There's been some discussion about asking permission to hunt private property. Here are some things that work for me:
*Try to reach the person 'in person' if possible. It's much easier for someone to say no over the phone and it's harder to make a good impression. Approach them during daylight hours--less intimidating to have a stranger show up at your door.
*Don't make it seem as if you are just after monitary gain from their property. If it applies, I always start with "there's been some interesting history here" or something to get their interest going and show that your hobby is not just about $. If the history issue doesn't apply, you could say "the hobby is great exercise and you find some interesting items", etc.
*I always explain that I don't cause any property damage and how I replace the ground as it was found (True_Metal is going to laugh, because he's seen me gouge the earth down to China, but only in fields where the owner doesn't mind).
*After the first hunt and they are comfortable, I will ask before leaving if they are ok with me coming back to check at any time, or would they prefer I get back in touch with them to coordinate schedules. If you can get their permission to come back if they are home or not, it's much more convenient.
*I don't offer to give them anything unless they ask, but I'll usually say "I'll be glad to show (not give) you anything of interest that I find" and that's usually enough. I think it's up to everyone's own ethics on how to handle this, but clearly you are not obligated to give them things unless they ask you to do so.
*I always thank them before leaving, or leave a note or call back later or the next day.
*You may want to print the following to show them "how a metal detector works"--few people know.
http://www.users.on.net/~minelab/detecting/howitworks.html
*Smile/be friendly!
*Try to reach the person 'in person' if possible. It's much easier for someone to say no over the phone and it's harder to make a good impression. Approach them during daylight hours--less intimidating to have a stranger show up at your door.
*Don't make it seem as if you are just after monitary gain from their property. If it applies, I always start with "there's been some interesting history here" or something to get their interest going and show that your hobby is not just about $. If the history issue doesn't apply, you could say "the hobby is great exercise and you find some interesting items", etc.
*I always explain that I don't cause any property damage and how I replace the ground as it was found (True_Metal is going to laugh, because he's seen me gouge the earth down to China, but only in fields where the owner doesn't mind).
*After the first hunt and they are comfortable, I will ask before leaving if they are ok with me coming back to check at any time, or would they prefer I get back in touch with them to coordinate schedules. If you can get their permission to come back if they are home or not, it's much more convenient.
*I don't offer to give them anything unless they ask, but I'll usually say "I'll be glad to show (not give) you anything of interest that I find" and that's usually enough. I think it's up to everyone's own ethics on how to handle this, but clearly you are not obligated to give them things unless they ask you to do so.
*I always thank them before leaving, or leave a note or call back later or the next day.
*You may want to print the following to show them "how a metal detector works"--few people know.
http://www.users.on.net/~minelab/detecting/howitworks.html
*Smile/be friendly!
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