HugoBorchardt
Senior Member
When I get to a new hunting site, i will spend about ten minutes moving branches, obstacles, and trash. If the area is somewhat grown up and it is ok to do so, i may even bring a machete and/or weedeater. I will strategically put all debris in a big pile at the front of the lot, or where someone might walk or drive up and challenge me.
This gives me more square feet to hunt closest to the ground as possible, and makes my hunt more enjoyable.
If someone comes to challenge me, i will normally pick up a branch or piece of trash and meet them at the pile, throwing it in. Once, as someone drove up, I calmly laid the detector down and picked up the weedeater. LOL. In any case, it is important to readily meet them and not have them have to get your attention. (also this is a great way to not get shot in Mississippi)
This creates IMO a pleasant start to the conversation and reduces suspicion. Do not assume that because you have permission someone will not change their mind or another owner, authority or family member will not trump them and evict you. Commonly, someone nosey will see you and call someone tied to the property who doesnt know you have permission, and may be irritated and offensive at having to come check you out. More often than not, though, it will be people just asking for directions, or curious if you found anything. Once it was just an old man asking for my vote in the coming county election!
So Do not be defensive or even mention detecting. And when they are suspicious or questioning, "shoot the $h|t" and use your people skills. Laugh and tell a joke. Talk about the weather or someone prominent in the area or who you know. Anything but detecting. Quickly answer any challenging questions and ask him about his vehicle or something. "Hey how do you like that Ford F150?" and tell him how you've been thinking of getting one. get him talking. Most people love to talk, especially after you make them comfortable. You are supposed to be there, and your confidence, language and relaxed posture prove it.
Never get smart about the permission you have or the right you have to detect there. You want people to like you and want you to be there. If someone is rude, just leave and come back another time or move on to a new place.
And also btw you aren't finding much, and you're about finished. You have no idea why you keep practicing this stupid hobby, there are wasps/mosquitos/snakes nearby, and you gotta finish cleaning up the place, right?
Bam!
This gives me more square feet to hunt closest to the ground as possible, and makes my hunt more enjoyable.
If someone comes to challenge me, i will normally pick up a branch or piece of trash and meet them at the pile, throwing it in. Once, as someone drove up, I calmly laid the detector down and picked up the weedeater. LOL. In any case, it is important to readily meet them and not have them have to get your attention. (also this is a great way to not get shot in Mississippi)
This creates IMO a pleasant start to the conversation and reduces suspicion. Do not assume that because you have permission someone will not change their mind or another owner, authority or family member will not trump them and evict you. Commonly, someone nosey will see you and call someone tied to the property who doesnt know you have permission, and may be irritated and offensive at having to come check you out. More often than not, though, it will be people just asking for directions, or curious if you found anything. Once it was just an old man asking for my vote in the coming county election!
So Do not be defensive or even mention detecting. And when they are suspicious or questioning, "shoot the $h|t" and use your people skills. Laugh and tell a joke. Talk about the weather or someone prominent in the area or who you know. Anything but detecting. Quickly answer any challenging questions and ask him about his vehicle or something. "Hey how do you like that Ford F150?" and tell him how you've been thinking of getting one. get him talking. Most people love to talk, especially after you make them comfortable. You are supposed to be there, and your confidence, language and relaxed posture prove it.
Never get smart about the permission you have or the right you have to detect there. You want people to like you and want you to be there. If someone is rude, just leave and come back another time or move on to a new place.
And also btw you aren't finding much, and you're about finished. You have no idea why you keep practicing this stupid hobby, there are wasps/mosquitos/snakes nearby, and you gotta finish cleaning up the place, right?
Bam!
