Patriot1776
Forum Supporter
A BLOG THAT MIGHT HAVE SOME INFORMATION TO HELP
http://www.metaldetectors.com/blog/hunting-private-property
http://www.metaldetectors.com/blog/hunting-private-property
Hunting private property
- Thread starter Patriot1776
- Start date
Ron 71
Forum Supporter
Thanks for the info, I have yet to do my first door knock but with all the older properties around here it would be crazy not to. I think once I've done it a couple times I will be less anxious about it.
ecoast
Elite Member
so you don't have to click link:
Hunting Private Property
Categories: Tips, Detectors
To My Fellow Coin Shooters/Relic Hunters,
Locating that hot spot for metal detecting can be quite a challenge and frustrating at times. Here are some tips that can help in getting permission to treasure hunt a private property. Finding, locating and identifying a potential hunting spot are some things you need to know. So, you jump in your vehicle and start driving to a new location. You ask yourself, “What am I looking for?”
First, you enter the outskirts of town. Farm fields and country sides are what most people encounter first. Keep a look out for your trails and riverbanks in this terrain, since these areas will produce old finds because of its history. These areas tend to be where most people traveled and gathered their water. If you have the time to view an old map from the library or Historical Society, you may be able to pinpoint more quickly which areas were first settlements. In my experience, talking with a lot of people who have been metal detecting for years, the working fields or “manual labor”, produce more finds then a dairy field.
Getting permission; the cold call. The cold call is exactly just what it means. The land owner and you have no prior relationship. You need to make it warm by developing a brief friendship with him or her. I personally like to go to the nearest convenience store and get water before I detect. I’ll ask the cashier questions to see who owns the farmhouse at the end of the street and she may just give me a name.
Again, does this work every time? No, it does not. But, you need water so why not ask? When you approach the house and knock on the door, the person answering the door is more approachable when you can introduce yourself and let them know how you got their name.
For example, you can say “Mr. Smith? My name is Dennis. You have such a nice farm here, and if you don’t mind me asking, how long has it been in your family?” He may reply with the following phrase; “2nd generation, but it’s a lot of work running this place.” He now knows you, and you know him; you’re at the warm level for getting metal detecting permission. Explain what you do and how you would leave the property in better shape, because of the removal of unwanted metals he may have around the house, as well as the rest of his land. It’s recommended to get permission for the fields first, especially after first earning their trust.
Once gaining permission for the fields, you’ll want to proceed further next time and ask to get closer to the main house. It’s important to start slow though and just get your foot in the door first (so to speak). In my opinion, if I say I am going to remove trash from their land, that can be taken the wrong way. Also, I have had people who have horses and when they go out for a ride they don’t want their animals injured from nails, etc. sticking up in the ground. I cannot go over every type of situation as there are too many, but I think you get the picture. So, where is this going? Hopefully that it’s beneficial for both parties for me to metal detect their land. This is very important to consider as you need to ask yourself, “What am I doing for them?” Once you know, then ask them this question, “Most home owners like to do a split. If I find anything, can we can split it 50/50? Anything that is of historical value to the farm or its relatives will of course be yours.”
If you want to, go up to the door and say, “Hi! Can I detect and pillage your land?” You might not get the answer you’re looking for. Ha-ha, that was just a joke. You have to ask permission to detect when the time is right. This process can be used when you’re going to a local house that has a history to it as well. Remember, the worst thing they can say is no. Each time you ask permission, you will get a little more comfortable and learn from your mistakes. This is not for everybody. Even my metal detecting friends stay in the car while I am knocking on the door. Happy Treasure Hunting!!
Hunting Private Property
Categories: Tips, Detectors
To My Fellow Coin Shooters/Relic Hunters,
Locating that hot spot for metal detecting can be quite a challenge and frustrating at times. Here are some tips that can help in getting permission to treasure hunt a private property. Finding, locating and identifying a potential hunting spot are some things you need to know. So, you jump in your vehicle and start driving to a new location. You ask yourself, “What am I looking for?”
First, you enter the outskirts of town. Farm fields and country sides are what most people encounter first. Keep a look out for your trails and riverbanks in this terrain, since these areas will produce old finds because of its history. These areas tend to be where most people traveled and gathered their water. If you have the time to view an old map from the library or Historical Society, you may be able to pinpoint more quickly which areas were first settlements. In my experience, talking with a lot of people who have been metal detecting for years, the working fields or “manual labor”, produce more finds then a dairy field.
