Permission.

You gotta have it to metal detect. Sure, we could discuss “public” property like parks, beaches, schools, and so forth. But I want to talk about those other places where we all want to be able to detect. The old houses. The fields. The churches.

Taking a slightly different approach, I’d like to ask the non-metal detecting landowner a question:

Would you let a stranger dig on your property?

You’re minding your own business and there’s a knock on the door. You open it up, and there’s a guy standing on your porch. He seems a little apprehensive, but he introduces himself and begins talking about his metal detecting hobby. He says he likes to look for things that people may have dropped over the years – coins and whatnot. All seems OK until he mentions digging. The grass isn’t exactly golf course quality, but it looks good. After he says that he’ll cover his holes he says that he’ll split whatever he finds.

How generous!

So Mr. Landowner, what do you say?

Now let me propose another question:

What would it take for you to let him metal detect on your property?

• I trust him.  I’ll give him permission!

Ah, the ultimate landowner – a detectorist’s dream.  This is the landowner that gives permission without any discussion of giving over or even sharing finds.

• Go ahead and detect, but I need a cut of the finds.

There might be some valuable objects in my dirt!  Before he goes you’ll need to see what popped up in case you want to keep some of it.

• Have at it, but we’re going to split the finds!

You’ll check on him every once in a while to see what he’s found, and before he leaves you’ll divvy-up the finds.

• The only way he gets to detect my land is if I keep ALL of the finds!

It’s your’s anyway!  He can have fun detecting.  Take pictures if he wants.  But anything found is your’s!

• Get outta my yard!

Nope.  You can’t metal detect here.  You don’t want some stranger walking around your house, digging holes and scaring the kids!

Ok, now that we’ve covered the “traditional” method of gaining permission (or getting turned down), let me offer an alternative:

Mr. Landowner, what if you were PAID to allow someone to metal detect your yard?

It’s your yard.  You’re letting someone dig some holes, enjoy themselves, and maybe even have some financial gain if they find something valuable.  There’s nothing wrong with asking “What’s in it for me”?

So what if the guy on the porch said “I’m looking for some good new places to metal detect.  Some of my research suggests that there could be some interesting history involved with your property.  Would you allow me to metal detect your property and keep anything I find if I paid you $10 an hour?

How likely would you be to grant permission then?

Detectorists…what do you think about this?  Would you be willing to pay someone in order to metal detect their property and keep anything you find?  If it was a place with awesome potential I sure would!  Think of similar “pay to play” pastimes – golfers, for example, happily pay similar amounts for a few hours on the links.

So landowners, what do you think?  Under what condition would you allow someone to metal detect your property?

Detectorists, what would you be willing to do to gain permission to metal detect private property?

Comments please!