Metal Detecting 101: Getting That Permission

I'm taking a break from digging videos this week to share some techniques and tools that you can use to get that coil onto some private soil!

[@jerrydineen2827]

Detecting 101. A fantastic job Bri, I never thought about the form or signs, but that alone would make any home owner relax a little.

[@TrooperBri]

That's what I hope Jerry. If a home or property owner sees you're willing to take those steps voluntarily, they'll see you're serious about what you do and not just there to bean opportunist.

[@1LWiLNY]

Great Viedo Bri! Yeah, I definitely agree that the midwest is a bit easier on detectorists when it comes to asking permissions.

[@TrooperBri]

Thanks Wil. Hope you're having good luck. I'm doing OK this year with getting permissions by working town pages on social media. They've been hit previously, but it's better than not getting permissions. I've got some digging vids coming out in 2-3 weeks.

[@1LWiLNY]

@@TrooperBri thanks man! My white whale is a gw. Do you find it when you least expect it?

[@TrooperBri]

The site I found the GW at was along a long colonial road with multiple homes along it. As well, the site itself had two cabins, and signs of prosperity. In situations like that it's really not that surprising to find items like GW buttons. But it is always amazing.

[@diggerdame4709]

Lots of fantastic info Bri. Will definitely apply these tips. Asking permission can be tough enough but with the right tools on the belt it should go a bit easier.

[@TrooperBri]

Thanks Damian. The hobby cards and being open and honest with property owners is usually enough, but you never know. Cover those bases!

[@deepdiggerduo2920]

Excellent video Bri. Some very good tips and advise. I like the sign idea for big private permissions. I also agree, about letting the owner know that you dig holes. We've probably all had that owner come running out when you stick that digger in the ground for the first time. I tell them more for my comfort level, knowing that they're cool with it be I dig. Great job and Thanks for the Shout Out. We appreciate it.

[@TrooperBri]

Glad to shout you guys out. In your area, permissions are key to getting in hunts, and you do it well. While putting this vid together I saw Hiluxyota post his permission vid. He does well too.

[@bharley57west38]

Very well done Bri. Respect for the homeowner and the hobby goes a long way.

[@TrooperBri]

It certainly does Bharley. The Foggy Field owners invited me into their home to sit down and look at what I was after, and my hobby card went right on their fridge. I still need to go back there and show them what was found at that spot as we want to hit two more of their fields when haying season is over.

[@thehooverboys]

Nice work Brian! Really good information about permissions. Love the signs. Think that's a great touch. Good luck!

[@TrooperBri]

You guys have been doing real good with the permissions since Walmart closed. I'd have never thought of the signs unless I had approached the park director for that big permission.

[@thehooverboys]

Thanks! We have some really good finds coming up.

[@ryansmith9847]

Fantastic job on this. You covered all the bases. The sign is a nice touch also. I'm sharing.

[@TrooperBri]

Thanks Ryan. Feel free to share and borrow anything from the vid. Someone in the Stealth Diggers group had some fancy signs made up based on mine when I posted these tips earlier this year.

[@gailoursler2750]

I have watched this two time now, Brian !!! There is such great advice for a new digger like me and my hubby!!! Thank you for the help !!! Will be making the cards up , the sign, and the permission sheet. The law with owning property is sometimes a little effffy, and people now a days are scared of strangers knocking on your door. Oh, I forgot, there is something that I thought of that might be even a good idea for showing the care of a homeowners grounds. Take a sprinkler can ( for water ) and go back to all the holes dug and give the ground a good soak. Promotes the grass growth again after the plug is replaced. Hey, that should blow any homeowners mind, that you care that much !!!!

[@TrooperBri]

I think as a couple you'll have good luck with permissions Gail. PM me with an e-mail address if you want the word file for the permission form.

[@watermain48]

Thanks Bri. I'm going to show this video at our Gem State Metal Club meeting this week.

[@TrooperBri]

I'm honored Bill, thank you. If you have any questions before showing the vid, I'll be happy to answer them.

