Curb Strips

[Rad1sh]

Looking for pointers. Do and do not's. What do you look for? What do you avoid? Best approach etc etc..

 

[Scooterjim]

It all depends on your capacity to have people yell at you, and your location. Some curb strips are city owned and some belong to the homeowner. Either way most people think it's theirs and don't like strangers digging holes.

I look for old hand-poured cement curbs, especially the ones with a wall at the yard. I hit unoccupied houses or just any place where no one would care. When the nosy neighbor comes out I tell them I would like to hunt their curb strip, that it is public property,but I don't think it's polite to search without permission, more than half the time they will let me.

 

[YooperBSN]

Hunt in pairs, people may be less willing to get belligerent if two of you are out and about. Besides, it's always good to have a buddy to watch your back.

 

[hoser]

Hunt in pairs, people may be less willing to get belligerent if two of you are out and about. Besides, it's always good to have a buddy to watch your back.

Good point Yooper. Some people are less likely to confront you if there is a witness present. City property or not, I still ask before hunting.

 

[T-Man]

Wear an orange vest and hang a clip board from your belt.

 

[DIGGER27]

Good info here...
http://metaldetectingforum.com/showthread.php?t=202666

 

[HistoryHippy]

Tell them go back in their house quick because you're going down the street looking for a gas leak.

 

[Beachhunter]

Tell them you’re Locating the main gas lines for leaks is a good one!
Detect at night.

 

[YooperBSN]

Good point Yooper. Some people are less likely to confront you if there is a witness present. City property or not, I still ask before hunting.

Absolutely, obtaining permission would be the ideal scenario. Another idea too is to scan the curb strip without digging anything. Make a judgement call on what your machine is telling you is in the strip and THEN ask permission prior to digging. Methinks that could be viewed positively by a landowner and lead to more of them being willing to say yes.

Someone else, in a similar thread, suggested making some cheap but nice business cards with your name, contact info, and a short description of what you're looking for or a "you lost it, I'll find it" kind of line.

 

[Foragist]

A few things: Do not go door knocking to ask permission to detect public right of way curbstrips(between street and sidewalk) This will reduce the number of strips you can detect. If you see someone looking at you, it's ok to explain your activity there, and ask if they don't mind. Door knocking is reserved for permission to detect the private yards. That's another story.
I suggest politely leaving whenever someone doesn't want you there. The way I see it, I have a right to be there, but the residents/owners have a right to ask me to leave. Not worth an argument.
I avoid places where kids are playing nearby, or people are gathered in the lawn, etc. I also avoid getting too close to parked vehicles. People get real suspicious when you are crouched down next to their ride!
Never dig in grassy curbstrips where the soil is dry. Leaving dead grass spots, or any other unsightly messes is a sure way to get people to not want you or anyone else detecting there.
Older neighborhoods have older stuff...if it's still there.
Good Luck and happy hunting!

 

[Rad1sh]

Hunt in pairs, people may be less willing to get belligerent if two of you are out and about. Besides, it's always good to have a buddy to watch your back.

I had not thought of that strategy. Thank you.

 

[Rad1sh]

Thank you all for the tips!