Noob with questions

[Joshuatree]

I asked these questions in the initial "Welcome" section but I figured I'd ask in a thread as well.
I am still trying to decide which detector is the best for me. I think I've narrowed it down to the AT Pro and the Fisher F5. relics, rings and coins are my primary areas of interest. Anyone have suggestions for a newbie? Also, I'd like to know how some of you approach a landowner to ask permission to hunt on his property. Of course telling him that you'll leave no trace of you having been there and that you'd be glad to clean up any litter you happen upon. Guess I just need some ideas on how to break the ice on that initial meetng.
Thanks for any help and I look forward to years of playing in the dirt.

 

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[cudamark]

Between those two choices, I'd pick the AT Pro. As for getting permission.....different approaches depending on the situation. Naturally, if you know the land owner or if you have a mutual friend, that will help. If it's a cold call, I'd smile and explain that you have an interest in history and then compliment the owner on his property. Tell him/her that you'd love to see if there is anything historical on their land and that you'd like to recover them. Offer to search for anything they may have lost over the years. I've even offered to locate water pipes and sprinkler heads. I wouldn't use the word "dig" in any sentence. It can bring up all kinds of mental pictures that will result in a "NO". Offering to pick up any trash is a good idea and also offering to hit some areas with a weed whacker might help if the place is a jungle. I'd wait until you hunted a bit before offering that service. If the place has good targets and you really want to get into an area with tall grass/weeds, it might be worth while for both of you. If they bring up the subject of splitting the finds, you'll have to use your best judgement on that. Most won't care about taking a share unless you bring it up. Make sure you're clean and presentable before you knock on the door and keep your digging tools in the vehicle until you need them. If they hesitate because they're worried about damage, offer to give them a demonstration of your recovery technique. Pick a nice, soft looking place that will plug easily. Cut a clean 3 side plug with a small tool (not a shovel), bend it back, and then poke it all back in place. If you do it correctly, they'll be impressed with how good you are. If you're confident enough to actually make a recovery, go for it. Just make sure you pin point the target perfectly so you don't make a mess or have a huge plug going on your demonstration. I wouldn't mention signing any kind of contract unless they bring it up. If they do, I'd have a standard type release form in the car ready to fill out. Mainly one that holds them harmless for you hurting yourself but you can add a split percentage if they insist, or, who will get what if something of value is found. There are a few contracts that have been posted on this site. You can do a search to find some. Good Luck!

 

[Metal Detecting Stuff]

Great response, Cudamark! Both of those detectors are good choices - the F5 is a coin killer and the AT Pro likes relics, coins and jewelry.

Regarding getting permission, research the property history and tell them something that they didn't know, such as previous dwelling on the property in the past. If you have a child or grandchild, they can be a great icebreaker when you tell someone that you are looking for a place to show your son some old items that you can find.

Wayne

www.metaldetectingstuff.com

 

[Joshuatree]

Excellent advice from both! Thanks! My wife works for a cell tower management company and will be invaluable in helping me research derelict and homestead sites. I mentioned only two of the detectors I have investigated on the internet. Both within the budget I set for myself. I also plan on obtaining a Garrett Pin Pointer. Are there other detectors in that price range (within $200) that I should be looking at? Thanks again for your responses!

 

[River Rat]

 

[smalltowngirl13]

Hello and welcome to the forum! Good luck on your MD search & Happy Hunting!

 

[cudamark]

Excellent advice from both! Thanks! My wife works for a cell tower management company and will be invaluable in helping me research derelict and homestead sites. I mentioned only two of the detectors I have investigated on the internet. Both within the budget I set for myself. I also plan on obtaining a Garrett Pin Pointer. Are there other detectors in that price range (within $200) that I should be looking at? Thanks again for your responses!

In the Fisher line, the F70 is worth a look, also the White's MXT and the Minelab 705 are both very nice machines. My choice would be the MXT. White's is a great company and they make a quality product. You might also think about a good used machine. That opens up a whole slew of great machines like the E-trac or Explorer.

 

[Diggin-N-Dumps]

Hey man, I saw you mentioned a pinpointer....I can tell you not having a pinpointer, is like not having a shovel....that are a must have for quick and clean recovery. I think if you ran the ATP and got the Pinpointer...you should be golden

good luck!

 

[Urban Grund]

Welcome from Michigan!