Seeking Permission To Detect

I’m always one to look at the big picture, and when asking someone’s permission to detect on their property, you really need to understand “the big picture”, in order to better ready yourself for the task at hand. “And what is the “Big picture?”, I hear you ask.  Well, in this instance it’s quite simple:

You are a complete stranger asking another stranger to enter onto their property to dig holes in the hope of finding treasure. (We’ll talk about that word ‘treasure’ in a minute).

That’s it in a nutshell.  Quite insane at face value when you think about it. But it is a task we detectorists must do on a regular basis, because without it we would all be destined to detect in our own backyards, or that of relatives and friends.  I don’t know about you, but I do not know too many people who own property that is of historical interest. And that’s why it is important that you give the right impression from the get-go in order to better your chances of securing the permission of strangers.

So, here’s how I believe you should go about doing that.

Ambassadorship

This is something you must keep in mind at all times when conducting any business as a metal detectorist, be it asking for permissions or conducting a hunt… you are in fact representing all metal detectorists, everywhere.  And this is something not to be taken lightly!  You are an ambassador of the hobby.  How you act can, and will, reflect on all of us.  It would not be the first time that a permission was refused because of the thoughtless behavior of another detectorist.  Depending on how you act can either positively or negatively affect your chances of receiving the go-ahead that you are looking for.  In other words, be professional.  When asking someone for permission to detect on their land, treat it as you would a job interview, (an analogy that I will use, where appropriate, throughout this post).

Do Your Homework

Would you show up for a job interview without having researched the company you are applying to? Probably not I would bet. Why? Because you know that you are going to be asked your reason(s) for wanting to work for Joe and Jane Doe Enterprises. And your reply of “Because your building looks really cool!”, is a guaranteed way to get the ‘don’t call us we’ll call you’ farewell as you are ushered out the door.    The same applies here.  Asking farmers, or anyone for that matter, if you could detect on their land, for no particular reason other than you have a metal detector and they have a field that you like the look of, may not get you the desired result.  It could, but the chances are slim.  On the other hand, if you have taken the time to conduct some historical research of that particular piece of land and discovered a good reason to detect there, such as an old settlement, then you have a better chance of convincing the property owner to allow you onto the property.  Additionally, you have also presented yourself with a good reason for wanting to detect there in the first place. By the way, if you haven’t clicked on it already, the link above will take you to my post on how to conduct historical research. 

Dress Appropriately

First impressions are important and are lasting.  You have but one chance to make a good first impression and only a few seconds to make it in, so make the best of it.

At face value this sounds absurd, and I get it. We’re talking about asking for permission to detect after all.  Unfortunately, regardless of the situation, the reality is that we are all judged, in essence, by the way we look and the way we act.  You may be thinking that it’s unfair! I get it, but that’s life, and the sooner we wrap our heads around it, the sooner we can move on and prepare for it.  You’re not going to get anywhere by burying your head in the sand.  Now, you may not like some of the things I bring up here, and you can choose to ignore my advice, but at the end of the day you will come across someone who will judge you at face value.  Sure, there will be times when you are out detecting that someone drops by to see what you are doing, perhaps with a view to offering you a permission for their property, and you look as grubby as get out. Well, there’s nothing you can do about that, except woo them over by your politeness and knowledge. After all, you’re knee-deep in a farmer’s field for goodness’ sake! No, I’m not talking about those occasions here.  This about you approaching the property owner, and what you can do to put yourself in a better light.  So, take a deep breath and let’s get on with it. 

As I said earlier, no one expects you to show up in a business suit and dress shoes. As the title says, Dress Appropriately.  A clean pair of trousers, such as jeans, cargo-pants, slacks, etc. Is called for, along with a suitable casual shirt or t-shirt should do the trick.  When wearing cargo pants or similar multi-pocketed leg coverings, do not have the pockets bulging with assorted tools and accoutrements, the same goes with your belt.  As far as t-shirts go, the plainer the better.  No rude comments, images, political affiliations or mention of treasure hunting, (yes, we’ll talk about that word ‘treasure’ in a minute), should adorn your shirt.  If there are any of these on your shirt, then hide them under your jacket.  Remember, we don’t want to offend anyone.  If you have tattoos and/or piercings, oh yes, I’m going there, then cover up the tats and remove the piercings if they are visible.  There we go, I’m sure you get my point by now, and that there is no need for me to continue with this section. For the record, I have an awesome tattoo of a Knights Templar on my arm.  

Initial Contact

Before we talk about the face-to-face you’ll have with the landowner, let’s take a quick look at how you can go about making this meeting happen. 

