Asking Permission to Metal Detect Private Property
I’ve been exploring something new lately.
Private Property.
For years I’ve been *mostly* limiting my detecting to the “easy” spots. You 
know – public parks, schools and tot lots. Sites that have been swung hard and hung up wet for the past 40 some-odd years. But I read the forums. I get foamy mouthed at posts about the old farmhouses, the turn of the century yards. Hand fulls of old coins.
Last weekend I went freestyle knocking. I drove to 6 private houses and walked to the door. My heart pounded as I ran the script through my head while waiting for someone to answer the door. Well, the first 4 houses NO ONE answered the door. But let me tell you, it got easier to approach the door.
On the 5th house a nice lady answered the door. I vaguely remember rattling something off about looking for a spot to metal detect, and that I would love the opportunity to search the yard. Heck, I even offered to give her (are you sitting down?) EVERYTHING I found. She told me that she didn’t own the land, but gave me the name of the man who did, and she told me where he lived. She did tell me that he wasn’t available that day. She was very nice and asked me for my name. I nearly cursed myself for not introducing myself FIRST! (note to self…) . I walked with my tail between my legs back to the car, but in hindsight it wasn’t bad at all.
I was determined at this point and decided to hit one more spot – an old bed and breakfast. I figured at least someone would answer the door. No such luck, and I struck out again. So my time allocated to detecting was spent knocking, and I didn’t even get to swing the coil. Still, the experience was invaluable.
I’m going to hit those spots again this weekend. Maybe someone will be home.
So I’m asking you: What’s your secret to getting permission to hunt private property? Do you have a great opening line? Is there a way of asking that seems to work better than others? Is there something you NEVER say? Do you offer to split the finds? Ever offer to give ALL the finds?
Please share YOUR tips on gaining permission!
Wayne,
You have the basics down. I always start by complementing their property. “I am very interested in history, and couldn’t help but notice your beautiful old house” then I go on with something like “I have an unusual hobby. I like to see just what is hiding in the yard of older homes. If you would be so kind as to allow me to metal detect in your yard, I would be happy to give you all the old artifacts I find that belong to the house. Sometimes I find old hinges, or horse shoes. Sometimes even a sleigh bell from an old horse drawn sleigh. All I ask is if I would happen to find an old coin, I could add it to my small collection of coins I have found.”
Most of the time they are so curious to see just what I might find, they allow me to “look away”.
Good luck, and remember, you have absolutely NOTHING to loose. If they say no, you are no worse off than if you had never asked. Believe me, I have had my share of rude people that tell me to get off their property. But I never have to see them again, and the nice people that allow me, have far made up for the bad experiences.
I have even had ladies come out with something for me to drink while I was detecting.
Hope this helps!
Tim
Tim.
Awesome post. Thanks so much for taking the time to pass along those tips. I’m sure it’ll help out a lot of diggers.
Complimenting the owners on the property is an excellent idea. Can’t wait to try it out!
By the way… I’ve added Buckeye Treasure Hunter to my links over there on the right. Good site you have there.
Thanks again for stopping by.
~w
My normal approach is similar to Tim’s with slight variations. On occasion, the homeowner has seemed really curious and I will offer to teach him or her how to metal detect. Most choose not to learn but I have taught others how to metal detect. While this does limit the effectiveness of the hunt, it is still fun to help someone find their first coins. Every time that this has happened, they ended up letting me keep everything. These have actually been some of my more enjoyable hunts.
-James
Thanks James. Next time I go I’ll toss my daughter’s BH/Discovery 2000 in the trunk and give it a shot!
Aside from what has been said, all good tips, you must keep in mine these folks don’t know you any more than you know them.
Put yourself in their position..most first questions will be “why would this stranger WANT to metal detect my property?, do they know something about it I don’t?”
Sometimes offering money or finds for permission can hurt your cause.
One topic not mentioned yet is a permission letter.
For the record, I’m against them. I think you should have one available but not try to use one to gain permission.
If your approach is like a corporate lawyer, your reply will most likely be the same. If you listen to the stories from a long ago time you may not only gain a friend and permission but a tip on a likely hot area to check out.
Dave´s last blog ..New look for http://www.detectorstuff.com…and more changes coming soon!