[@SilverGorilla1776]

Great video!! Thanks for sharing your information. Just getting into the hobby. This helps a ton!! Thanks again!

[@SilverGorilla1776]

Subscribed also.

[@TrooperBri]

I hope it helps Eddie. Thanks for watching and thanks for subscribing. Much appreciated. Good luck, and hope you dig some great stuff!

[@jimgrisham6054]

good video Bri, I like the way you covered it!

[@TrooperBri]

I'm glad you liked it Jim. There's a lot of history under our feet waiting to be found. I hope everyone gets a chance to dig it!

[@obtucewillie]

Thanks Bri, very informative. One thing I do as a last resort if all else fails is to offer to let the land owner use my back-up machine. This has worked several times but it is my last resort and only if its an incredible property. Another thing I do is when I'm done I present a " gift" that I've found - a skeleton key, button, lock etc . Always thank them , dont just leave thats so important!! Lastly ask for leads - neighbors houses and whatnot. HH - Willie

[@TrooperBri]

Great points Willie. Thanks for posting them. Definitely never leave without showing your finds, gifting, and thanking. It helps for sure with leads, especially when they have your hobby card.

[@jimbonito3766]

Having a card and what you have printed on it is real smart Thank you Brian. I have a small heating and cooling biz ,I,m more fortunate than most in that Ive already built relationships with a lot of customers over the years .. some of have rental properties .. that now that I,m so deeply into this hobby I already have a friendly relationship with some of these people , it makes it easier I,m lucky in that respect ... buy the card is a must for me ... I,m gonna take your advise with that .. again Thanks The sign is such a great Idea ... your sharp Trooper Bri hahah that was a great video !

[@TrooperBri]

I've detected with a guy up in Massachusetts who's into real estate. He does real well with permissions to say the least. Thanks for the kind words DD!

[@susanbernardini8864]

That permission form an injury waiver. Wow just the thought of that could send homeowner's door closed in your face

[@TrooperBri]

Hi Susan, thanks for watching. I think maybe you're misunderstanding the purpose of the waiver. It is designed so that both parties agree that should the metal detectorist somehow become injured on the property while metal detecting, that the metal detectorist will not pursue any legal action against the property owner over said injury. It is rare that a property owner would bring this up, and it's a subject I wouldn't bring up. Nor would I initially approach a property owner with that form even on me since it is basically a Plan B item. Having said that, I'm currently in a discussion on Facebook where an incident of a property owner requiring liability insurance was brought up. Not many detectorists are going to take it that far by having that type of permanent coverage.

[@susanbernardini8864]

@@TrooperBri ...waiver is a great idea. I meant any thought of injury could scare a homeowner

[@susanbernardini8864]

@@TrooperBri ..thanks again for all the great info. I think my 1st step will be I.D. cards w flyers. Post around. See if I get calls for lost jewelry. Tools. Etc

[@susanbernardini8864]

Does progressive offer metal detectorist liability insurance. Lol

[@TrooperBri]

The subject is brought up rarely Susan since most people know what metal detecting is. I only bring up the subject and permission form in the vid to try and cover all bases. I've never needed the form, and honestly doubt I ever will. Which is odd considering how long I spent crafting it.

[@steveclark4291]

Thank you for the info ! I live in south central Kansas ! I'm also new to detecting .

[@TrooperBri]

One thing I forgot to mention in the vid is to make sure you are very good with cutting and replacing plugs before getting a permission. Unless you're just hitting farm fields, then it's less critical than someones lawn.

[@darnellhelloworldmetaldete9823]

Nicely said and done that sign is something very different that I think I'm going to have made and use great idea on the sign...loved the video.

[@TrooperBri]

Thanks for the kind words Darnell. I posted pics of the sign earlier this year on FB, and someone had a fancier version of it done. Hope this gets you all those permissions!

[@toddmass2210]

Great video, very informative for starting out with permissions!

[@TrooperBri]

Thank you Todd. Glad you enjoyed it. I've learned a lot from detecting in a short time. Figured I'd pay it forward to those getting in the hobby. The one thing I think I forgot to mention was to cut a 1000 plugs and become a lawn ninja before door knocking.