Getting permission; the cold call. The cold call is exactly just what it means. The land owner and you have no prior relationship. You need to make it warm by developing a brief friendship with him or her. I personally like to go to the nearest convenience store and get water before I detect. I’ll ask the cashier questions to see who owns the farmhouse at the end of the street and she may just give me a name.
Again, does this work every time? No, it does not. But, you need water so why not ask? When you approach the house and knock on the door, the person answering the door is more approachable when you can introduce yourself and let them know how you got their name.
For example, you can say “Mr. Smith? My name is Dennis. You have such a nice farm here, and if you don’t mind me asking, how long has it been in your family?” He may reply with the following phrase; “2nd generation, but it’s a lot of work running this place.” He now knows you, and you know him; you’re at the warm level for getting metal detecting permission. Explain what you do and how you would leave the property in better shape, because of the removal of unwanted metals he may have around the house, as well as the rest of his land. It’s recommended to get permission for the fields first, especially after first earning their trust.
Once gaining permission for the fields, you’ll want to proceed further next time and ask to get closer to the main house. It’s important to start slow though and just get your foot in the door first (so to speak). In my opinion, if I say I am going to remove trash from their land, that can be taken the wrong way. Also, I have had people who have horses and when they go out for a ride they don’t want their animals injured from nails, etc. sticking up in the ground. I cannot go over every type of situation as there are too many, but I think you get the picture. So, where is this going? Hopefully that it’s beneficial for both parties for me to metal detect their land. This is very important to consider as you need to ask yourself, “What am I doing for them?” Once you know, then ask them this question, “Most home owners like to do a split. If I find anything, can we can split it 50/50? Anything that is of historical value to the farm or its relatives will of course be yours.”
If you want to, go up to the door and say, “Hi! Can I detect and pillage your land?” You might not get the answer you’re looking for. Ha-ha, that was just a joke. You have to ask permission to detect when the time is right. This process can be used when you’re going to a local house that has a history to it as well. Remember, the worst thing they can say is no. Each time you ask permission, you will get a little more comfortable and learn from your mistakes. This is not for everybody. Even my metal detecting friends stay in the car while I am knocking on the door. Happy Treasure Hunting!!
Reef Runner
Forum Supporter
Ask and you shall receive - or not !
It's really not as hard as one may think. Just be nice, tell them who you are, where you live, and that your hobby is metal detecting. Tell them that you'd love to look around their property, if they don't object. I also find that it's a good idea, to have some appropriate calling cards printed up, with a nice MDing logo, your name, address, phone, etc., and assure them that you won't leave a mess, but should they find something out of order, or to their disliking, to please feel free to give you a call, and here's how to get in touch. Also tell them that when you come back to hunt, you may have a friend with you, if this should be the case.
I always throw in, "and if we find that treasure chest full of gold, we'll definitely split it".
Still looking for that chest, though !
I've got one old (early 1800's) place, which is now a B&B. When I returned the third time, the owner actually came out and met me in the yard, just to say that I need not worry about coming to the door, or calling ahead, in the future, but to just feel free to make myself at home, any time. Even offered me ice & water in the house, should I need to quench my thirst. Now, I feel very comfortable dropping in at any time, whether anyone is at home, or not. I've gained their trust, so it's an open door from here on ! That's the kind of relationships you need to build, and be careful who you take with you...........
It's really not as hard as one may think. Just be nice, tell them who you are, where you live, and that your hobby is metal detecting. Tell them that you'd love to look around their property, if they don't object. I also find that it's a good idea, to have some appropriate calling cards printed up, with a nice MDing logo, your name, address, phone, etc., and assure them that you won't leave a mess, but should they find something out of order, or to their disliking, to please feel free to give you a call, and here's how to get in touch. Also tell them that when you come back to hunt, you may have a friend with you, if this should be the case.
I always throw in, "and if we find that treasure chest full of gold, we'll definitely split it".
Still looking for that chest, though !
I've got one old (early 1800's) place, which is now a B&B. When I returned the third time, the owner actually came out and met me in the yard, just to say that I need not worry about coming to the door, or calling ahead, in the future, but to just feel free to make myself at home, any time. Even offered me ice & water in the house, should I need to quench my thirst. Now, I feel very comfortable dropping in at any time, whether anyone is at home, or not. I've gained their trust, so it's an open door from here on ! That's the kind of relationships you need to build, and be careful who you take with you...........
