Detecting permission ?

[imp511]

Does anyone have a permission request form that they could share? Im new to this and want to make sure I follow proper protocol. I am thinking of making up a document requesting written permission to hunt in areas to eliminate any question to permission to hunt. Planning a vacation next week to an area I have called and was told they can be used. I would like to have a form when I arrive so I can have a written document stating I can hunt in the area.

Thank You
MP

 

[marcomo]

Welcome to the forum, MP.

Forget that permission form unless you're looking to get a no from someone covering their arse who otherwise wouldn't care or give it a thought.

Someone who knows told you it was OK. You've no doubt got their name.

If it becomes an issue, drop that person's name.

Of course I'm assuming you're talking about public property, private property you definitely need permission from the landowner.

Don't invite self-consciousness along on your vacation. Be confident, have fun and find some good stuff!

 

[imp511]

I understand you comment completely! We will be staying on state lands. I have contacted the game warden for this area. She said it would be OK. My problem or concern is this is a public area and there are several wardens and assistants that police the area. For past experience ( camping there) I'm sure every one of them that see me are going to question. It's there job! So my thoughts were to locate the warden I spoke with and get something a little more than a verbal to insure we're all on the same page..
In most places I've hunted around my area ( parks and such ) I've called and got a name and permission. I'm comfortable with that. As the only people that have question me were general public just wanting to know if I had permission. This park experience I think will be much different. Tons of people and lots of security

Appreciate your response as I am new to this and just want to make sure I'm moving forward properly. I respect others property and want to make sure I do not create any issues for myself or others that enjoy this hobby.

Thank You
MP

 

[MNCoinhunter]

At the very least you could write up a short note stating that you received permission, and then have the warden sign it (if he even will). Otherwise I would'nt sweat it. If you have the wardens name that should be enough to deflect any opposition.

 

[Tom_in_CA]

Unless the particular state land type you're going to has specific prohibition against metal detecting, then I don't see how you'd need "permission", to begin with. And Marcomo is right: the fastest way to get a "no", is to waive a legal document in front of someone, to get them to sign. I mean, heck, think of it: If you were some bureaucrat who probably thought something was so innocuous of a question, that they said "go ahead", and then you turn around and put a document in front of them to sign?? Or put another way: I bet I could get a "no", if I put a contract in front of a park ranger, for him to sign that allows me to fly a frisbee. Ie.: hold them harmless if my frisbee hits someone and knocks their eye out, etc... Do you think they'd sign that? As long as you're not being a nuisance of some sort, why do you think anyone would care anyhow? Giving them something to sign merely pre-supposes that your hobby is somehow wrong, or damaging, or instrinsically dangerous, or something.

 

[Leslie(nova scotia)]

From the land of the Bluenose...if federal or provincal site it's a no no most time of the years and I'm sure the same in the USA. Some good advice in this thread!

 

[GoGoGopher]

I agree that you should not waive any kind of document unless the land owner requests it...Let them decide if they need it...Word of mouth and knowing I have the correct parties permission and name is good enough for me...
Most State land here in NY requires a permit that is $10-$15 bucks for the year, and each spot requires it's own permit...

HH,

 

[imp511]

All good points. I've already asked and will check at station again when I check in! We'll play it by ear and see how it goes. Was not thinking of it as a legal document but guess your right.

Thanks for your input
MP

 

[Nugget Hunter Smith]

Some States like Georgia require written permission for both public and private lands. You can go to www.mdhtalk.org this site has a very good permission form.

 

[imp511]

Perfect!

Great site! Exactly what I need. Have not yet made it to forms but have read the rules for my state and area where I will be vacationing..

Thank You
MP

 

[twoscoots]

Check the town ordinance laws! Outerbanks, nc is cut into. South nagshead to Va.line is good to go . Go south of mile post 20-21 and ya get a "fat one"! Different town, different rule and let's not forget state or federal sea shores. They get their on rules along with State parks!! Good luck and don't let em' fool ya. Get the statute # if they say NO, and look it up. Most are honest but somefolks are lazy and a quick NO is easier than checking the books for laws.

 

[marcomo]

I've already asked and will check at station again when I check in!
MP

Ask enough people enough times and you'll no doubt eventually find someone to tell you no...

As Tom said so well, a person who could care less about you detecting may still tell you no when you ask because they're thinking in terms of liabilities and covering their rear end. It's much easier and safer for job security just to tell you no.

We can all make suggestions. But ultimately, MP, it boils down to what you need to do to feel comfortable enough to detect.

If you feel you need to ask permission from multiple people or get written permission to be comfortable detecting, so be it.

Let me tell you a story from back in my youth in the 1980's when I worked as a headhunter for a period of time.

Whenever any of us had a client company looking to fill a position, one question that we always asked was about the hiring/interview process.

The ideal situation for a prospective employee (and for me since I made a commission when a client company hired someone I hooked them up with) was one interview with one person making the decision on hiring.

The more people involved in the hiring decision, the more interviews involved, the less likely any of us would be to work very hard to find a candidate for the position.

Why? Because the more people involved in the decision, the more likely for someone to have a problem with the prospective employee.

Personally, whenever I detect somewhere that needs permission all I need is one OK and I'm detecting.

If I notice someone checking me out I smile and wave. Usually they wave back and go on their way. Sometimes they'll ask if I found anything. "A lot of beer tabs and bottlecaps, but I'm having fun" is always a good answer. If they inquire, I'll drop the name of the person who gave me permission.

Good retrieval techniques are extremely important, too. When someone in authority is checking you out, you don't want them to see any trace of damage or disturbance to the area where you retrieved your targets.

 

[shawnrmartin]

Perfect!

Great site! Exactly what I need. Have not yet made it to forms but have read the rules for my state and area where I will be vacationing..

Thank You
MP

Give this podcast a 3 minute listen before you ask anyone to sign a "permission slip".
The issue is the "Hold Harmless" clauses that most contain. It isn't always the victim of an accident that decides to sue a landowner after an accident, but rather his insurance company, who had to foot the bill for treatment / repairs.

http://danhughes.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=599724

 

[JeffNS]

IMHO I can't myself as a property owner being very agreeable to filling out or signing any form and I doubt a Warden would be willing to put themselves out there like that and accept responsibility.

I've recenty contacted my own municipality but not to get permission in writing...merely to have a record of at least contacting them and getting at best an indication that it shouldn't be a problem. Not many officials will give "permission" in writing unless there's a very pertinent by-law on the books pertaining specificially to metal detecting. In my city there are some by-laws that you cannot dig or damage flora...the grey area of course is the term "dig". My interpretation of dig brings to mind visions of unfilled holes and little mounds of earth...like a field of hungry gophers! On the other hand "cutting a plug" is an entirely different process....at least I'm hoping my muncipality sees it that way.

If I were to muster up the courage to approach a private land owner I'd never bring a from either....I'd dress in clean clothes...leave out all the body piercings and turn down the grunge rock...or Lawrence Welk...whatever floats your boat....have your MD in your hand but leave your savage looking Lesche in the car....explain what the funny lookin' contraption is and what it does and explain that you'd love to detect their property looking for old coins. If you've hunted any properties in the neighborhood let 'em know where and who owned the property. Ya never know...you might get teh go ahead...worst case is they say no.

 

[Dan-Pa.]

Here in Pa. State Game lands its a violation to remove anything over 100 years.so if you find perhaps a Barber dime legally would have to be turned into the authorities.
Of course States vary and would make sure you understand before swinging.

Forget the permission slip as it means nothing unless notarized and if it was a yes will definetly be a no especially if they contact their insurance company as liability
slams many doors in our faces..