| Metal detecting is a great outdoor activity and | | | | percent of your findings or you may just tell |
| there are many public places to hunt for riches. | | | | them that if you find anything of value or |
| But, there are times when you may want to | | | | something that the owner may have previously |
| detect on private property. To do this, you really | | | | lost you will hand it over. |
| should get permission. | | | | If you have more than one metal detector, you |
| There are a few ways for you to ask for | | | | can offer to have the homeowner metal detect |
| permission and some work better than others. | | | | along with you. This serves a couple of purposes. |
| One way to ask for permission is to write letters | | | | They get to participate and keep an eye on you |
| to homeowners and explain what you want to do. | | | | and you get to introduce them to the hobby. |
| This is one of the least effective ways to ask. | | | | It is also a good idea to hand out business cards |
| Most will just toss your letter in the trash even if | | | | even if the people tell you no. They may have a |
| it is well written and includes a self-addressed | | | | change of heart later on or may need your |
| stamped envelope. | | | | services if they lose something of value. |
| Another ineffective way to ask permission is to | | | | Do not get discouraged if people tell you that you |
| cold call on the telephone. This is worse than | | | | cannot detect on their property. Thank them and |
| writing letters as it is too easy to say "No" on the | | | | move on to the next property. |
| telephone. You will most likely come across as a | | | | Once you do get permission, ensure that you fill |
| salesperson and people do not like to be disturbed | | | | all of your holes, remove all of the trash, and |
| on their phone. | | | | leave the area nicer than when you arrived. |
| The best way to ask for permission is in person. | | | | You can also ask people that allowed you to |
| But, there is a right way and a wrong way to | | | | detect on their property to recommend friends |
| ask. | | | | or relatives. Having a recommendation goes a long |
| The right way is to dress presentably with neat | | | | way. |
| pants and shirt, no hat or sunglasses, and do not | | | | So, get out and start asking if you can detect in |
| have your detector in on hand and a shovel in the | | | | that old church, 100 year old farm, or the turn of |
| other. | | | | the century schoolhouse. You will get some |
| Identify yourself and explain what you would like | | | | rejection but you will also get some that give you |
| to do. You may want to include some local history | | | | permission and you may find that you are the |
| as one of the reasons you want to hunt on this | | | | first person to have ever detected at that site. |
| property. Ensure that you will not be destructive | | | | Remember, too, that hunting on private property |
| and you will clean up any trash you find. | | | | can be considered trespassing and you may get |
| You may have to offer an incentive to your | | | | arrested, fined, and have your precious metal |
| prospect. For example, you may offer fifty | | | | detecting equipment confiscated. |