Hello!
I'm pretty new to this, but I've identified a location of interest on private property. I haven't contacted or even identified the property owners yet, but I am curious as to what is considered to be the correct way to handle something like this.
I intend to make clear my intentions to detect, and to dig if I get any hits, also that any holes will be filled back in, and no debris or trash will be left onsite. Beyond that, I'm unsure what's considered proper.
Is it best to seek permission in writing? Do I offer to pay for permission upon contact? Do I offer a percentage of anything found (I say that fully realizing how unlikely it is that a first time still find anything of interest)?
Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
Best regards,
Agerate
Door knocking is and acquired taste and takes practice to come off as sincere, but, also friendly and responsible. First, as Indian Steve mentioned, learn to make a proper trap door plug, so, you can leave the property no worse than you found it. If you find good stuff, you may want to return sometime in the future. Catching the owner outside in the yard is what I like to do, but, that's not always possible and mostly just the luck of the draw. If you must knock on the door, try not to do it too early, too late, or during meal times. Be presentable....meaning clean, decent clothes, and don't have all your gear with you on the porch. Back away a bit from the door so you don't seem intimidating. (on a side note, if you can have a cute kid with you to do the asking, that helps you get a yes more often). Smile, explain that you enjoy saving bits of history with your detecting hobby, and that you love the historic neighborhoods because they offer better chances of finding something interesting. It can also help if you know a bit about the history of the area and if you know someone who they also know, especially someone who has given you permission in the past. Common interests (like seeing vintage cars in the yard, or other types of collections) can also start a conversation and a friendlier atmosphere. Without actually saying the word "dig", explain that you will not do any damage to the yard/grass and that you only use some simple gardening tools to make a "recovery". I don't offer to split what I find unless they insist on it, or it's looks like the only way I'll get a yes. If it's something I don't really care about, I'll agree. In my case, if they want all the coins, tokens, and jewelry, I'll thank them and move on. Most times, they won't care about keeping what you find. If I find something historic to the house, I usually just give it to the owner, or offer to give it to them after the next club meeting show and tell. I always offer to try and find anything they've lost if they can give me a good description of the item. I also don't have them sign anything, unless they ask. I have forms in my vehicle to cover just about any situation( split finds, permission to be on the property, release of liability, etc), but, some people will balk at signing anything, so, best not to shove papers in their face unless they bring it up. Some people will want to see everything that you find, others won't care. I usually show most, if not all of what I find. It just kind of depends on your gut feeling with the person you're dealing with. Sometimes people change their mind if you show them something good that you want to keep. If they initially didn't want anything you found, I'd keep the stuff you really want to keep in your pocket and show them the rest. I've seen some detecting buddies loose some neat stuff when the owner suddenly had a change of heart and took their nice finds. Of course, that's where a written contract would be helpful, but, you may not even get permission if you ask them to sign one up front. When you're finished, be sure the thank them, Give them whatever you agreed to give them (even if they don't want anything, I usually will give them a common wheat cent or other interesting trinket that I don't want) and if all went well, you may want to ask them if they know any friends, neighbors, or relatives that they think might also give you permission. Good Luck and welcome to Tnet!
