How to ask?

[sjohn61]

I usually hunt parks, out of the way areas, but have come across many homes or yards that just scream "hunt here".
I guess I'm looking at all your experience in how to get that permission..Please give me all and any ideas of how you all approach a homeowner or property...Thanks all! and have good safe holiday!!!

 

[DiggerODirt]

First off...Never approach a property owner in full detecting gear. That is, do not have on your belt, pouches, diggers, or carry your detector.
I have thought of starting the conversation off on a Non-Detecting note. maybe tell them you admire the age of their property and how well it is kept, then slip into the mention of your hobby.
Do not bring up such subjects as digging, what you may find, or the tools you use, unless the property owner asks. Never use words like "loot", "treasure", "gold", or "Silver"...leave your finds to the words "metal objects".
Be polite, and if told no...Say "Thank you!" and move on to the next site. You never know...if you hand them a card with your info on it, they might call you in the future...Never burn a good bridge.
Just a few of my humble thoughts on the matter. I personally am not a very social person, and am too chicken to knock on doors. Especially after all these TV shows.


HH,

 

[Leslie(nova scotia)]

It never hurts to be polite and not dressed like a hillbilly or survivalist! Tell them you would like to detect their area but don't use the word holes and such. bring an extra machine and ask if they would like to do it alos...works here more times then not.

Make sure an agreement is in place for finds and always nice to leave a trinket and thanks them when leaving.

All in all the worse they can say is no!

Good luck and ...........................dig and they will come.

Another In is through mutual acquantances.

 

[sjohn61]

Excellent tips!! What I fumble with is the part of what you find....do you share or offer them one of the finds? That to me kind of defeats the purpose of the hobby if you have to give it away...do you show them all you find? or just offer a merc dime or something..do you tell them your looking for old coins or jewlery?? To some, you would be treasure hunting for them instead of yourself.....Thanks for tips...very helpful~~

 

[BigCatDaddy]

Excellent tips!! What I fumble with is the part of what you find....do you share or offer them one of the finds? That to me kind of defeats the purpose of the hobby if you have to give it away...do you show them all you find? or just offer a merc dime or something..do you tell them your looking for old coins or jewlery?? To some, you would be treasure hunting for them instead of yourself.....Thanks for tips...very helpful~~

The way I see it is, if they are good enough to let you hunt their yard, they are entitled to whatever is found on their property. Frankly, I've never had anyone want anything I've found. Most just look at your stuff and go "Oh well, that's nice." or something similar and wish you a good day.
Now, if they do want what you have found, simply ask if they would mind you taking some pics of them and the loot. (Remember: Without pictures, it didn't happen!!) Then you still have the memory and the fun of the find and some bragging rights on here!!