Obtaining permission to hunt.

Riggleman

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Location
West Virginia
Detector(s) used
Minelab Equinox 800, Garrett AT Max, Garrett AT Pro, Garrett Ace 400, Garrett Pro Pointer AT
Primary Interest:
Metal Detecting
Need help obtaining new hunting grounds. I live 45 minutes west of winchester va. The area I live in is rich in colonial, french/indian and civil war history. I am beginning to get discouraged due to lack of places to detect. The area I live is predominantly farm land. I have researched and found many promising places to dig, however when I contact the property owners nearly EVERY one of them denies permission. They are all wealthy land owners with 100+ acre estates. On the other hand I can ask someone with less than an acre to their name and they give me permission to dig their whole yard. I am tired of digging clad coins and trash. Everywhere i go i find clad coins, modern bullets, the regular park finds. I am very polite in my asking, informing them of my name my intentions and offering them first pick of all finds. I know if i was allowed on good hunting grounds i could pull treasure from the ground. How can I get past this and obtain access to the good stuff. I am beginning to get discouraged with detecting for this reason. If detecting has taught me anything it is how greedy people are. The good people allow you to dig their small yards offer you lunch or something to drink when the wealthy deny access for fear you'll find a modern Lincoln penny. They would rather let history be forgot. Please post your thoughts and ideas on this problem. Thanks all that read this post. And HH to all!
 

First of all, money does not necessarily buy class. That being said,there are some nice wealthy people too. If I had my guess, the people with all the acreage may be turned off by relic hunters and may have had diggers sneaking into their property at night and tearing it up. When you contact them do you randomly go knock on their doors or do you call them? I know our best permissions have come from seeing people outside and talking to them,first assuring them we aren't selling anything and then telling them the history of their property. We tell them we are looking for buckets,that my husband is retired and often he will share maps with them whether through email or just bringing a copy with us in the car. Don't get discouraged,there are a lot of people who,will say yes.
 

Rule of thumb, the best way to gain permission is by knocking and meeting the homeowner. I reside in New Jersey, a state rich in Native American/American history. Most of the homes which have the "good stuff" are spread out throughout New Jersey. Miles and Miles. More gas than I want to burn for a No. That is why I write letters. I am probably not as successful in obtaining permission as one who knocks. But a stamp is far cheaper than gas. Basically, I am suggesting to write letters to the 100+ acre estates, and knock on the smaller estates. Lastly, write letters. Huh? I mean hand write, in cursive, your letter. No typewritten letters, as they are less personal, an seem like form letters. A nice handwritten letter adds a personal touch. I can send you a copy of my letter offline if you wish.


2016 (245 quarters, 20 nickels, 220 dimes, 250 pennies, 8 silver, 19 Wheaties, 1929 British Half-cent)
Garrett AT Pro (w/Attack)
 

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