How do you ask for permission???

[BobGuy]

Hi everyone,

Lately I have had a heck of a time getting permission to search on people's property and I am just wondering what other people are doing to get permission. I know a lot of you own your own land so what would cause you to give a stranger permission to hunt, given you weren't interested in artifacts?

I dress professional for my job so most of the time when I am knocking on doors I am well dressed. It is not as though I am walking up shirtless with bib overalls and a straw hat, at least not for my first impression. I introduce myself, I describe a little bit about my hobby and ask if I can have permission to walk the fields or creeks. Sometimes I will use names of other land owners in the area that I have permission to use. But the majority of the land owners that I have asked will not allow me access to their property. Some owners are concerned with liability so I have worked with a family member, who happens to be a former elected county judge, to work up a hold harmless form but that has done little to persuade.

Today, a land owner that gave me permission this last August told me that after thinking about it he decided he doesn't want me out there. I asked him why and he said for privacy, they work very hard to have that land and that it isn't cheap. I completely understand him feeling that way. Unfortunately for me I was not born into land or money nor have I been on this planet long enough to earn enough money to acquire land. I work very hard every day in hopes that some day down the road I am able to acquire land of my own. But until then, what is a guy to do?

Again, I completely understand the sentiment of the land owner. I understand that they too work very hard for everything that they have and that no one owes me a thing, so I want to be clear on that. But again, if anyone has any advice on how to quickly establish rapport and earn the trust of a complete stranger then I am all ears!

Thanks!!

BG

 

[Americus]

I have found that if I know somebody who knows the land owner, I feel I have a better chance if that person will ask the land owner for me.

 

[GaRebel1861]

I agree with Americus. One farm owner likely knows the rest and can possibly assist you in getting permission. I also keep a few broken relics on display in my office to hopefully bring the subject of artifact hunting up. Keep at it and good luck.

 

[BobGuy]

All good points. Thanks! I was just talking to wife the other day about joining the men's group at church.

 

[monsterrack]

This may help with the ones that are thinking on the liability factor and this may be over what you want to spend, but to hunt on some lands I buy liability Ins. just for such things. This is a legal means that covers the landowner from all types of liability issues . Once you do this other landowners see that you mean to protect them and sometimes say go ahead. Carpenters Ins. Co. will do this and they are nation wide cost about $200 a year.

 

[The Grim Reaper]

Do you have any young children? When my son was young I would take him with me and most farmers would allow us to walk the fields. I would always stop back by the house and show them our and offer to give them to them for allowing us. None of them ever took any but I formed a bond and even when I went back without my son as he grew older and didn't want to go anymore they would still allow me.

Maybe it's just your area and it could also be just that times have changed drastically in the past 10 years or so. People just aren't as trusting of strangers around their properties anymore.

 

[BobGuy]

Good idea on the insurance. For that price it seems pretty reasonable.

I have a 10 month old son but I can't wait to take him....

 

[Tony in SC]

Hi everyone,


I dress professional for my job so most of the time when I am knocking on doors I am well dressed. It is not as though I am walking up shirtless with bib overalls and a straw hat, at least not for my first impression. I introduce myself, I describe a little bit about my hobby and ask if I can have permission to walk the fields or creeks. Sometimes I will use names of other land owners in the area that I have permission to use. But the majority of the land owners that I have asked will not allow me access to their property.

Bib overalls!! That's exactly what I wear. A lot of the old farms and land around here are owned by elderly farmers or widows. I find out their names and maybe someone we both know. These are older generation farm people, so when I go to an older lady's property I wear nice clean overalls, a colorful shirt, and a hat( hat's important). When she comes to the door ,I make sure she sees me take off my hat, I say good mornin mam. I can tell by the look in their eyes if it's a yes or no. In my area, the only times I have been turned down was by a couple of old cranky farmers Tony

 

[Rege-PA]

When I ask, I tell them I`ll give them some if I find any and I do. You`d be surprised how this leads to a warm welcome all the time.

 

[BobGuy]

Bib overalls!! That's exactly what I wear. A lot of the old farms and land around here are owned by elderly farmers or widows. I find out their names and maybe someone we both know. These are older generation farm people, so when I go to an older lady's property I wear nice clean overalls, a colorful shirt, and a hat( hat's important). When she comes to the door ,I make sure she sees me take off my hat, I say good mornin mam. I can tell by the look in their eyes if it's a yes or no. In my area, the only times I have been turned down was by a couple of old cranky farmers Tony

Haha! I joke about the overalls because it is crazy how people will treat you differently by what you are wearing. Either way, put together is the best way to be for the first impression. I know this sounds terrible but I pray for the older ladies because it is very easy for me to just treat them like my grandma. There is one lady that has land near my parents and I always make sure to bring her fresh vegetables from the garden.

I will have to try the hat thing and maybe even throw in a little southern charm! I got a great visual in head as I was reading your lost!

BG

 

[Tony in SC]

BEEN 'TECTING LONG ? View attachment 1101357

I think I grew up with those two!! Tony

 

[sandchip]

I realize that your sticking point is getting permission in the first place, but if and when I do, I try to get permission in writing in case the game warden wants to hassle me. Mine reads, "In accordance with Georgia state law, my name and my son's name have permission to collect artifacts on my property, and agree to waive any and all liability by the landowner in the event of injury or death." A copy for me and one for the landowner. This may help in keeping permission once you get it, too.

 

[rock]

Well I was having the same problem for a while. Then one day a guy that does hay and takes care of cows on his property says to me....your a nice guy I know you are and I am sure you would respect my land but what are you trading? I said trading? He says yeah I have to pay the taxes on all of this property don't I? I said yeah and mow it he says rite......now what are you trading? I told him I would be back next week.

 

[rock]

Now if you don't have sticks to trade which everyone loves these. I would be holding a apple pie or a cake while I am asking permission. Some would like steaks but who can afford that. I offer 2 sticks when I knock. I leave them on the front of my truck while I am waiting for them to answer the door. You don't want to hold them in your hand but want them to see what you are offering. If they say yes then go walk and hand them to them.

 

[beadman2]

yeah good luck with the permission ...very few farmers are letting you look anymore....im lucky to have the few fields that i got....they just dont want anybody on their property anymore....beggining of the end for surface hunting...and we will be left with buying what we want

 

[rock]

True most wont let you look but every once in a while you can get a yes. Most farmers don't collect stone artifacts or really care about them either. If you approach in a nice manner and look presentable when you ask some will agree to let you have a look. All of the farmers here in my town hold monthly meetings as to decide what everyone is going to plant so they do know each other. If you make 1 mad you will not ever have a chance. If one says no I tell them thank you for giving me your time then move on to the next. There are still some nice people in the world that will let you look.