Three strikes and I have one bad attitude!!

[John 'n' W.Va]

I talked to a lady about MD'ing an old school. It use to set in a corner of a field and was torn down in the early 50's. It was 60F and we talked for 45 minutes. My wife's aunt was her neighbor till she past away. We knew a lot of the same people. She had no problem about me MD'ing there, but had to check with her husband when he got home from work. So, I came by today and it was 32F with flurries. She opened the door and said no and slammed it in my face. Duh.
The last three times I asked permission I was turned down. I was dressed in my flannels and had a ball cap on. That is about as nice as I get. The next time I am going to be wearing my biker shirt and bandana. Then I'll just walk out into the field and MD. They can come over and chase the 300 lb. biker dude off their field. I was so mad I wanted to kick something. If I went and MD'ed the field in the middle of nowhere, nothing would probably been said. If anything was said it would be nice and to inform me I was on private property. If land isn't posted here you are allowed on it, unless the owner ask you to leave.

So, for the next few hours(I had to cool off) I went to a lead a man gave me about an old house in the woods that was torn down in the 40's. No, I didn't ask permission. Anything in the woods that isn't posted is fair game. The wild roses and greenbrier had a way of humbling me. That's the foundation of the house.

[attachment 80344 2-7-08foundation.jpg]

Old jar lids were everywhere.

[attachment 80345 2-7-08jarlid.jpg]

Jar and bottles were everywhere.

[attachment 80343 2-7-08bottlesongr.jpg]

Junk was everywhere.

[attachment 80342 2-7-08bell.jpg]

I didn't do so well. I even checked the tree roots.

[attachment 80347 2-7-08treeroots.jpg]

One no date wheat. Three cents total and a few shells.
It looked like most of the surface bottles were from the 30's and 40's, but I don't know bottles. I didn't take the time to dig any. I am just showing you the typical bottles, then they go in the trash.

[attachment 80346 2-7-08total.jpg]

 

[Uncle Willy]

Go over to the Online Magazine on that other forum and read my article on writing a permission letter. Best way to approach a lot of folks.

Bill

 

[cwilk]

Sounds like a fun day to me. I dusted my 2500 this morning.

Chris

 

[awhitster]

You never know about people. If it's not posted I'd go for it. Worse they could do is run you off. Looks like a good place for hunting bottles.

 

[cwilk]

For some reason I replied to one thread and it went here where it made no sense.

Chris

 

[awhitster]

[quote Uncle Willy]Go over to the Online Magazine on that other forum and read my article on writing a permission letter. Best way to approach a lot of folks.

Bill[/quote]Something like this?
You can cut and paste this to your computor.

Mr. XXX, Property Owner

Normally I would prefer to approach you in person; however, I felt that a letter beforehand is a better emissary than just knocking on your door at an inconvenient time and invading your privacy.

In my research I noticed your property at ( ) was built around ( ). I have an interesting hobby that is metal detecting (looking for buried artifacts). I have engaged in this hobby for several years and find it very enjoyable and meet some very interesting people. The thrill of finding something lost for many years is very exciting for me.

I am ___ years old and have lived in ______________________ for the past ____ years.

I want you to understand that I always respect the property I search and try to leave it in the same or better condition than I found it. Artifacts are usually no more than 4 to 5 inches deep.

I would like to obtain permission for myself and a friend (I do not like to detect alone all the time) to detect your property.

In addition, I would like to offer my services to you. Perhaps you or someone you know has lost a valuable ring, a cache or farm tool. Perhaps you wish to locate a historical site or relic from the past.

I would be willing to assist you just for the thrill of the search.

I have enclosed a self addressed stamped envelope for your convenience and would be happy to meet with you if further discussions are desired.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

______________________________________

"It is understood by both parties that (property owners name) is not responsible or liable for any accidents or injuries that may occur while (your name) is on the property."


OR THIS
Name
Address
Dear Mr. Doe,
This may sound like a strange request so let me introduce myself. My name is John Doe and I have lived here in Anywhere USA for XX years. I am XX years old and work as a XXX. I am married and own my own home.
My hobby is metal detecting (looking for coins) and I engage in it at every opportunity and am always looking for new and different places to detect. Recently I was informed that your home is built on the former site of an old city park and I am hoping that you might consider allowing me to try my luck there sometime in the near future.
I have been engaged in this hobby for XXX and find it a healthful, enjoyable, pastime that allows me to meet a lot of interesting people. The thrill of finding old and interesting items such as coins, jewelry, buttons, knives, etc., never ceases to be a joy. I always respect the property that I am allowed to search and leave it in the same condition that I found it. I do no noticeable digging. A screwdriver is my only tool (used to pry objects to the surface). On occasion I may be required to use my hunting knife to cut a slit in the ground or to cut a small plug, which will leave no noticeable damage to your property. I assume all responsibility and liability while metal detecting on your property. I also agree to abide by any restrictions or stipulations that you may make in regards to accessibility to the area in question and I promise never to bring anyone with me.
I am sure you feel this to be a rather unusual request, considering that you do not know me personally. If you desire, I can supply you with references, both personal and business in nature. I would naturally prefer meeting you in person, but feel that a letter before hand is a much better vehicle to convey my request rather than just knocking on your door and invading your privacy. Enclosed please find a self addressed stamped envelope so that you may reply in the same manner should it be more convenient for you. If I do not hear from you in a week or two I will stop by your residence and introduce myself. Another plus, should you allow me to detect your property, is if you have lost anything of value in the past on your property, I will be more than happy to try to locate it for you.
I will respectfully understand if you wish to refuse this request. Whatever you decide please understand that I appreciate your time and trouble. Thank you so much.
Sincerely,
John Doe
Tel. XXX-XXX-XXXX

 

[Uncle Willy]

The second one is mine. I'd almost forgotten what I wrote. It has been a day or two.

Bill