[@rizman08]

This was a super helpful video. Thanks so much!!

[@TrooperBri]

Thanks for watching rizman. Hope you score some killer permissions from it!

[@bartleylitts3112]

Great ideas Trooper Bri! Thank you.

[@TrooperBri]

You're welcome Bartley. Getting over the stigma of knocking on doors and getting comfortable with strangers is the hardest part, but it's not bad.

[@DuranSexton]

Here in Southeast Kentucky it gets a little tricky sometimes, but great tips. I never thought about the card. More than once I've been told to turn and get off of someone's property them with gun in hand. Part of it.

[@TrooperBri]

Yikes. That's not good, and a bit extreme. Gun laws are a bit tight up here, so people don't resort to pulling a gun unless necessary. Hope the cards help.

[@DuranSexton]

+Trooper Bri people have trust issues here.😂

[@sixtyfived5580]

I really appreciate this video!! It was very informative and usefully for an introverted recluse like myself. I’ve never gone and tried to get a permission because of having to actually talk to the person and not knowing how to approach the situation. This is just the video I need to be ready and feel confident when I approach that place I’m hoping to detect.

[@TrooperBri]

Practice makes perfect. You'll get more comfortable doing it after a few tries.

[@georgehawkes1740]

Very professional approach thank you for the great info especially the part about the owner following & taking everything a Q, detectorists dont like to think of or bring up in their videos IMO. Now subscribed. :)

[@TrooperBri]

Thanks George. This is my most watched vid by far. Thanks for subscribing! GL & HH!

[@mr.digger9375]

Good vid, Bri. I'll PM you for the permission form. You've convinced me to go ahead and get the cards.Thanks for posting. -Mr. Digger

[@TrooperBri]

Thanks Mr. Digger! Vistaprint also lets you upload photos if you want to get fancy and personal with them.

[@kimsinclair1279]

Thank you for the information! I'm just getting started with permissions so I have a lot to learn

[@TrooperBri]

You're welcome Kim. Glad to share it. Thanks for subscribing, and let me know how you make out with those permissions!

[@spectrumbill6775]

Great video Brian. If you wouldn't mind, I'd like to use it for training at the Eureka club. Solid information...well done.

[@TrooperBri]

I'd be honored Bill. What's mine is yours my friend. No need to ask. I'll e-mail you a copy of the permission form as well. It's a Microsoft word file that you can edit for prospecting versus metal detecting if needed.

[@crush3688]

Great information. I love the sign idea, vey professional.

[@TrooperBri]

Thanks Crush. Those signs are well-liked apparently.

[@petefloyd]

Super info Brian! Thanks for publishing!

[@TrooperBri]

I'm glad you liked it Pete. I don't do a lot of door knocking actually, but when I do I'd like to have the best odds possible.

[@jefffogle915]

Great info. Since I'm kinda new to hobby.. Less than a year.. To most I'm a newbie.. Thanks again👍

[@TrooperBri]

Thanks Jeff. I've been at it a little less than 5 years and still get called a newbie once in a while. Get out and get those permissions!

[@jefffogle915]

@@TrooperBri i did my first house permission a few weeks ago with my brother. He got back into hobby after a few year hiatus. SDN and the hover boy. Ampped me up enought to jump right in. Needed new hobby and wife health went south.. Phomonia almost took her. And now in wheelchair.. I take her to the local soccer fields to. Trying to get her first( shiney)..and a honeyhole school i find lots for jewelry at. And yes i will order card when i have free time at holidays. So all i can say it not for a bunch of you KZbin's i would be at whits end and sanity. For not to get out of house even for a hour or 3.great seeing donnie in the vids to. Keep them coming🎉🎆🎊👌

[@billofalltrades1468]

Great video

[@TrooperBri]

Thanks for watching Bill. I hope this vid gets people on some sweet finds.

