Tips on finding new places to detect...

[AugustMoose87]

So I am new to detecting... so new in fact, i don't have a detector yet... I have 3 sites in mind that I am hoping to detect at some point, but all three are ones I came across while working and will require special permission from my employers to detect there (still working on that and a detector, LOL). I'm wondering how that process is normally gone about - Mine was get sent out to cut down invasive trees, find evidence on the property I was on, and then research with old topos online. I'm pretty sure that isn't how the "regulars" do it...

Also, if anyone has any do's and/or don'ts for asking permission, chime in!

 

[gleaner1]

First off, let's talk permission. Just do it dont be skeered. Cheerfully ask "May I metal detect your property for old coins? I offer thirty percent of my finds". A yes or no will be had.

Ok, concerning research. Try this. Research microfilms of old newspapers in your area, if possible. My library has microfilm of the local newspaper from the mid 1800s right up to today, but I guess not too many folks have access to such microfilms. But who knows, with internet nowadays, a lot of this is digitized, available on line. Look for the announcements in summertime, Fourth of July, and such. You will see "A great crowd of folks gathered at Jenkin's grove on the Green River in Old Town this past Fourth of July". Fun was had by all, believe me. Nowadays, I cruise endlessly, aimlessly, in my trusty M8, until I see an old park that looks good, but I know that every Tom, Dick and Harry and Jim and Nancy and all their kids and many others from miles away, have absolutely pummeled, again, and again, and again, for decades. But I still go there because I have never been there, with my tecter, using my incredible tectin skills. But I rarely find find anything nowadays, the minelab guys raped and pillaged the last of the copper and silver. But not the gold.

 

[Tnmountains]

Be polite and one place may lead to another. It has for me. Sometimes they can give you leads or introduce you to others.

 

[gleaner1]

Think about striking up a conversation with the old folks. They love to reminisce about the old times, and sometimes they talk of a place long forgotten.

 

[cudamark]

Asking permission from your employer shouldn't be too hard. They know you and that you're responsible (you are, right? ) Asking a stranger is a bit tougher but the same procedure. You need to instill confidence in them that you aren't a lowlife and you won't tear up the place and leave holes and trash laying around. Be clean and presentable when you meet for the first time. Smile, be friendly and enthusiastic about their property and your hobby of metal detecting. I wouldn't use the word "digging", "tresure", or "holes" or offer to share finds at the beginning. I'd only bring it up if they ask or if they're on the fence on whether to say yes or no. Use the words "recover" and "items", "relics", or "artifacts" instead. If they ask, also offer to sign a liability waiver (keep one with you at all times). You should also offer to find anything the person may have lost on the property (get a detailed description) and to pick up any trash you come across. Once you get permission and develop a positive relationship with the person, ask them if they know their neighbors or relatives in the area that would also allow you to search their property.

 

[TerryC]

Ask, ask, ask. If only one in ten says yes, you're getting yes in ten percent of the places. That ten % should keep you busy. ( the worse that can happen is they will say no - they can't hit you!) TTC

 

[Jesse James]

The other summer i asked permission to search the back yard of a local Bed and Breakfast dated 1777. The answer was no. Low and behold the next summer they dug the back yard up anyway to build a new addition to the property!! Every time I pass the property it makes me angry. Imagine all the history that was dug up and possibly hauled away in the dirt...

 

[Gold Maven]

Local history section of your library.

I have learned a lot from "picture" books, old photos from the past can reveal a wealth of information about your area.

Start snooping, you will recognize a good lead when you see one, GL.

 

[zdawg3579]

So I am new to detecting... so new in fact, i don't have a detector yet... I have 3 sites in mind that I am hoping to detect at some point, but all three are ones I came across while working and will require special permission from my employers to detect there (still working on that and a detector, LOL). I'm wondering how that process is normally gone about - Mine was get sent out to cut down invasive trees, find evidence on the property I was on, and then research with old topos online. I'm pretty sure that isn't how the "regulars" do it...

Also, if anyone has any do's and/or don'ts for asking permission, chime in!

Here's how I research: I thing of the types of places I want to detect so for example I'm going to say abandoned airfields. Then I research through old maps and military installments. Might even ask a few guys I know that know things you can't find on the internet. Then I go and detect, based on what I find I make the decision of whether it's a good spot. Plus the relics found tells me a story.