Gaining Permission(New Twist For Me)

[Mag99004]

I stuck this in the general detecting thread but thought I stick it here to. Sorry for the double post. Maybe I just need to say a nice long prayer before asking...

In my opinion, I have a decent success rate for getting permission. However, when it comes to homes, all I've ever targeted are homes that are resodding, so getting permission is easy. One of my detecting buddies sent me a list of older homes he'd like to try(doesn't know the homeowners).

Has anyone had success getting permission to hunt homes with a perfectly good yard? I'm just skeptical that it's even worth the effort. My speech for the other homes is easy, I rarely have to address any concerns about hurting thier lawn. Obviously I can hunt the yard and they'll never be able to tell I was there, but I have serious doubts that I could convince more than 1 in 50 people of that.

I haven't hunted enough with others to know what types of property they hunt/avoid. Would I be wasting my time? If not, any suggestions for gaining permission in this situation? It's a new one to me and although it'd be great if we could get in, I'm drawing a blank for ideas.

It can't help that I'm 25, I wish I was about 65 when detecting so people didn't automatically think about home break in's... Yes I'm clean cut and I dress appropriately when asking permission. The wifes 23 and with a skirt and a smile I think it'd be a piece of cake. But she'd either laugh in my face or slap me if I suggested it, maybe both...

Thanks ahead of time for any input.

Semper Fi-God, Country, Corps

 

[TuckyTector(InezKY)]

I always introduce myself and just ask in a nice friendly way and explain or show them how I retrive targets with no damage to their lawns. Keep an extra detector with you and offer to let them hunt with you if they want. Even take time to drink a cup of coffee with them if they offer. Offer to share your finds with them and explain that you'll take all trash found out with you. Most home owners are interested in what relics etc can be found on their property. But they don't want the property damaged. After all its their little piece of this world. Respect their wishes. Also a good idea is to keep a few signed copies of a form you can give them releiving the property owner of liability if you get hurt while on their property. A lot of property owners are afraid of being sued.
You'll be surprised how friendly people can be if asked compared to doing it without permission. Not everyone will say yes, but the majority of them will.
God Bless and
Happy Hunting
KY Bud

 

[steve in so la]

I'm almost 65 and still get turned down - and I dont think I look like someone they would want around as a stranger. Dont know what to tell you. I just dont have the gift of gab either so I usually dont ask. Steve in so az

 

[SEMPERFI61]

n/t

 

[SEMPERFI61]

n/t

 

[steve in so la]

d

 

[IDguy]

I agree with tucky! When I have gotten permission I too will tell them who I am and that I am looking for old coins, show them my srew driver and tell them I will not ruin there yard. I offer to split my findings with them (wich they usually turn down) and let them know when I leave. I get rejected sometimes and tell them that I understand and thanks anyway. You will find that sometimes the owners are curious to what's in there yard! Just my 2 cents! God Bless!

 

[SEMPERFI61]

HERE WE ARE MAG-11 STRAIGHT FROM JAPAN TO PHILIPINE ISLANDS.THE ONE THATS LOOKS LIKE CLINT EASTWOOD IS ME,WITH THE JUNGLE-HAT.

 

[IDguy]

n/t

 

[jr]

n/t

 

[Greg from Mi.]

you have a young kid. Maybe someone could let you use there

 

[Pete in MI]

most places I hunt are open to the public. The privately owned homes I have been invited to detect in and told I could keep anything I find = they just want to see what was buried in their yards. Only one place I did ask permission at was a former early 1900s brick school on the property of where a wooden school had been and burned down. It was at that time a privately owned company that owned that property and a property down the street.

The owner of the company was an older guy - about my age - and he said no problem and I could keep anything I found. He was thinking of buying a detector to check out the yard himself but hey if I could do it and save him money and also clear his curiousity - go ahead. That I did.
I did let him know I would totally responsible for any injuries and gave him a business card I had made up with info about me.

I had visions of 1800s coins and silver (the wooden school was an 1880s school). I only got one signal through the whole front yard. It was BIG!
It turned out to be a sign about 1 foot by 2 foot advertising a lawn replacement service. Yep you guessed it. The place had the original sod removed and new sod replaced the old.

Cadman and I hunted the backyard at a later date. Can't recall us finding much of anything. But it was worth a shot.

All the others that invited me to detect their yards - well - there is a public service announcement that broadcasts to anyone who will listen and it is free (well almost free) - it is call 'a wife'

She mentions my 'hobby' or obsession to others and peaks their curiousity so they invite me to come over and check their yards. So if you're not married - get a wife hahahahahahahaha.

 

[Mike from MI "Iron Brigade"]

First off welcome to the forum. I seldom get turned down to hunt a yard. I like to have an "IN" before I ask though. Maybe someone that I know knows the owner, or anything that might be familiar to them so they are at ease with the person at their door right away. That is the key! Also be sure to explaing how you retrieve a target, DON"T say dig!
Let them know what you are looking for. I usually say that I am a history buff, and like to find indian heads and buffalo nickels. Again, something most are familiar with. Don't mention gold and silver! These are some of the best things that work over and over for me!
God bless!