Metal Detecting Permission – Soften the Cold Knock

Many of us are fairly successful at getting metal detecting permission to hunt new locations.  Veteran detectorists see it as a numbers game, knock on 10 doors, get 7 Permissions. Others are afraid of the rejection of door knocking. They end up detecting the same sites again and again, because they are afraid to ask permission.

If you’re  already successful in asking for permission, by all means, continue what you’re doing. If not, here are some concepts that you can use for either situation.

  • So how do you get permission without asking?

Networking  Can Soften the Door Knock

Networking with others in the hobby, joining metal detecting clubs, or other groups can soften the otherwise awkward situation of asking permission.  Using this approach carries a substantially lower risk of rejection than knocking on cold doors the old fashioned way. At a minimum you’ll have a referral to name drop someone that the landowner already knows.

Make Them Say No to Your Face

Always ask permission in person, never through phone calls or email. Both are impersonal, and in most instances you’ll be treated like a telemarketer or spammer. It’s too easy for them to simply say “No.” Make them say no to your face, it’s more personal, and you are more likely to get permission once you ease their minds about what it is you want to do.  Think about it from their perspective, which approach would you rather someone use when asking to detect your property?

Dress Appropriately – Don’t look like a bum

Dress casually, but not as if you just crawled off the couch after last nights rock concert. Remember, you are asking a lot of a property owner to allow you on his property, wandering around digging holes in his yard, so dress appropriately for the situation.

Bring a small collection of the types of finds you’re hoping to find, and show the property owner what it is that you’re looking for.  It will open a line of communication and explain better to a home owner what metal detecting is.  Leave your metal detector and other gear in the car, remember you haven’t gotten permission, yet.

 


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Casually Introduce Yourself.

Next, simply introduce yourself.  Let the property owner know that you’ve researched the property, or at least the local area with the goal of building rapport with the property owner.

If the property owner sounds interested and engages you in conversation,  listen while they’re talking  and you will likely get permission because of the way you approach them. Most appreciate the conversation which makes it less awkward for them to say yes to you metal detecting their property.

As a last resort, if they don’t offer you permission, man up and ask. Want to increase your odds of getting a yes by 50%? Just Ask! Remember, it’s 100% a NO if you don’t ASK!

You don’t have to make it complicated, ask something simple like “Have you ever wondered what was in Your yard? Would you mind if I scan it with my  metal detector?”

Final Thoughts:

Using these basic techniques can help turn a No into a Yes without all of the awkwardness of cold knocking on doors. Increase your odds by simply asking if all else fails, remember its definitely a No if you don’t ask! Good luck my friends.



This article includes affiliate links where as an amazon influencer I receive a commission for qualified purchases through the amazon affiliate program.


 

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Arkansas Metal Detecting Q&A

Recently I received an email from a subscriber that asked a few questions about metal detecting in Arkansas. In an effort to help other who may have the same questions, I’ll answer in part here.

I Found your website looking for places to hunt in Arkansas. Nice site. Just ordered new detector and waiting arrival. Arkansas doesn’t seem to be detector friendly so I guess most of my hunting will have to be private land.

First, Thank You for the visit!  Arkansas is metal detector friendly and the ordinances vary from city to city.  For the most part, I’ve not had issue metal detecting anywhere in Arkansas when following the laws and ordinances.

Each location will vary in what is allowed. but, for the most part, Public places like parks dont have issue with metal detecting, as long as you follow a code of ethics buy replacing the plug after you retrieve a target and taking the junk you find with you and properly disposing of it.

Every parks department has a website, and a phone number, I have found parks superintendents to be approachable and understanding of our hobby.  Check out your county parks website, find the local ordinances, and if still confused, give them a call and simply ask. Be respectful, explain that you always leave the area better than you found it, and that you appreciate the opportunity to detect in your parks.

Checking to see if I can detect in Crooked Creek as son lost ring there.

That would depend on the specific location where the ring was lost. I would imagine if you simply went and looked for it, and most likely if asked, no one would mind after explaining the situation.  If in a park, just let the office know that you lost the ring and plan to search for it.

Information is somewhat confusing. “You can detect but can’t dig anything older than 100 years, how do I know how old until I dig?”

No one is going to search your finds pouch to see how old the coins are.  You don’t have to declare your finds anywhere in this state.  It’s easy actually, I just never find coins older than 99 years old hahaha!

Thanks for the questions! They are always welcome and appreciated! Happy hunting!


 


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