Brand new at this; is there code of ethics?

[MikeOregon]

Hi, I'm just getting started. Common sense prevails, of course, but has anyone ever attempted to make a list of appropriate behaviors for detecting? For example, regarding permission. Do you need permission to dig on public land? What if you find something; is it yours or theirs? What about digging holes in schoolyards or parks? Am I too concerned about this kind of thing? I just don't want to cause anyone, including myself, any trouble.

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

A Handbook of Civil War Bullets and Cartridges - Grab it through Amazon!

[Sandman]

Hello Mike, I've answered your other post, and yes there is a unwritten law that when you leave a site, nobody can tell you were there finding things. We don't dig like your thinking. You need to be very careful in retreiving coins and other things from the ground. Different states have laws govening lost objects. In most, found things are not yours but still belong to the loser. It's not Finders Keepers, Losers weepers, legally. However found coins are not usually considered belonging to anyone but the finder. Other items like lost jewerly is different.......legally.

I am sure other great treasure hunters have much to add to what I've said of can say it better. Learn all you can.

Sandman

 

[hollowpointred]

-keep informed on and obey all laws,regulations and rules governing federal,state and local lands

-aid law enforcement whenever possible

-cause no willfull damage to property of any kind,including fences,signs and buildings

-always fill the holes you dig

-do not destroy property,buildings or the remains of ghost towns and other deserted structures.

do not leave litter or uncovered items lying around

-carry all trash and dug targets with you when you leave each search are

-observe the golden rule,using good outdoor manners and conducting yourself at all times in a manner which will add to the stature and public image of all people engaged in the field of metal detection.


this is the code of ethics according to Garrett

 

[tallpaul]

mike oregon,, hi there,, yes what sandman was saying about diggin the holes we dont dig huge ones,, try and get a gator knife trowle and use that ,, your looking at pinpointing the target and removeing as little earth as possible,, if in grass try and leave a little still attached and lift the plug then go in for your target,, when retreived put dirt back in and place plug back tamp down,, if you do this right even you will have trouble finding that spot again,,, just takes practice,, there are many different laws you need to look up the laws for where you intend to hunt,,, , HH paul.

 

[jeff of pa]

Treasure Hunter's Code of Ethics

I will always check federal, state, county and local laws before searching. It is my responsibility to know the law.

I will respect private property and will not enter private property without the owner?s permission. Where possible, such permission will be in writing.

I will take care to refill any 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 appreciate and protect our inheritance of natural resources, wildlife, and private property.

I will, as an ambassador for the hobby, use thoughtfulness, consideration and courtesy at all times.

I will work to help bring unity to our hobby by working with any organization of any geographic area that may have problems that will limit their ability to peacefully pursue the hobby.

I will leave gates as found.

I will build fires in designated or safe places only.

I will report to the proper authorities any individuals who enter and/or remove artifacts from federal parks or state preserves.

 

[Michigan Badger]

In agreement or addition to that stated above, learn how to retrieve an object without leaving behind an unsightly pothole or circle of dead grass.

If hunting someone?s yard or a neat park I'd rather risk damaging a find than to leave behind a nasty looking dig sight.

Damaged hunt sites ruins this hobby for all of us.

When hunting nice lawns, a detector with pinpoint accuracy is absolutely essential. Better to use a small search coil than some big job that's hard to pinpoint with. The biggest coil I use on nice turf is about 6 1/2 inches. Actually, a 4 incher is better.

Learn how to make a tiny slit in the grass and retrieve the items without removing a plug of dirt. Anytime a plug is pulled out of the ground it will kill the grass in that area and it looks awful after a day or so.

Digging is a real art.

On the beach and rough areas just remember to fill your holes.

 

[MikeOregon]

Thanks to everyone. Went out yesterday and was able to rid my local schoolyard of several buried beer cans. Still learning how things sound and "feel." I'm in at the low end (Prizm II) so my MD doesn't give me a lot of help. Wish I had the III with the depth indicator, but my dealer says I don't need it; I will learn to discern this information. Oh well, experience is the best teacher. That means another try today!

Thanks again to all,

Mike