After you have done your historical research and found a location that you are chomping at the bit to detect, you’ll have to contact the landowner.  If you have used Google Maps as suggested in my Historical Research post, you may already know the name of the farm, its phone number, email address and the name of the contact person.  You can also get some or all of this information from a phone book, local business directory, library, word of mouth or simply by just driving to the location itself and speaking directly with the landowner.  Keep in mind, that Farmers are extremely busy, and may not get back to you for days, weeks or at all.  If you are driving to the location, go to the farmhouse even if you see the farmer working in the field.  Do not enter the field especially if equipment is being used, as this could be extremely dangerous.  Another two good reasons for not entering the field are; you may damage the crops, and that you will be trespassing.  Not good! 

Regardless of how you did it, you are now at the point where you will be introducing yourself, either in writing (letter or email), or verbally (phone or face to face).  Don’t think for a second that writing or telephoning will get you out of the face to face, because it won’t.  The whole point of the initial contact is to briefly introduce yourself, and to request a meeting. We’ll take a look at the telephone call, you can base a letter or email along the same lines as the conversation. Something like this should do:

Hello, I’m hoping to speak with (name of landowner). Is this a good time?

Let’s pretend that it is a good time.

Great!  My name is (state name), and I am a bit of a history enthusiast, and in my research I’ve found something of great interest to me regarding one of your fields.  Is there anyway we could meet to discuss the possibility of you granting me permission to metal detecting this field? I do appreciate that you are busy, and that this somewhat of an unusual call, but I am sure if you could spare some time to meet, I will be able to explain further the reason for my request, and answer any questions you may have…

Now, the aforementioned is based on my approach.  I am a bit of a history enthusiast. But if you are not, then reword it.  Do not lie or exaggerate, stick to the truth.

Regardless of the method used, if the landowner has not got back in touch with you within two or three weeks, I would try again.

The Face to Face

If things have worked out well for you and you’re on your way to a meeting with the landowner, then Congratulations! But don’t get cocky, you haven’t secured permission yet.  Keep in mind the big picture previously mentioned.  All you have done at this point in time is to have peeked the interest of the landowner.  (S)he is only meeting with you to hear what you have to say, and to see if you are the sort of person they want on their property.  Probably the latter being foremost in their mind.

So it’s time for the face to face.

You have arrived exactly at the agreed upon time, and have dressed appropriately.  You have not come bearing gifts as this could be seen as a feeble attempt at bribery. But, you have however, brought the landowner a copy of your historical research to show that you are the genuine article.  And you have not come toting your metal detector either as this would be a show of overconfidence, and nobody likes that.  You have also dropped the word ‘treasure’ from your vocabulary, because you are not really looking for treasure, are you.  Unless, you are specifically following the trail of hidden or suspected treasure, you are really looking for relics or a coin or two, with the hope of finding something better. And if you happen to come across a cache of jewelry or coins, then that’s just luck. Great! But just luck.  Keep it honest.  Also. you will at all times during your meeting, remain polite, civil and appreciative of the time the landowner has given to you, regardless of the outcome.

During the meeting, you will let both your experience and your research talk for itself.  If you do not have much time in as a detectorist, or even if you do, let your research and enthusiasm shine through.  Be honest about your experience when/if asked.  You know the specs and capability of your equipment, talk a little bit about that and your technique, but don’t drone on.  Talk to the landowner, not at them.  Ask about his/her historical knowledge of the property.  Reassure them you will leave the land as you found it, with any hole dug being refilled, and any gate opened, being reclosed.  Also give assurance that if you find anything of value, you will happily share with them 50% of the value, or whatever is agreeable to both parties.  If you plan on having one or two colleagues assist you in the hunt, ask the landowner if they are okay with that.  If not, then give your honest assurance that it will only be you then. If you have secured any references from other landowners who have allowed you access to their property, this would be a good time to produce them.

If permission is obtained, you need to know the landowner’s expectations, such as:

• When you can start detecting
• Where exactly you are allowed to detect
• What areas you will not have access to
• Time of day you can start and time you must be finished by
• Is the permission on-going (during the right season) or must it be renewed annually
• Should you give notice before you come back on property
• Should you report to someone each time you arrive on or leave the property
• Can you use drones and/or video recording equipment when you are detecting

These are just a few considerations that you should iron out before you begin to detect on the property.  The last thing you need is to get on the wrong side of the landowner by doing something unexpected, and end up losing your permission to be there.

Showing Your Appreciation

The easiest thing you can do to show your appreciation, other than saying thank you, is stick to the agreed upon expectations.  Other things you can do, is offer your services as a metal detectorist should they lose a piece of jewelry, etc. in the future.  This is a nice one to offer even if permission was not given as it may provide you with a way in in the future. Offer the landowner the opportunity to “have-a-go” with your detector, while you are there of course. Send a Xmas card or a thank you card for that matter.  Basically, anything nice you can think of without going overboard.

Conclusion

There are no guarantees in life.  But you can stack the odds in your favor by doing your homework, being professional, and most of all being honest and considerate.  If you are all of these when pursuing your interest in metal detecting, then not only are you being an Ambassador of the hobby, you are helping detectorists everywhere in their goal of obtaining the permission of strangers.