[@billofalltrades1468]

@@TrooperBri actually just ordered cards tonight. I'm new, been digging parks for about 6 months honing my skills. I joined a metal detecting club in Dec. and I think I'm ready for private permissions. Your video was a great help, and KZbin of coarse the Hoover Boys and a few others.

[@TrooperBri]

@@billofalltrades1468 Once you can cut and replace plugs like a champ, hit those permissions. Those cards will definitely help for sure. GL & HH Bill!

[@forrestporch5333]

Thanks very good points and video! I am always nervous on permission requests...LOL...So any pointers are always welcome!!

[@TrooperBri]

I was nervous on my early permissions Forrest. The process to get permission for my big park happened like an interview in the Director's office. I'm in a new area with typical New England colonial settlements. I'll be banging on doors real soon.

[@ralphcossairt1476]

I am at the point in my area where I'm going to have to do some door knocking...but have really been dreading it. Your video has inspired me to get some cards made up, and get out there and do it. Gonna send you my e-mail address for the form. Great information and vidio....thanks Bri. HH

[@TrooperBri]

There's nothing to dread Ralph. Be honest, friendly, and open. You'll get turned down here and there, but at least you tried your best. Practice makes perfect too. Most of the clips in this vid took a handful of tries before they were worded to my satisfaction. I don't script anything, just bulletpoints on what I wanted to cover.

[@robertmoore203]

Thank you for the advice!! Nice work.

[@TrooperBri]

Thanks Robert. Hope it helps!

[@vinylss4337]

could you post the permission paper

[@westrokker]

Great great video , can I get a copy of the “detection agreement” that you showed?

[@TrooperBri]

I need an e-mail to send the file to JB.

[@westrokker]

@@TrooperBri [e-mail]

[@TrooperBri]

On the way J B. Hopefully you never need it.

[@parkeryates2679]

Hi Trooper Bri! I am just getting introduced to metal detecting. I would love it if you could email me a pdf of that waiver/permission document as well! My email is [e-mail]

[@yinzdetecting3401]

Great info and thanks for the video. I have been looking for a video like this

[@TrooperBri]

I hope this vid helps a lot of people break the ice and score permissions Yinz. There's a lot of goodies waiting on the other side of that fence.

[@RockyJayyy]

I found a quarter in my house from the 1860s or 1880s and now I can't find it 😢. I had it for like 15 years too.

[@TrooperBri]

Maybe in 100 years some lucky detectorist will find it.

[@Jaybird-oo3ih]

Great Tips TB, and Good luck this season! HH LFOD!!

[@TrooperBri]

Thanks Jay bird. It's my most watched video. That permission sign came with me today to my colonial Foggy Field permission.

[@jaredmcculloch9864]

Where can I find that permission form

[@TrooperBri]

That permission can be found in your e-mail inbox Jared. If only I knew where to send it....

[@dogismyco-pirate]

great info. you have a very informative channel happy to have found it. Cheers Nathan I run a Deus love it but leaves a little to be desired on the beach how are the whites on sand.

[@TrooperBri]

Thanks for the sub Nathan, it's much appreciated! I'm close to the ocean, but have only done one hunt with my V3i. It was just fine by the water's edge, or in the dry sand. The Deus XP is becoming a respected relic hunting machine in New England. I'd love to have one to play with.

[@josephnarynski2668]

Hello , can I download permission letter???? Canadian Northend Digger Joe

[@TrooperBri]

I don't have a site to download from Joe. I need an e-mail addy.

[@farmall1951c]

GREAT help bri...on permission slip does both parties get copy?

[@TrooperBri]

Good question! In the age of smart phones Mike, I figure the owner can hang onto the paper copy and I'd just take a pic of it. I'm not sure how often a permission form would actually get used in the real world, but it's something good to have. And who knows, once they see you're ready to go that far, maybe they'd just waive it and give you the permission.

[@jonworthen8891]

great advice ,,, thanks

[@TrooperBri]

Thanks Jon. Obviously from my vids I don't do a lot of door knocking, but I've rarely been turned away from this technique.

[@norwaydiggerinireland7441]

Excellent information. I would love to know if you can download that waver form anywhere?

