Getting Permission to Metal Detect a Site.

[Silas]

Hello All,

As some of you will know from my introduction I've been metal detecting for a few years, however not with such a powerful machine as the AT Pro. Now I've never really ventured out into the "real world" in regards to detecting, instead I was content to stick with my back yard and those of family members. Now that I'm older and have such a fantastic (in my opinion) machine in my possession, I'm wondering how one goes about getting permission to detect a property. I've thought about making a walkthrough video, where I bury a penny or something and dig it up on film and refill and cover the hole back in, just to show what I would do on their property and that I strive as I believe we all should to be as professional as possible while enjoying our hobby. This creates a problem however, in that I don't want to have to lug around a device to play this on, especially if I'm not in a very good neighborhood. What are your thoughts on this? Are most people accepting of our hobby, and a fellows honest word that before he or she leaves, the yard will look the same, if not better than they found it? Again my inexperience in this particular realm has got me stumped.

Now for one last question, really, questions(s). When I walk up the steps and ring the doorbell, I don't know what to say, and how to put it in such a way that I don't come across as someone who wants to dig up their yard, run away and leave a mess. I'm hoping someone here can help me with this one as I'm nervous of saying the wrong thing and having my dreams dashed. Also, if, by some miracle I'm able to gain access to the sites I want to be safe while I detect. I'm not old enough to apply for a concealed carry permit, and I feel like a 15th century suit of plate armor would be a bit too much, not to mention the minor problem I would encounter with my detector. Any thoughts? At the end of the day I just want have fun and be happy, because after all that what's its all about is it not? (I group preserving history in the having fun category). Thank you all so very much for your knowledge and advice, any and all of your comments are greatly appreciated!

Thank you and best wishes, D.S


*And as a special note to any moderator who comes across my humble post, I did run a quick search on getting permission through the forums search bar but didn't have much luck. I hope I'm not asking a question that's been answered before, I somehow think I am, however I'm new to this and I would dearly hope your hearts would be forgiving as to my mistake. Best wishes and thank you!

 

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[DDancer]

Well met Silas and welcome to the forum.

Don't worry about moderation The same questions get asked a lot~ at least you tried to dig up some info. Hahh....

Anyrate here are a couple of old threads with a bit of information. There is actually quite a few posts on the same topic but they are pretty much peppered thru the threads and the topics vary so ya just gotta dig for that nugget your seeking. Some people actually use business cards and others just up and ring the door bell. Figure out whats comfortable for you is my advice.
Luck to ya, here are those threads:

http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/metal-detecting/403785-strangers-permission.html

http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/general-discussion/408476-getting-permission-how-go-about.html

 

[abbynormal]

Dress respectably. Knock on door, or better yet, find someone outside gardening or relaxing on the front porch. Here is what I say, learned from others' advice and my own experience:
" Good Afternoon. My name is {your name}. (Give a firm handshake). I have a hobby of metal detecting to find small items of historical interest such as buttons, coins, tokens and other small household items. Would you mind if I detected your yard?"
I also have a business card that I take and give to them so they know who I am and know they can get in touch with me if they have any problems or questions.
I don't mention anything to do with digging. I don't take my equipment to the door- might scare folks if they don't know what it is. If they ask about digging, then I offer to show them how I can recover a target without them knowing I was even there.
I have had many yes's and of course some No's as well. Some folks want to be able to take their pick of items that you find. Then you have to decide if you are OK with that and if the site is worth it.

 

[Frankn]

OK, here's your answer. People are driven by several things. The two important ones here are curiosity and greed. If you show them a good find found on a neighbors property, they will wonder if their property contains valuables also. That is quickly followed by the greed reflex. Take a picture of a neighbors yard where you have found something interesting and a picture of the item. I have combined them into one 8X10 image that I use.
Offer a 50/50 split on anything valuable found. Frank...-

 

[CincinnatiKid]

Be yourself. Some folks will like you and say yes, others won't.
In the spring and summer, I avoid manicured properties. These sites care more about appearance than any valuable object beneath grass.
Venture to old parks and schools. Do extensive research. Virgin ground is still out there. I hope you find it...
Peace

 

[Silas]

Thank you to everyone for their kind advice! I found some of the information to be of use that DDancer posted, as well as the advice I heard from several members, regarding being ones self. I think this will be the best option for me along with your advice FrankN, about creating a little handout so people will know I'm reputable. Thank you all so very much for your help and hopefully weather permitting I'll be venturing out quite soon! Thanks very much and happy hunting!