Today is International Metal Detecting Day. I hope you are all out getting out to swing your detector. Hopefully you will swing it over something good!!
I want you all to follow the Metal Detecting Code of Ethics:
- Never trespass. Always get permission to traverse private or restricted lands.
- Always respect private property and do no metal detecting without the owner’s permission.
- Before searching public sites, always check laws, ordinances or regulations that may govern your hunt.
- Always leave gates as they are found whether open or closed.
- Never do anything that might contaminate wells, creeks or other water supplies.
- Never tamper with signs, maintenance facilities or equipment.
- Never damage or destroy property, buildings or what is left of ghost towns or deserted structures.
- Don’t spook, taunt, provoke or otherwise disturb wild or domestic animals.
- If necessary, clean up after a previous detectorist. Acting in spite of him or even just ignoring his transgressions will only hurt us all in the end.
- Always use the correct digging or probing equipment to make the least intrusion or marks.
- Never throw trash finds back in the hole. Pack out any and all trash or debris you create.
- Leave as little sign of your passing as possible.
- Always fill in your holes, including plowed fields, sand pits, beaches and in water.
- Be thoughtful, considerate, courteous and respectful of others at all times.
- Protect the metal detecting hobby by being a good will ambassador at all times.
- Report the discovery of any items of possible significant historical value to a local historian or museum in accordance with the latest legislation of your area.
- Report any live ammunition or other potentially lethal or toxic objects you may find to authorities after carefully noting or marking the location.
- Do Not Metal Detect Cemeteries.