Permission or Not?

[mcb613]

Here's one for you permission buffs. I inquired about a 1700 meeting house property to obtain permission. The caretaker mentioned he had been asked this question before. He followed by saying " we'd rather not, but if I don't see you..." Also, told me not to mention I spoke to him about it. It is in an old very small town, with passing cars occasionally. The good thing is that it has some foliage cover. What would the concesus do? I thinking about hunting it, but also wondering of an excuse if i get questioned by someone locally. Please follow up with thoughts. HH, Mike

 

[terrywl]

It's permission, just kind of half a$$ed. I have had that happen to me also.

 

[flashtone]

I would go in late at night, with a headlamp and only turn it on when digging. the backlight screen makes it nice for night hunts.

 

[pointer80]

I have also had this happen a few times. Once a park derector told me that there was a ordinance against detecting in the city parks so he could not give me any info on the parks that would assist me in detecting then he said "but, I will tell you the cops are way to busy with other crimes to worry about metal detectors in the park but you didnt hear that from me and have fun". Also had a couple real estate agents at repoed houses tell me the bank that owned the property were from half way around the country and told me good luck. If anybody questioned me I would just tell them you thought the state or county owned the property and just apoligize and leave.

 

[DirtyDeedsDugDirtDeep]

Mike, If I was you.....
I'd get up at the crack of dawn and get your detecting done as much as possible before anybody's out and about.
That has always been my successful M.O.
Now if some one does come along (pray it ain't the preacher) and gives you grief, you can apologize and indicate that the property wasn't posted against trespassing or anything else so you thought it was alright and you've been real good about covering your holes and removing trash.
Make sure you show them a handful of aluminum junk (even if you only brought it with you from someplace else).That might impress them with your cleanliness!

I had an incident recently where I stopped at an old church picnic grove that I hunted 30 years ago.
I broke my golden rule and went on a weekday evening.
Sure enough,here comes the local cops patrolling the area just as I pulled in.
I looked at them,they looked at me and I figured I better go say HI and explain what I was doing before I did any detecting.
They were very nice and informed me I was on private property and that even though I could probably get away with being there once since it wasn't posted, it would be better if I contacted the caretaker or church minister and get official permission.
The officer gave me his business card and said if I have any trouble getting in touch with someone,he could try and get a hold of somebody for me.
It was all very civil, but the point is if I would've went early in the morning , there probably wouldn't have been a soul around and I could've detected in peace and nobody would've been the wiser.

Report back if you found anything good or if we need to post bail !

 

[Djay-Mo]

I always get 100% permission to hunt any private property,it just wouldn't be fun for me having to look over my shoulder or worry about someone catching me.Besides its better for our hobby and gives people a perspective of being honest.
If they say no, go some place else or depending how bad you want to hunt it maybe offer some cash.

 

[1goldsniper]

I would not feel comfortable detecting there. With the feeling like was mentioned you have to keep looking around to see if anyone is watching you. Not enjoyable but stressful. Besides you might be getting the care taker in trouble. Even though he gave his thoughts.

 

[jmaryt]

go for it! all they can do is say "no" and ask ya to leave!
IF they do that,leave and never go back!..just sayin'

(h.h.!)
j.t.

 

[iflyone2]

I like the fact you would have a pouch full of trash. The worst they would probably do is tell you to leave.

 

[pasttom]

I am not a fan of sneaking while detecting. I have never been really yelled at (yet). I almost always hunt with permission. Sometimes though I am drawn to a park or tot lot or... and just can't get anyone reasonable to ask. I bought a reflective vest to use thinking that wearing a red flag won't raise as many. I got sort of paranoid for awhile so I made myself go detect the street side dirt around the corner from the Sheriff's station. After several days and many hours no one has said a word. I also went down and did the curbside at the local school maintenance yard. Again no one said a thing. I went by on a Saturday and they were fencing in the other side of the sidewalk (I hunted that too) and had dug up several post holes and left the dirt open. I couldn't resist and stopped to check the fresh turned ground. The head of maintenance came rushing out wanting to know where I was from. After a minute to clarify I learned he was afraid I was EPA or something and when he found I was a 'hobbyist' he could have hugged me he was so relieved!
Well, we all have to find our comfort levels and 'faint heart never won fair maiden'- whatever that means!
Tom

 

[jmaryt]

if you have "faint heart" in this hobby,ya gonna be wanting!
better to "push" yourself,and make the effort required,as opposed to feeling
regret later on...just sayin'

(h.h.!)
j.t.