Asking permission!

[Kentucky Digger]

Asking permission seems to be a very hard thing for the first timer. I'm considering writing a letter to the property owners. Is this a bad idea? The actually house was built in 1840,there is also an old school house on there property, I hate to just knock on their door and ask to metal detect. They seem to be very protective of their property, with post property signs everywhere and even trail cameras. How might you all go about asking.
Sincerely,
KY Digger

 

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[watercolor]

When I first started detecting, asking permission was a hard thing to do.

I've found in person is generally the best option. . . everyone gets solicitation letters that will likely end up in the trash.

When knocking on their door, it always helps to have an old map, personal research you've done, etc., to ease into the conversation. You may even be able to share information with them that they were not aware of and from that point on it gets easier to ask their permission.

Good luck!

 

[Carolina Tom]

http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/m...tting-permission-detect-private-property.html

I just posted this earlier today. Check it out.

I don't like to "surprise" people with a door knock. I call for an appointment. Tell them that you want to introduce yourself, and discuss permission with them for 5 minutes, just 5 minutes at their convenience. Most people will agree to see you. Know their name, and their property... original owners, date built, etc. Just be yourself, know what you are going to say, and be enthusiastic and happy. Enthusiasm is contagious. The cameras and signs are a good thing, it shows that they are interested in their property... and that deer hunters trespass a lot!


If you get the permission, I expect an invite to hunt with you!

 

[Jason in Enid]

Letters get ignored. Best bet is to go talk to them face to face. I know it's uncomfortable, and not just for beginners! It's still the best way, and practice makes it easier.

 

[Tom_in_CA]

Jason and watercolor are right: Cold-call letters will just get pitched. I mean, duh, what do YOU do with junk mail from total strangers you receive ? You toss it, right ?

But likewise: knocking on doors will something be awkward, and they'll ignore you the same as they would a door-to-door solicitor. So it's best to "catch them on their front porch" so-to-speak. I have actually "staked out" homes/driveways , at times, at key come-home-from work times-of-day, to catch people entering their home. Then you just smile big, introduce yourself as "their neighbor from down the street", etc...

Yes I know it's not easy to find someone watering their lawn, or entering or leaving, but .... depends on how badly you want to detect the place. You can also find someone who knows them (if you're well-enough connected in the community).

 

[perry2]

When I go and ask I have studied up on the property- I also carry an indian head and a V nickel to show (what we sometimes find) Be sure to say I'll show you anything I find/ Perry

 

[Oddjob]

Its simple really if you feel that there is truly good grounds to hunt and you are sitting on the fence with writing a letter or knocking; there is only one solution left. Just do some Human Intelligence, find out who they know, maybe you know someone they know, ask around, develop and manage a relationship, work that and then drop the bomb.

Or just go ask them, they will say one of two things, one you will like and the other you will not like.

 

[captbo]

do you offer to give them what you find? how does that work?