Getting Permission to Detect

[jeffmajer]

Hey, I am new to THing and would sure appreciate a little advice about approaching property owners. What approach do you find works best? What sort of agreement do you make with owners? (Handshake, written agreements) What types of agreements do you come up with as to taking posession of what you find? Whatever words of wisdom and encouragement would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Jeff

 

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[IndianaSmith]

Jeff, I'm a new TH'er like yourself. I'm planning to start with public property to familarize myself with my equipment & gain alittle confidence before moving-on to bigger & better things.

One of my prior hobbies required speaking to land-owners inorder to gain permission to use their land, and I feel some of the principals would still apply.

Be aware of your personal apperance, as well as that of your vehicle.

Be curtious as to what time you ring the doorbell. Avoid suppertimes, etc. Also know when farmers are busy (if in a rural setting), "bugging" anyone at times like these will not be a positive thing.

Be sure they know you're respectful of their property. I used to carry a bag & pick-up any trash I found.

Close gates behind you if they were closed when you found them.

Start with folks you know, alot of times neighbors may see & allow you on their property as well.

Print-up a card with your name & contact info. You can always leave it if you get a "no" in case they change their mind.

There's a post here on the "Legal" forum with a good agreement on it.

There's a few, it's past my bedtime, so mental capacity is rapidly diminishing

Welcome & Good Luck!
Smitty

 

[BuckleBoy]

Here is a ton of information about getting permission. The links below are to my replies to these threads.


http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.php/topic,34422.msg375823.html#msg375823

http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.php/topic,57130.msg404977.html#msg404977



Regards,

Buckleboy

 

[Tom_in_CA]

I would discourage you from using any of these forum "search agreements", contracts, etc.... I mean, think of it: What would YOU do if a total stranger comes to your door and hands you a contract to sign? Also, since there's always the possibility that a place you go to turns out to be no good for detecting (fill dirt, too much trash, or whatever), you're going through a lot of hoops to hunt something that you don't even know if it's worth your time yet. I find that a simple small-talk is all that's needed. You know, like start by saying you're doing research on the history of this such & such plot of land, and you know there used to be a stage stop (or swimming hole, or saloon, or whatever) over in such & such corner of the property, blah blah. A lot of folk take pride in talking about the history of their property, and will usually chime in with "yeah my grandfather told me about that, and I believe it was located over in that next valley" or whatever. Then you morph it into permission to walk about with your detector. But at no point, do I whip out a search agreement, as if I'm expecting to find something valuable, so much so that they need to sign something for a perfect stranger. Leave it casual is usually best.

 

[kickback]

I either call the person,if they live out of town or go knock on the door.I explain who I am and that I'd like to get permission to detect.So far I haven't been turned down.It must be my charm!

 

[utah hunter]

Smile, keep it simple and casual, and permission is extremely easy to get. I do have short hair and a clean cut appearance, and am in clean clothes that aren't falling off me or holey. I have never had anyone ask for a split of any kind, and I have been told yes about 98% of the time. The other times it is a good reason, they own a detector, or a family member does. One of my best yards was someone who came up to me when I was hunting their neighbors lawn. He said I could try his after I was done, but they had done it several times with their own metal detector. I got skunked at his neighbors lawn, but this humble home from the 20's was golden. My first find was a wheat cent from the 20's at 5 inches, the homeowner about fell over in shock. I found 2 mercury dimes and several wheats, along with a cigar token If someone wants to see the finds, show them the finds when you are done, even if it is a pulltab! I have metal detected many hundreds of lawns of complete strangers. Good luck, yards are a lot different than parks in a good way...Ryan