I took out an add...

[swizzle]

In a small town local newsletter. Let me know what you think and if you think this will work.

Wanted: prperty owners permission to search cellar holes, stone walls, and old well sites. Searching for coins and relics of historical significance. (will split finds with owner) Call me at 123-4567 and leave a name, phone #, and a short message and I'll get back to you as soon as possible.

In the winter a 1000+ people read this monthly paper in the summer maybe 10,000 or more. Jason

[morestuff!]

Thought about this for awhile. Just be careful as to who you are dealing with. You never know who is going to answer your ad or what their expectations will be. When the possibility of finding money comes into play, it can bring out the worst in some people.

Also, you state that you will split finds with owner. Have to be careful about that. Such arrangements are of course sometimes necessary. But, what happens if you find one good item and a bunch of junk? Will they want you to sell your finds then split any profits? What if you find something that needs research to determine if it has any value? Will the owner feel they have a stake in your finds and insist on monitoring your every move? Kind of takes the fun out of a leisurely search if someone is looking over your shoulder. It takes the "hobby" out of it and may affect how other detectorists in your area are viewed. All are quite possible.

Then again, since you advertised for permission, does this imply any liability if something is damaged? Also, if you do find something, your ad may put you on the taxmans radar. While it's doubtful you will run into any trouble, still gives you pause to think it over.

These are just my opinions. I hope it does work out for you. Still personally prefer researching potential sites and approaching the owner through a well written letter or mutual acquaintence.
Good luck with your hunting!

[swizzle]

I figure if I get anyone to respond then I'm doing good. I think I'm just as interested in finding out who owned the property and any info I can get on there daily life and a tall tale or two as I am about the actual field work. I'm going to do it this way. I will right off the bat explain that most people that had "a" cache didn't have much money as it was. I don't want to get their hopes up and I won't talk about the people on this forum and that who struck it rich. If I see the person is going to be trouble then I have a back out plan. I'll talk to him/her for a bit and tell them that I was overwhelmed with calls. Therefore I'm only hunting a select few and I'm going to have to be picky. Then I'll access the property and after making my final decisions I will get back with them. After all it can take me a few weeks to completely check over a piece of property. Also with the changing seasons the soil turns and new coins come closer to resurrection so revisiting sites will be common. If I can't hold a decent conversation with a person then that'll be my first red flag. Most folk in this neck of the woods aren't well off so splitting the finds in their favor would and will not bother me. I'm in it for the sport and I only want to bring the old back to the public by donating some relics (with a small report as to what it is and which property it came from) to a local museum. If I strike it good then happy day it will be but I don't expect to get rich off this sport just some happiness and fresh air and good conversation with the local folk. If I'm wrong to think this way then I'll be wrong forever. Happy hunting. Jason

[morestuff!]

Jason,
Sounds like you have a solid back-plan worked out. Glad you planned ahead. I just thought I'd better play "devil's advocate" in case you missed anything.

Please keep us appraised on this method works out. I am interested in the results.

Good luck in the field!
Ed

[morestuff!]

Geez... I forgot an entire word in the last post!

Please keep us appraised on HOW this method works out.

[JohnWPA]

Hi Jason

I tried the same idea a few years ago in a local free press that served several thousand residents....the only call I received was from a fellow detectorist wanting to know if I got any response from my ad!?!?!?!?!?!

I wish you all the best and hope it works for you!!
John

[swizzle]

Got my first call today. Woman claims to have the oldest house in her town. She wants me to contact her in the summer. Sounds like a good shot. Jason

[morestuff!]

Good luck and please let us know how it works out.

[smudger]

I send out letters to landowners,heres one below

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



My name is xxx, I’m xxx of age and I have been engaged in the hobby of metal detecting for a number of years. I find it an enjoyable pastime that allows me to relax, meet many interesting people as well as increasing the local knowledge of what happened in the parish’s history, I would like to obtain permission for myself and a friend to detect on your property.
In addition, I would like to offer my services to you. Perhaps you or someone you know has lost a piece of jewellery or a farm tool. I would be willing to assist just for the sake of the search and would not expect permission as a condition of trying to find the lost item.

I have enclosed a self-addressed envelope for your convenience and would be happy to meet with you if further discussion is required. I also include my telephone number, should this me more convenient to you.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Yours sincerely,

[Gregory]

Very well written Smudger, thanks for sharing this with us. I will print this out and use it in the future