Asking permission to detect on other peoples property

[DownEastDetectorist]

Asking permission to detect on other people's property

I would greatly appreciate any help on what to say when asking permission to detect on someone's property. There is an old abandoned house near me that is totally engulfed in trees and overgrowth but one side and the rear have a solid strip of land that can be detected. All of this sits on a lot surrounded by soybean fields.

I don't know what to say when approaching the owner without sounding cheesy or coming off as a weirdo.

 

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[Brian C.]

Re: Asking permission to detect on other people's property

Well I think most of use have gone through the same questions before. I usually try and find out a little about the past owners, then go find the currant owner, just say that your are interested in metal detecting, you are interested in local history. I just mention that I am interested in saving history, would it be okay to search around the old house site, and you might mention that you very responsible on others propriety. You could also mention that you would show him or her anything of value or just all of your finds. I also mention that I take all the junk I find with me and I also mention that I some times find large spikes that could give them a flat on their tractor, I take away all iron objects. I hope this helps.

 

[NewsMan]

Re: Asking permission to detect on other people's property

I blame it all on my four year old daughter!

 

[Monty]

Re: Asking permission to detect on other people's property

When you go to ask permission, appear business like. By that I mean don't wear your old dirty digging clothes and for God's sake wash your hands if you have been digging. I met another detectorist in a park a while back and he wanted to shake hands. He looked like he had some kind of crud on his hand, filthy fingernails, and looked like he hadn't washed in a month. I had to use some hand sanitizer after that! I always carry some in the car. Many people are afraid of you digging up their lawn or property. Show them how you cut a plug and how well you fill it back in if that is their concern. One elderly lady..........well more elderly than me was afraid she would step in a hole I dug and fall. I showed her how careful I'd be to fill in any small holes and she let me in. Just use common sense is the secret. MOnty

 

[Coinstriking Michigan]

Re: Asking permission to detect on other people's property

When you go to ask permission, appear business like. By that I mean don't wear your old dirty digging clothes and for God's sake wash your hands if you have been digging. I met another detectorist in a park a while back and he wanted to shake hands. He looked like he had some kind of crud on his hand, filthy fingernails, and looked like he hadn't washed in a month. I had to use some hand sanitizer after that! I always carry some in the car. Many people are afraid of you digging up their lawn or property. Show them how you cut a plug and how well you fill it back in if that is their concern. One elderly lady..........well more elderly than me was afraid she would step in a hole I dug and fall. I showed her how careful I'd be to fill in any small holes and she let me in. Just use common sense is the secret. MOnty

Your description of the detectorist you met in the park had me laughing my azz off.

 

[Goes4ever]

Re: Asking permission to detect on other people's property

here is how I do it
http://goes4ever.mymdforum.com/permission-faq/

 

[illinidigger]

Re: Asking permission to detect on other people's property

Ill second Goes4ever's approach, I have been privy digging in backyards a long time, and metal detecting yards in town for a while. His advice is spot on. I really like being ready to go that day, never set up a time in the future or talk of splits.