[@TrooperBri]

I don't have it uploaded anywhere Norway Digger. Send me a PM on KZbin with an e-mail address (or reply here with it if you're brave) and I'll send you the file.

[@RandolphRelicRecovery]

Good morning Brian! I sub'd you after reading your post on Gypsy's channel. I am very interested in the M L Equinox and how it performs.

[@TrooperBri]

Hi Randolph. Where did you see me post? I'm not sure who Gypsy is.

[@eddiesmith282]

Great video! Can I get a copy of the permission form?

[@TrooperBri]

Be glad to Eddie. I need an e- mail address to send it to.

[@eddiesmith282]

[e-mail]

[@westrokker]

I actually live in Ohio . I googled “ oldest houses” where I live. There are tons of old homesteads built in 1830-1850. I was thinking of sending a letter to their home address asking for permission. Any advice for me ? You know people are reticent to answer door for strangers today..

[@TrooperBri]

Sending letters can't hurt, but the ol' door knock always wins. Just wear the mask and gopher it.

[@swordhand]

Great video, really helpful 👍 from me!

[@TrooperBri]

Glad to hear it helped Swordhand. There's a lot of history out there waiting to be saved still. Go get it!

[@craigtalley]

I enjoyed your video!

[@TrooperBri]

Thanks Craig. I hope it helps you get those permissions!

[@TrooperBri]

If anyone wants a copy of that permission form, send me a message on KZbin with an e-mail address and I'll send it to you.

[@rmbooker1]

Great video and good advice. Loved the coroplast sign, never thought about that. I've had the police called on me without confrontation by the neighbors. Would love to get a copy of your permission form. Please send to [e-mail]. Thanks again.

[@TrooperBri]

Sent you a copy Robert. Good luck, and hope it helps.

[@aarongroundofflansdowne6282]

Very helpful video. I'm a very introverted guy and find it nearly impossible to ask for permissions. These tools will go a long way towards my own comfort in this area. I'm going to get the cards and I would really appreciate a copy of your liability form. Thanks! [e-mail]

[@izakblack7039]

Ahoy from WMass! All great advice. I particularly like the business card idea. A couple years late I know, but I would love a copy of that form if possible [e-mail] Thanks again!

[@browncrcb]

I would like copy of permission form. Please and thank you. Browncr.cb@ g m a i l

[@CTTodd1]

Did you take my class ? Good video Bri

[@TrooperBri]

I actually meant to sit in on your class at DINE 2015, but got sidetracked Todd. You're definitely the Godfather of permissions here in CT. And it pays off, you get access to some great sites.

[@marcomilioli1934]

Is it true that if you detect a colonial home you have to return everything you find?

[@TrooperBri]

No. Private homes are just that, privately owned. What gets sorted out is between you and the land owner. If I were to get invited to dig at a site for a historical organization then I'd return everything obviously.

[@stephen12264]

Hey TB hey bud are you ever going to come back to the Stealth Diggers? Are you ever going to create anymore of your videos? Just checking to see what you are planning for in the near future. I am subscribed to your channel let me know if you are done with Stealth diggers and weather or not I should keep my subscription.

[@TrooperBri]

I'm still part of Stealth Diggers, still chat with Digger Charlie, and will be back Little E. Life gets in the way sometimes. This Covid thing plays a big part. When Charlie is comfortable inviting some of us who live farther away up to the Shack, I'll be there. Nobody misses my channel more than me. I worked hard to create what I did, and it hurts to see it idle. I do have one vid I can crank out, but you already saw it back in May or June on Stealth Diggers. The 1'st actually looks like a decent day in New England, and I have no plans. There's a cellar hole I want to hit, and hopefully 2021 will start with a relic.

[@rictrexell2118]

The points you make are good points, but a yellow text popped up that causes me to wonder about something. You say at a historical site, all property is turned over to the owner. Why even bother swinging a detector if you will not get anything from it? Spending an hour detecting and finding two pennies is a waste of time if you are going to just give them to the owner.

