Permission asking in the USA

[Chimacum87]

Hey everyone

Will be coming back to the US for a bit this summer while out of school from the UK. I was hoping to get a lot of metal detecting in and will be asking permissions for the first time. In the UK where I am at its not to hard to ask the farmers because if you do find anything of significance the crown will claim it and give you a check that is split with the farmer so its more enticing for them to say yes because if something is found on their land they get money. But I know thats a lot different when I get home and Im hoping to ask farmers as well as asking people if I can hunt there yards for treasure so I am wondering how do I go about getting yes's from folks . I suppose I could offer them some of my finds if anything is good but I would rather not as I am doing all the work and it seems like theres no point splitting a silver franklin or something. Just curious what all you experienced hunters do to ask for permissions back in the states since all my detecting career has been in the UK so far. Thanks for any info!

 

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[Papalittle]

If the place is not a well maintained place I will ask for permission but I do not say I am looking for valuable coins or jewelry I just say looking for relics, old tools, toys etc. best if you can catch the owner out and about his property. I explain that I will leave their property neat and will haul out trash that I may dig up. Do not show up holding the detector of any digging tools. Look clean and be charming.

 

[Jeremy S]

Always ask in person (never over the phone, email, text, etc)
If you have a common friend/relative/interest with the homeowner the success rate seem to be higher. Easier to establish a level of trust on their part.
Never mention digging or splitting finds, stuff like that.
I always have much better luck asking the husband versus asking the wife. Not to be sexist or anything, but all of the lame excuses and negative responses that I have received have been from the wife. The men have all been "go for it and have fun..".

If I'm being watched, I usually go for clad and maybe some pull tabs to let them know that Ric Savaged lied to them and not all yards are full of valuable treasure.

 

[Chimacum87]

cool thanks guys will give it a crack when I get home

 

[MuckyBottles]

I constructed a resume stating my intention, how long I have been doing this, what I am looking to gain, I also added a footnote stating that all precious metals will be turned over to the land owner. Just a suggestion. .