Metal Detectorist Code of Ethics
- Always check federal, state, county and local laws before searching. It is your responsibility to “know the law.”
- Abide by all laws, ordinances or regulations that may govern your search or the area you will be in.
- Never trespass. Always obtain permission prior to entering private property, mineral claims, or underwater salvage leases.
- Do not damage, deface, destroy, or vandalize any property (including: ghost towns and deserted structures), and never tamper with any equipment at the site.
- Never litter. Always pack out what you take in, and remove all trash dug in your search.
- Fill all holes, regardless how remote the location, and never dig in a way that will damage, be damaging to, or kill any vegetation.
- Do not build fires, camp or park in non-designated or restricted areas.
- Leave all gates and other accesses to land as found.
- Never contaminate wells, creeks, or any other water supplies.
- Be courteous, considerate, and thoughtful at all times.
- Report the discovery of any items of historic significance to the local historical society or proper authorities.
- Uphold all finders, search and salvage agreements.
- Promote responsible historical research and artifact recovery, and the sharing of knowledge with others.