[@TrooperBri]

If I was invited, or the opportunity arose to recover relics for the intention of restoration and inclusion to a relevant historic property (not just tagged historic), I would gladly donate my time. And who is to say I won't get something from it? It's a foot in the door, just like a hobby card. Maybe the people who I recovered relics for know people who also have old property. Odd chances like that have gotten me relics in my displays.

[@maxwellbridgers1373]

i like that. i gone to get the card's maid good idea

[@TrooperBri]

Those cards work wonders Max. Good luck.

[@seated2774]

Great ideas and I totallu agree with having permission this would be a little too extreme for me to maybe find nothing at all or a couple of green Indians just because the house is old dosent mean you are gonna find anything you know within a short time of its gonna turn up anything and also its not good to give up too much information because then as was said you got them following you over the yard and theres nothing worse than that and you have headphones on and they are talking to you like you can hear them so you have to keep taking them off thats the most aggravating thing ever its pretty self explanatory one would think, then it just totally throws off concentration, or they let the dog out, etc I am just picky I guess and I cant see going overboard with doing all this when it could possibly turn into a nightmare. I usally know a person who knows a person I've found tossing names out there or finding some sort if tie is better than running blind why would I wanna spend all this time and money for a potentially stressed out day and no I am not saying it may always be like that but yes it has happened, ive been to pleanty of places that are older than old only to get permission and find out they have a foot of fill dirt from over years so you are digging memorials at 8-9" deep and I know for me it is very awkward knocking on just a random door you can't get everything you need to say out fast enough. Then you dont know if you are gonna be attacked by a massive gaurd dog, or gonna scare the shit outta someone might get shot, theres just too much room for failure, when I go out to detect I am going out to detect not to waste my day or be in a goofy situation thats why for me ive found it best to know soneone who knows someone or when you are driving home and see a farmer In the field of his tractor or what have you stop and ask then, then he says yes and doors are opening and you get to kinda know him shooting the shit you can get into his front yard then you can ask him about other farmers that who knows he might eat breakfast with or is related its a chain reaction, but as to just pull up to a random house in the country not for me why too awkward. This is just my thoughts only everyone has there ways I am just making suggestions to someone who might also feel awkward about random door knocking. Happy and Safe Hunting Everyone!

[@TrooperBri]

Permission research has its variables like cellar hole research DB. Spot signs of fill, dogs, and other issues and pass it by. I don't do random door knocking 95% of the time. I've driven by that property many times before I pull in. The other 5% is based on appearance. I don't do a ton of door knocking, but the times I do I've rarely been turned out. And that's what this video is about. Being ready for that opportunity to connect with a property owner.

[@seated2774]

@@TrooperBri Right on 👍

[@icywinterwind3219]

No way am I showing the homeowner what I find. The only stipulation they get is that any jewelry will be returned.

[@TrooperBri]

Since technically it's their property, I have no problem sharing my finds with them. And it's something I've discussed with them in advance. I think adding colonial history back to a colonial home is awesome. GL&HH Icy!

[@waylayin6159]

Wait a sec. What if you find a valuable coin? Do ya split it with em or something?

[@TrooperBri]

What I dig is property of the owner. I am 100% honest with what I am doing, and offer all my finds to the owner. Most folks aren't interested and I keep what I dig, but I have dug items at permissions and returned things that are personal to the family. And if you watch my Built in 1765 videos, I gave everything back to that owner. The longer I've been in the hobby, the more I'm satisfied with the finding versus the keeping.

[@blackcubeel2674]

ohio yay

[@TrooperBri]

Yay indeed. GL & HH in 2020!

[@paodigger644]

AWESOME IDEAS TY

[@neil6301]

You guys are ridiculous, this is the only hobby. Where you give out all your secrets to other people and make it harder to find things in the future. Because everything's been hit.......

[@TrooperBri]

Secrets? No. Advice, yes Neil. This hobby is 50 years old. Happy to share the basics I learned almost a decade ago. Persistence. Put in your time and you will be rewarded. Some of my videos showcase items I dug at pounded cellar holes the people that inspired me to detect missed in their hunts.