What is protocol when asking landowners permission to metal detect?

[jeepsternaught@gmail.com]

Hello fellow detectorists! I'm new to metal detecting, just purchased my ATpro month ago. I just joined the forum today. There are several sites that I have been scoping out while the weather is bad. My question is what is protocol when asking someone to detect on their land? Do you share half? Or do just don't mention it at all unless they ask? How do others on this forum handle this?
So excited to get and find some treasures!

 

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[Silver Simon]

Hello fellow detectorists! I'm new to metal detecting, just purchased my ATpro month ago. I just joined the forum today. There are several sites that I have been scoping out while the weather is bad. My question is what is protocol when asking someone to detect on their land? Do you share half? Or do just don't mention it at all unless they ask? How do others on this forum handle this?
So excited to get and find some treasures!

I would not volunteer any deals at first, but if it is a location you are really interested in, and you get the vibe the owner is leaning towards a "no", sweeten the pot by offering to split the finds. You may run into people that will give you permission without any stipulation, but then become more interested in what you are getting from their yard, and possibly even demand that everything be given to them. One thing to remember, it is their property, and if they change their mind, the best thing you can do is comply and move on. Here is a nice document on gaining permission.

Gaining Permission

 

[Produce Guy]

I ask to hunt their land and try not to mention the finding of money,but when it comes up I'll ask 50-50,or 80-20,or even ask if I can just hunt their land and give everything to them.You might try to get this in writing,make yourself a permission slip,and have them sign it.good luck.

 

[Silver Simon]

I ask to hunt their land and try not to mention the finding of money,but when it comes up I'll ask 50-50,or 80-20,or even ask if I can just hunt their land and give everything to them.You might try to get this in writing,make yourself a permission slip,and have them sign it.good luck.

If a stranger approached me to sign a permission slip, I would likely shut them down.

 

[ctalmadg]

I bring them a big box of chocolate and tell them if I find anything of "major" value I'll split it. Then if they ask What do you consider major I work out a number that we both agree on…I actually had one property owner ask if I had a second detector cause he always wanted to try it, I always have a backup… So I gave him a 20 minute tutorial and away we went...

 

[jeepsternaught@gmail.com]

Thanks for the info! Im curious to see how most landowners will respond.

 

[FreeMindStuck]

I would not volunteer any deals at first, but if it is a location you are really interested in, and you get the vibe the owner is leaning towards a "no", sweeten the pot by offering to split the finds. You may run into people that will give you permission without any stipulation, but then become more interested in what you are getting from their yard, and possibly even demand that everything be given to them. One thing to remember, it is their property, and if they change their mind, the best thing you can do is comply and move on. Here is a nice document on gaining permission.

Gaining Permission

If they demand every thing you've found I believe you legally have to give it to them. And I definitely would not go around asking people to sign contracts.

 

[dholland02]

I will return a ring or something of sentimental value to the land owner, but other than that it's mine. The way I feel is I got all the money into thw equipment and I'm doing the work. If they want half or all of it I say thanks for ur time ans move on.

 

[AQUA]

I always offer to show what I find and tell them they can have first pick of anything I find.

Also..if I find something nice that I think they would like ..I take it home..clean it up and give it to them....word will soon travel around the neighbourhood and then your more likely to get permission at the next spot.

And I have an ace up my sleeve..... I,m a lobster fisherman..so I offer to give them a feed for free .

 

[cudamark]

I would not volunteer any deals at first, but if it is a location you are really interested in, and you get the vibe the owner is leaning towards a "no", sweeten the pot by offering to split the finds. You may run into people that will give you permission without any stipulation, but then become more interested in what you are getting from their yard, and possibly even demand that everything be given to them. One thing to remember, it is their property, and if they change their mind, the best thing you can do is comply and move on. Here is a nice document on gaining permission. Gaining Permission

That's a pretty good link, however, I wouldn't use the word "dig" or "holes" in my opening monologue. Use the word 'recovery". If they're curious as to how you go about "making a recovery", offer to give them a demonstration (and pick a nice soft spot!). I also like to complement them on their house or property (even if it's a dump) and show some interest in the history of the area. Don't offer contracts or any other type of paperwork unless they ask for it, but, have it ready if they do ask. I keep all my forms separate....permission slip, division of finds, liability waiver, personal info sheet, etc. I only produce what is needed to gain permission to hunt. No use giving them ideas or concerns that wouldn't normally cross their minds.