Permissions

[lawman0210]

Do you guys research a house to see if it promising then ask permission or do you just blanket permission a neighborhood and after (hopefully getting some yes's) then look to see what might be possible? I ask this because it seems like both ways could be time consuming and wasteful. Not to mention if you get some yes's, then research shows not much there and you don't go back does it leave a bad experience for the property owner.

 

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[dirtscratcher]

I say start knocking on doors in the oldest neighborhoods around. Research can not tell you of someone has detected a place or not. Sometimes the good spots are pretty blah looking and some of the best looking spots are the biggest dissapointments.

 

[releventchair]

It varies among detectorists.
One factor is we don't always know if the property has been searched decades ago or not.
For some, an old homesite is worth hunting.
The couple permissions I have sought had a reason behind them beyond just looking old.
Depends what the desired recoveries are . Any house silver was common coinage during a time of it's use could have potential silver recoveries.
A home on the site of a previous one can too.
Depending on owners desires, a single visit should not be considered an offence. Could be a relief when you leave.
Too some want you to follow any number of rules, from being there when you are, or for you let them know when you're going to hit it ,or just have at it anytime.
Seeing your finds or even sharing or surrendering them.
The polite thanks after a hunt should be a chance to resolve any concerns of theirs including knowing you are off the property..
If a site occurs through researching a lead it becomes a specific purpose to secure permission ,vs a blanket approach to just swing old properties to see what might turn up.
One property I can hunt about anytime. Others I have only hit once. One site only hit once and had an owner visit when I was there must have left a favorable opinion by one of the sibling owners as a couple other detectorists have been seen there since.
I do limit requests for permission, to not get in a position they don't get hit right away and spring is best time for well grassed yards around here.
Poor quality yards are treated caringly too but can be hit later in the season without the same risks.
The permission is treated as a kindness ,regardless of the finds. Though great finds should improve the owners circumstances too.

 

[cudamark]

Do you guys research a house to see if it promising then ask permission or do you just blanket permission a neighborhood and after (hopefully getting some yes's) then look to see what might be possible? I ask this because it seems like both ways could be time consuming and wasteful. Not to mention if you get some yes's, then research shows not much there and you don't go back does it leave a bad experience for the property owner.

My hunting partner and I assess the yard visually first and then knock on the door. This is after we've researched the general area and know the approximate vintage of the houses there. I prefer junky untouched looking yards rather than the well kept, botanical garden types. Most of the real nice yards have been relandscaped and are a waste of time for the most part.

 

[OWK]

I typically have a method to my permission requests.

For example... in your area of Harford County (which also happens to be close to mine) there is an 1850 map with a considerable amount of detail that exists (google to find it).

That detail includes individual homes, stores, blacksmith shops, hotels, etc.

Using this map (or other sources of 18th and 19th century building locations that I won't name), you can find the location of good potential targets. You can then using online sites like "historicaerials.com" and google maps, determine where these places were, and where they are today.

I like to look for old home or store sites, that are now part of wooded areas. If you do enough research, you can find many such locations that are now part of parks and public access areas. You can also find such areas that are now part of local farms, or farm fields.

The research is easier than it seems.. and if you do your homework, you can guarantee you'll be hunting for something a little better the the occasional merc or wheatie.

 

[lawman0210]

I appreciate the tips. Gonna have to get off my butt and try to locate some places. This is my first week of not being a babysitter. Let me tell ya it's no joke how much a 1 year old can keep you busy. By the time she is picked up Pop Pop needs to go to bed

 

[CincinnatiKid]

Whichever method you chose, Do Not door knock and open a conversation with, "I've been researching your property..."
Peace ✌

 

[G.I.B.]

Just pull up in your cruiser and start detecting... Nobody will bother you.

Cordon off the area you want with Evidence tape and have at it.

 

[lawman0210]

Lol I thought about wearing a yellow reflective vest. We recently had a crew break into a house in the neighborhood and steal all their plumbing. Everyone thought they were contracted to do some work. Had work truck, vests, and hard hats.