If you are successful in getting permission to search, remember to ask the property owner if there are historical locations on the property. This is important as you may not detect at an historical place or on land even if you have the property owner’s permission. There are no property's (land) in the U.S. that will not have an owner, either public or private. To be able to metal detect on these lands you may need the property owner’s permission and when ever possible it is best to get permission in writing (Private Property Only).

Remember that all National Park Lands, National Recreation Areas or any other Historical lands, monuments or building are off limits to metal detecting or even having a metal detector in your possession on these lands may be against the law.

Also many states, cities, school entities and counties have regulations that will make metal detecting against the law. In some cases there may be a requirement to get a metal detecting permit from a public agency.

If you are successful in getting permission to search, remember to ask the property owner if there are historical locations on the property. This is important as you may not detect at an historical place on the land (This may vary from State to State) even with the property owner’s permission.

DISCLAIMER:

The following permission letter is not a lawyer created metal detecting legal letter. If a MORE formal permission to metal detect letter is required you must contact a legal representative in your area.

Liability Waiver:

Please note the following concerning a liability waiver. Waivers maybe used between individual, however, if there is an injury or other issue that may arise insurance companies could get involved from either party. Insurance Companies will probably not honor any previously agreement made between the parties either oral or in writing.

Adobe .pdf Format: Download this form

MS Word .doc Format: Download this form

Informal Metal Detecting Agreement    

Agreement Dated: _________________

(1)   Owner: ______________________________________________

Address: _____________________________________________

Phone: _______________________________________________

Email: _______________________________________________

(2)  Hobbyist: ____________________________________________

Address: _____________________________________________

Phone: _______________________________________________

Email: _______________________________________________

1. The owners agree that the Hobbyist may use the property described below for the purposes of metal detecting

Starting on date: _________________ Time: ________________

Ending date: ____________________ Time: ________________

2. The Property is: _________________________________________________________________

     Access Way: ___________________________________________________________________

3. The Hobbyist is entitled to obtain access to the property over the access way as indicated in Item (2) and by no other route.

4. During this Agreement the Hobbyist is entitled:

(a)  to search for, examine and dig for items of buried metal or other materials, whether antique or modern, or any other items or objects including those specified as follows:

Other:_________________________________________________________________________________

(b) to use equipment agreed to by the owner for searching or digging.

Digging Equipment:______________________________________________________________________

(c)  to enter the property with the agreed mechanical /electrical devices for searching and /or digging on the property but for no other purposes.

Devices:________________________________________________________________________________

5. Either party can end this Agreement at any time by giving the other at least 24 hours notice.

or

If there is any breach or non-observance by the Hobbyist of any of the terms and conditions of this Agreement the owner may revoke this Agreement and there upon the Agreement and all the rights hereby granted shall cease immediately and on request the Hobbyist will vacate the property.

6. Notwithstanding the grant of this Agreement, the Owners are entitled to possession of the property and have the right of access to it all times and for all purposes.

7. This Agreement is personal to the Hobbyist and cannot be transferred. The Hobbyist is not allowed to provide permission to any other person to use the property unless specified in this agreement.

Other Persons: ____________________________, ___________________________________,

8. The Hobbyist agrees with the Owner:

8.1 To share 50% of the net sale proceeds or agreed valuation.

The value of any objects will be determined by agreement between the owner and the Hobbyist or by sale for the highest available price or by appraisal by at least two independent persons jointly selected. Thereafter payment of any monies due to either party to this Agreement must be made upon the sale or within 7 days of any valuation or sale.

8.2 To inform the owner of the property of any finds of whatsoever nature.

9. To indemnify the Owners against all injuries or damage claims and demands arising from the activities authorized by this Agreement.

Owner Signature: _____________________________ Date: _________________Time: _______

Hobbyist Signature: ___________________________ Date: __________________Time: ______

Other Hobbyist: _______________________________Date: _________________ Time: ______

Other Hobbyist: _______________________________Date: _________________Time: ______

Other Hobbyist: _______________________________Date: _________________ Time: ______

• I will check Federal, State, County and Local Laws before searching. It is my responsibility to KNOW and UNDERSTAND THE LAW.
• I will report to the proper authorities, individual who enters and or remove artifacts from Federal or State Park / Preserves / Historical Sites.
• I will never remove or destroy priceless historical archeological treasures.
• I will not enter Cemeteries for the purpose of metal detecting.
• I will protect our Natural Resource and Wildlife Heritage.
• I will not enter private property without the owner's permission and when possible, such permission will be in writing.
• I will take care to refill all holes and try not to leave any damage.
• I will remove and dispose of any and all trash and litter that I find.
• I will not destroy or tamper with any structures on public or private property or what is left of Ghost Towns.
• I will not contaminate wells, creeks, or other water supplies.
• I will not tamper with signs, maintenance facilities or equipment and leave all gates as found.
• I will approach and educate those who do not follow good metal detecting practices.
• I will not metal detect in competitive hunts if I am the Hunt Master or plant hunt targets.
• I will make every effort to return found property to its rightful owner.
• I will be an ambassador for the hobby, be thoughtful, considerate and courteous at all times to others their property.