How would i locate old homesteads?

[Holly_squirrel]

I live in PA . I just can't seem to be comfortable with the idea of detecting in public. I'm not that comfortable in public places as is already. My interest is in relics anyhow. Ideally I'd love to go to an abandoned property to mosey around by myself. I seem to be finding however, that everything is owned by somebody. I'm surrounded by a couple thousand acres of forests and meadows, but not aloud to detect on it an inch, because it's state owned. Even the public preserved lands All seem to have a no detecting rule. Anyhow, is there a way to find abandoned homes in your area? It would be a start, if I have to ask permission of somebody I will. If it's privately owned that is

 

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[Holly_squirrel]

One more thing.... It really kind of ticks me off about the state owned forests saying no to detecting. What harm is there in digging a few holes in a forest ? I always cover them up After anyhow cause, I don't want a deer breaking a leg of something by stepping in it.( unlikely as that may be, lol). It's like they are saying " no Ty, we'd rather have our history rot in the ground, then see someone treasure a small piece of history"

 

[Tucson Dan]

I have friends here in AZ that own ranches and I have gotten permission to hunt their property which includes old foundations to structures. I would just suggest you talk to friends and acquaintances as to their private property off the beaten path. They may even let you hunt!

 

[dustytrails123]

historic aerial photos can help just takes alot of searching

 

[bsloan]

If you know a realtor, they may be able to help make an introduction.

Bill

 

[calisdad]

Look for the flowers. Some here call them jonquils but they look like daffodils to me. The last a long time and were easy to grow.

Apparently you can detect in PA State Parks : PA DCNR - Metal Detecting

and in National Forest campgrounds and picnic areas : Metal Detecting on National Forest Land

Happy Hunting- and thanks for covering your holes. I just don't get those who can't muster up enough sense to drag their foot over their dirt pile.

 

[Tucson Dan]

I have had more unknown homeowners say yes to me if I'm holding my equipment when I knock on their door.

 

[Holly_squirrel]

Look for the flowers. Some here call them jonquils but they look like daffodils to me. The last a long time and were easy to grow.

Apparently you can detect in PA State Parks : PA DCNR - Metal Detecting

and in National Forest campgrounds and picnic areas : Metal Detecting on National Forest Land

Happy Hunting- and thanks for covering your holes. I just don't get those who can't muster up enough sense to drag their foot over their dirt pile.

I got told no by our state park, it contains a historical district. I got told no at a county owned park.. It's in the fine print. And I looked up a preserve right up tbe road.. And in it's rules is " no moving anything, no taking anything with you, ect.... I'm done asking parks lol.

 

[Tucson Dan]

Do you feel comfortable talkingv to oeopke you don't know (private property)?

 

[Peyton Manning]

I know this will sound stupid and the old schoolers can hammer me if they want. But with the tv shows about mding of late, I have thought of putting a small ad in the newspaper asking if anyone would like to find and split whatever is on their property. No no's that way and just may find some people curious.

 

[Tucson Dan]

That's thinking out of the box. I like it. You will prob not get as many younger people that way either.

 

[DeepseekerADS]

Holly,

I had the same problem - lack of locations to search with most public property absolutely off limits. I'm a new guy here, stranger in this wilderness neck of the woods, and I'm the shy hesitant sort to ask permissions from strangers.

But, you know what? I just mentioned to several of my co-workers that I'd bought a new detector, and I was offered 3 private unsearched prospects right off the cuff, without even asking. One's a turn of the century forgotten ball field, a turn of the century abandoned church, and a small CW site in a co-workers double lot.

So, just start there by mentioning you have a detector - simple as that.

 

[BryanM362]

Holly,

I had the same problem - lack of locations to search with most public property absolutely off limits. I'm a new guy here, stranger in this wilderness neck of the woods, and I'm the shy hesitant sort to ask permissions from strangers.

But, you know what? I just mentioned to several of my co-workers that I'd bought a new detector, and I was offered 3 private unsearched prospects right off the cuff, without even asking. One's a turn of the century forgotten ball field, a turn of the century abandoned church, and a small CW site in a co-workers double lot.

So, just start there by mentioning you have a detector - simple as that.

I did the same thing, mentioned it to my boss. She offered to let me detect on her famlies old farmland (2 different farms). She said they used to find lots of Indian relics there as a kids.

Worth putting the word out.

 

[Peyton Manning]

Holly's ad would be very simple. " Model looking for places to use her detector." Put your pic in and your phone won't stop ringing.

 

[greenleafbay]

digging on state land

One more thing.... It really kind of ticks me off about the state owned forests saying no to detecting. What harm is there in digging a few holes in a forest ? I always cover them up After anyhow cause, I don't want a deer breaking a leg of something by stepping in it.( unlikely as that may be, lol). It's like they are saying " no Ty, we'd rather have our history rot in the ground, then see someone treasure a small piece of history"

Hi Holly, Yes the state of michigan is the same way about digging in the forest.as for looking for old Home sites Just ask people from your area.Take care Jim

 

[dustytrails123]

Alot of states wont let you dig on state land so you just need to look for county owned tracks...and yes the county owns lots of land

 

[Holly_squirrel]

Holly's ad would be very simple. " Model looking for places to use her detector." Put your pic in and your phone won't stop ringing.

Lol... Not hardly ... Some people look better in pics than in person...

 

[Holly_squirrel]

Holly,

I had the same problem - lack of locations to search with most public property absolutely off limits. I'm a new guy here, stranger in this wilderness neck of the woods, and I'm the shy hesitant sort to ask permissions from strangers.

But, you know what? I just mentioned to several of my co-workers that I'd bought a new detector, and I was offered 3 private unsearched prospects right off the cuff, without even asking. One's a turn of the century forgotten ball field, a turn of the century abandoned church, and a small CW site in a co-workers double lot.

So, just start there by mentioning you have a detector - simple as that.

Sounds alot like me. I'm a stay at home mom... So my social network is limited... Lol.. But.... I do a few places , I got that way ... Only thing is most want to be a part of it... I'd rather not have them looking over my shoulder as I dig up nail after nail... Lol. But I suppose it's tbe best shot I got .

 

[Subchaser]

I've been using Historic Map Works, the maps I'm using are from 1868 and some of the areas have overlays. I've already hunted two old farmsteads I located from those maps, unfortunately they were located right next to a road and had lots of trash scattered around. I still managed to find a few hand forged nails, a couple of hooks, a garden hoe, a pair of French made sheep clippers and best of all a cast iron cap gun that possibly could be late 1800's. It's soaking in apple cider vinegar now but I'm gonna do the electrolysis thing once I get it rigged up and hopefully be able it i.d. it. There's 3 other old farmsteads deep in the woods near that same area I'm going to go hunt this weekend. I'm like you, I don't like hunting with lots of people around either so have been looking for those secluded, non-privately owned places to check out. Also try using the Google Map satellite feature, I just found what appears to be two foundations in remote areas...definitely gonna check them out first chance I get. Best of luck!!

 

[Fixitdave]

What I have found is the people that want to be involved usually lose intrest after about a half dozen pull tabs and go off and leave me alone.also I have had good luck getting permission for gravel parking lots at churches and businesses good luck happy huntin