 permit, and the National Park Service prohibits detecting. See our national guide.
Sources
Official and statutory sources this page is based on (last verified July 2026):
Once you’ve confirmed where you’re allowed to hunt, LuckyFind helps you make the most of it — track your route on the map, log each find with its location, and remember exactly which spots you have permission for. Free for iPhone and Android.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can you metal detect in a Wyoming state park?
- Only with written permission from that park’s superintendent; without it, using a detector in a state park or recreation area is prohibited (024-1 Wyo. Code R. §1-15(c)).
- Are historic or archaeological sites treated differently in Wyoming?
- Yes — detecting at a state historic or archaeological site is flatly prohibited except for official use, with no public-permission exception.
- Can you detect on Wyoming public or BLM land?
- Recreational detecting is generally allowed on BLM land for non-archaeological items under ARPA (leave and report any artifacts); excavating prehistoric or archaeological deposits on state or federal land requires a permit under W.S. §36-1-114, and national parks prohibit it.
Find more, remember where
Download LuckyFind — free for iPhone and Android — to track your routes, log your finds, and keep your permitted spots organized.
