Magnet Fishing Laws in New York

State Agency & Regulatory Framework

New York State Parks' prohibition on magnet fishing under the metal detecting/material removal rule is actively enforced. DEC fishing access sites — separate from state parks — may provide alternative access points. New York's SAFE Act (NY Penal Law § 265.01) creates significant exposure for anyone in possession of a firearm without a license, including found firearms. Do not transport a found firearm under any circumstances — call 911 in New York City or the non-emergency police line elsewhere and wait for officers. New York's found property law (Personal Property Law § 251) requires reporting found property over $20 in value.

State Park Policy

New York State Parks (OPRHP) prohibits metal detecting and removal of any materials from park grounds under 9 NYCRR Part 375. Magnet fishing falls under this prohibition. Enforcement is active, particularly in high-use downstate parks. DEC-managed areas (fishing access sites, WMAs) may have different rules — contact the regional DEC office.

Waterway Access & Navigability

New York has extensive navigable waterways including the Hudson River, St. Lawrence River, Erie Canal system, and hundreds of lakes and streams in the Adirondacks and Catskills. The Hudson River has active EPA and DEC oversight related to PCB remediation — check for any activity restrictions in the PCB Superfund area.

If You Find a Firearm

Regardless of New York state law details, the protocol for a firearm find is consistent: do not transport it, call the local non-emergency police line immediately, document the find location, and turn it over to the responding officer. Request a case number. For the full protocol, see: Found a Gun While Magnet Fishing.

Historical Artifact Reporting

Items 100+ years old recovered from public land in New York may be protected under the Archaeological Resources Protection Act (federal) and New York state antiquity law. Contact your State Historic Preservation Office before disturbing or retaining any potentially historical find.

New York SHPO: Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, (518) 237-8643

Quick Reference

• Managing Agency: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) — (518) 402-8013
• General Access Status: Prohibited in State Parks
• State Parks: New York State Parks (OPRHP) prohibits metal detecting and r...
• SHPO: New York SHPO: Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, (518) 237-8643
• Found Firearms: Call non-emergency police, do not transport
• Federal Waterways: Contact USACE district office for managed sites

Key Guides for New York Magnet Fishers