Here is an example to try. Kevin
Date (opional)
Your address here (opional)
Dear (Land/Property Owner),
I feel that a letter before hand is a better emissary than knocking on your door or calling by phone at an inconvenient time and invading your privacy.
This may sound like a strange request, so let me introduce myself. My name is (your name here). I have lived in (your town) for (number of) years. (More about self if you want to tell)
My hobby is metal detecting, or more commonly called, treasure hunting. I've been engaged in the hobby for about (years) now. I find that it is a good source of exercise and a great way to meet many interesting people.
Recently, I have researched information about your property and the area surrounding it, goes back many years.
I want you to know that I respect all properties that I search and leave them in the same condition that I find them in. Normally, the targets that I uncover are no more than four to six inches deep, and that I retrieve them in a way that the ground appears undisturbed.
In addition, I would like to offer my services to you. Perhaps you or someone you know has lost a favorite piece of jewelry or other valued metal object. I would be glad to try and find it for you, just for the thrill of the search.
If you consider giving me permission, I've enclosed two set of forms that I've already signed and a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Two are Permission forms, the other two are Personal Liability Waivers. Please read them and sign all four copies. One of each are for your records, the remaining two copies, please return them in the supplied envelope for me to place in my records.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call me anytime. My phone number is listed below.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
(Sign your name here)
(Type your name here)
Phone #(here)
DATE!
Mr.XXXXXXXX
This may sound like a strange request, so let me introduce myself: My name is (Your Name) and I have lived in (Name of Town) for (Length of Time). I am (Your Age) years old, married with four children. Normally I would prefer 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.
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, etc. is very exciting to me.
Recently, I have researched information that your property and the area surrounding it goes back many years. I would like to obtain permission for myself and a friend to detect your property.
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 5 inches and I retrieve them such that the ground appears not to be disturbed.
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. I would be willing to assist just for the thrill of the search.
I have enclosed a self addressed envelope for your convenience and would be happy to meet with you if further discussion is required.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
(Your Name)
(Telephone Number)
And I would also discourage any talk of waivers, insurance, etc... UNLESS THEY BRING IT UP FIRST. Because if you go putting contracts and legal papers in front of a total stranger, that's the quickest way to conjure up fear of "what if's", when in all reality, the guy might've been happy with a handshake and never even thinks litigically like that.
. I really think once I told him my name he was going to say no, no matter what, does not like my job. Anyway Ill lok else where and see what I can find in the Arkansas Valley.
