Metal Detecting the Ozark Mountains

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.

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