What's the best method?

[FliesOnly]

So, thus far in my metal detecting career, I have yet to actually walk up to a complete strangers door and ask permission to hunt on their property. All my permissions have either been given by a friend (owner of the property I want to search), or one of my friends has mentioned me to one of their friends, who I have then contacted after the fact (they were actually waiting for me to talk to them after being told of my hobby). Now, however, I know of a piece of property that at one time had an old hotel setting on it (mid to late 1800s) and I'd love to give it a go. I should mention that this hotel was located along an old railway bed and I already have permission from the property owners on either side of this additional location. I have had some good luck on those properties, but the hotel sits right in the middle of them and I only recently found out who owns it.

So my question is this...what's the best way to approach them? Should I be dresed like I would if I were detecting? Should I mention that I have permission from the land owners on either side? What do "you" all do when approaching a stranger about wanting to search their property?

 

[Cfmct]

I usually wait until I see someone outside then I will ask...

 

[hoser]

I agree with Craig. I usually approach someone if they are outside. However I have knocked on a few doors and if that's the avenue you have to go be dressed properly with clean neat clothes. Don't go if you look tattered and soiled. When you knock and you detect someone is coming to the door back away from the door so they don't feel the in-your-face closeness. Smile and be friendly, let them know you admire the property and are interested in history of the area. Ask questions about the property and also ask if they, or any of their family or friends may have lost something there and you would be willing to look for their lost item. You will get the feel of things rather quickly. The more doors you knock on the more comfortable you'll become.

 

[MasonDixonMding]

If I’m going to knock on a door. I will wear my nice digging clothes. I’ve had no’s. Most are sure. I had one strange one. The first time I knocked on his door he gave me permission and closed the door before I could say thank you. The second time I showed him a old copper. You would have thought I handed him a zinc penny. Than as he handed it back to me. In the same breath he said no. Than I don’t care and closed the door before I could say thank you again.

I have a harder time asking permission for places I really want to hunt. Maybe try asking a couple other places first. Than when you get a feel for it go for the one you really want?
Good luck!

 

[markinswpa]

So, thus far in my metal detecting career, I have yet to actually walk up to a complete strangers door and ask permission to hunt on their property. All my permissions have either been given by a friend (owner of the property I want to search), or one of my friends has mentioned me to one of their friends, who I have then contacted after the fact (they were actually waiting for me to talk to them after being told of my hobby). Now, however, I know of a piece of property that at one time had an old hotel setting on it (mid to late 1800s) and I'd love to give it a go. I should mention that this hotel was located along an old railway bed and I already have permission from the property owners on either side of this additional location. I have had some good luck on those properties, but the hotel sits right in the middle of them and I only recently found out who owns it.

So my question is this...what's the best way to approach them? Should I be dresed like I would if I were detecting? Should I mention that I have permission from the land owners on either side? What do "you" all do when approaching a stranger about wanting to search their property?

On a cold door knock if you don't wear a beard be clean shaven. If you wear a ballcap don't have it low over your brow, cocked to one side or on backwards Be traditional . Don't have you hands in your pockets. And like Hoser said, after the knock back up and try not to crowd the person when they come to the door. I'll wave my hand in a friendly gesture and say hello, I'll say with a smile, I'm not selling any thing or looking for donations, my name is Mark, I'm a local guy and I'm a history hunter. I do metal detecting, I hunt for old coins, tokens and buttons. Little bits of history that have been lost over the years. This is all within the first 30 seconds or so and at this point you will see if you have their interest or they see you as a PIA. I'll compliment their house and land and ask about its history. I'll ask would it be alright if I detected their property. Then quickly add I'm very neat and respectful and don't make a mess. If they are receptive I then proceed to show them pictures from my phone. When they see my passion its usually a yes. I avoid showing shiny, I'll show pics of the cool relics I've found. Never mention gold. In some people it can trigger greed and all of a sudden they think they could be sitting on the Lost Dutchmans mine or something. And then they'll get squirelly on you. I lightheartedly say if I strike it rich we'll split it ok ? And at that point I'll ask are you ok with me keeping what I find. Now its up to you if you want to make some kind of deal with the owner. For me most say sure, I'm just curious, I'd like to see what you find. And thats the answer I'm looking for. I'll tell them if I find multiples I don't mind sharing but my trash to treasure ratio is not all that great and I work hard for what I find. Ya I know but a little B.S. never hurt.
I could go on. But I hope what I've said helps a little. It does get easier with each try. And definitely catching the owner outside is better than having to disturb them in their home but sometimes thats the only option. And remember a no is always a no unless you ask. Good luck. Mark

 

[FliesOnly]

Good Suggestions. I'll wait until it's a little nicer here (in terms of weather) and then go give it a try.

 

[longbow62]

Be prepared for as many no's as yes's. Even though we know how to dig a neat plug without making a mess many of the people you ask are going to assume they will be able to see every place you've dug . My buddy and I have had some great streaks of yes's, but we get about as many no's to go along with them. The time to ask is when the owners are outside in the yard.

 

[amc rulz]

I was on a door-knocking spree a few years back, probably 30-40 properties. Sometimes a buddy would go also. I normally don’t dress in tatters, but in a normal, presentable way. I have a routine, short 30-second speech in which I introduce my self, and then give my intentions. “Would you mind if i poked around in the yard a bit?” I don’t mention digging or sharing finds unless it’s an item related to the property. I get a YES 4 out of 5 times. The most memorable door-knock was a middle-aged woman in her nightgown at around 9:00 in the morning. She cracked the door just enough to show her face, and seemed a bit unsure of what I was asking, but quickly granted permission. THAT was a great yard, we pulled old silvers, Indians and a mid-1800’s large cent within an hour.