I love mythology and urban legends.
But, it would be more difficult for me to believe that the owner/agent of a stretch of property along a major highway would call you back and say "Sure, I'll meet you there in a hour, I like metal detectors too" as it is to believe that Odin starts wars and Zeus rules the seas.
There are insurance concerns and other security issues that most people who have the ability to own tracts of land simply choose not to discuss with commoners.
This hesitance to communicate with someone regarding the property may not be snobbishness, there are lots of properties in conservatorship, embroiled or subject to legal issues, or maybe they honestly just don't know enough about the property to allow unchallenged access.
Real estate laws and real estate lawyers are not myths, and I will believe corporations and wealthy people don't handle the daily affairs of property management, but pays the legal eagles tons of good money to do it in their stead.
If it were simply a matter of asking and getting permission, under the banner and with the bonding and tracking ability of a registered and recognized agency involved in archeology research, maybe it would be easy if handled through a law firm.
But Joe Schmutz with a AT Pro looking for pennies, I'm sorry, but I think not.
Again, if it were me, and only speaking for myself, I'd probably go for it if it looked right based on my knowledge of the area and after consulting my gut feelings.
Anyone else has to make this decision for themselves with a consideration they may either receive a flat "NO" answer, or never hear back from the owners/managers.
ATP/GPP/Fiskars Diggers/BH Outback/CT Hand held