To the original person who started this thread, maybe you should consider taking this letter below, changing a few things relating to yourself, print it and try this method that works for me?
I have never had a problem asking for permission first, it is people like you that do not ask for permission that give us all a bad name and then maybe our hobby gets stopped.
Getting Permission Letter
Date:
Mr // Mrs……………………………………………………..
This may sound like a strange request, so let me introduce myself: My name is Simon Morris ID. Number ..............................., I have lived in Queenstown for the last thirteen years, I am 43 years old, have been married for 17 years and we do not have any children. Normally I would like to approach you in person, however I feel that a letter before hand is a better emissary than just knocking on your door at an inconvenient time and invading your privacy. (did try and contact you via Melville Price with his email).
I have been engaged in the hobby of metal detecting for twenty years and find it a healthful, enjoyable pastime that allows me to meet many interesting people. The thrill of finding old coins, buttons, coins, bullet doppies and other metal objects is very exciting to me.
Recently, I researched information that your property and area surrounding goes back many years to The British / Boer War. I would like to obtain permission, that a friend and I may detect your property.
I have the state of the art one of the best metal detecting machines that a person can buy, mine is manufactured by Mine lab that are in Australia.
I want you to understand that I always respect the property that I search and try to leave it in the same condition that I found it. Normally the targets are no deeper than 4 or 6 inches and to retrieve them such, that ground appears not to be disturbed. All grass sods are replaced because grass is feed for your animals.
In addition, I would like to offer my services to you. Perhaps you or someone you know has lost a valuable ring, a cache or a farm tool or keys. I would be willing to assist just for the thrill of the search.
No fires will be made, I do not drink or smoke, an Indemnity form can also be filled out, protecting you from any claim.
If you would first like to meet with me for further discussion please let me know, you must please understand that whatever I may find, you have first option on any item if you want something from my finds, however I would also be willing to donate some of my finds to your local museum in appreciation of Goodwill.
Thankyou for your time and consideration.
Sincerely
Simon Morris cell 082 499 1924
You can contact any of these people (farmers) and friends to ask them who I am or as a reference.
Melville and Alison Price 082 4177 277. I am busy seaching The Tented Camp on Bushmanshoek.
Stewart Molony ...........................................
BJ van Heerden Tarkastad.....................................
Dave Moody who is The Director at Seating where I work
...................................
Sam Miles ....................... I found his wifes ring that she lost value R25 000.
Terence Wormald ...................................
Another farmer in The Hilton area Tim lost his bunch of keys from his belt while moving ground with his tractor, these keys were for all his farm gates and his stores and workshop, he called me out and I found them for him, it was a long search of about two hours.
Then another farmer near Dordrecht (forgot his name), phoned me he had lost his wedding ring in his lucern field while raking the cut lucern, I loaned him my other machine and he came back three days later, he had found it, he gave me a leg of lamb in a token of appreciation.
This list goes on and on thus once again please consider my request.
Thankyou
who knows, but like Shiloh1 said when it comes to money people will turn on you in a heartbeat. this isnt the first time for me & im sure it wont be the last 
