Had an idea . . . .

[DirtDigger]

Okay, this came to me after reading PortraitArtist's post about trying to find a wedding ring that someone listed as lost on CraigsList. I was thinking of putting an ad on CraigsList in the Wanted section about wanting to find some places to metal detect in my area and specifically looking for old homesteads or home sites where there used to be a house or old gathering places/tent revivals/military campsites and that sort of thing. I thought perhaps someone might read that and think "Hmmm, I could let that person detect at that old abandoned house on the back of my farm" or "My house is over 150 years old, maybe he could find something in our yard". Does this sound like something might come out of it? Would anyone have any suggestions on how to word this? I'm not real comfortable with just going up and knocking on someone's door and asking permission to detect around their place so I thought this might be an option.
Thanks everyone!
DirtDigger Paul

[MinelabMan]

I thought before of doing something similar and also offering to find anything that the owners had previously lost.

I think it's a good idea but there is a risk involved so be careful. You don't know who's responding and where they might lead you.

[dave]

i know what you mean about going up and asking , i'm struggleing with that right now about an old house right next to one i'm detecting today , i've asked other people and they usually say yes , just go ahead and ask , all they can say is no, tell them of the proccess you use , assure them you leave no mess and give them a coin from the yard after you look, i take some indian head pennys with me that i have a bunch of and i tell them i found it in their yard even if i have found nothing at all, most the time they are amazed and very happy,as most people have never seen an indianhead penny. Good manners and a hearty handshake can do wonders. good luck and good hunting.

[INDY]

Dave has the right approach on this subject. I've heard of other memebers on here doing the same thing....its a great idea to get more permisson to do other locations.

[JCWhite]

I think everyone has a time with this part of our hobby. Especially at first. Yesterday I got my nerve up and went to a home that is located beside an old schoolhouse. I new that the owners of the property lived near the school but was not sure which house. I knocked on the door and heard several dogs barking. I immediately felt uneasy but held my ground. A very old lady came to the door and gave me a toothless smile so I asked if Mrs X was around. She told me to come in and she would get her. She came back in a bit and said she would be out in a min. I explained that I did not want to bother anyone but was just stopping by to chat. The old lady said she needed to get up anyway so have a seat. I spent a few min talking with this wonderful lady and she told me that she had lived in this house for 46 years and was 42 when she moved in. In a few minutes the owner came out and I introduced myself and started talking about our hobby. I asked for permission to hunt the school yard and was not given it right then. I explained how I would only be there during the day and would leave no mess or holes and take any trash away that I found. Finally she said it would be alright and I am hunting it Saturday. I will keep them informed about how Ido and if I had a IH would show them that cause I agree with Dave about them being as excited as I would be. This is the 3rd time I have gone to the owners home and asked permission. I have been lucky and got it each time but have promised myself that I would not be upset if denied. It is getting a bit easier and I will sure be going back to them another day and seeing if I can hunt their yard. This school was active between 1906 and 1960. JC

As to your question Dirtdigger, I am not sure how the craiglist notice would do.

[pris]

I think that's a pretty neat idea, depending on where you live... Definitely be aware that there are a bunch of bad people out there who just want to mess with others. I'm not sure what wording you could use...

JC, that's a great story about the older lady. Maybe you could take her something nice for her trouble. Take the dogs a snack or somethin'? Maybe you have some new friends out of the deal. Very nice!

[EPC Guy]

I think posting a small ad on Craig's List or something similar would probably work - but Minelabman is right in saying "be careful"...while the majority of the people are no worries - by posting an ad you're telling anyone who wants to call you that you'll be coming to their place with expensive equipment to possibly dig up something of value...be careful and let us know how it works out , should you decide to place the ad...HH!

[DirtDigger]

Well, now that I mentioned it, maybe that isn't such a good idea. Thanks for the advice and words of caution - and I think I'm just going to suck it up and start knocking on doors and trying the friendly approach!

[JCWhite]

I am going to take them some Kleenex Sat morn Pris. We think alike

[cntrydncr1]

I have posted ads several times asking for places to detect. The first time I was asked to help find grave markers in a cemetary and then I would be able to detect the church property. I have been there twice and found 9 of their markers for them and lots of trash. A few neat relics found.

The second property was offered if I could help locate a missing bracelet. I searched unsuccessfully for the bracelet, found some clad and a few relics I gave to the homeowner.

It can be a good source as others have found.