I bet you think I mean do you dirt fish, coin shoot, relic hunt, beach or water hunt, don’t you? Well, I DO mean that too, BUT what I really mean is… Are you a social detectorist, a solitary detectorist, a good ambassador for the hobby, or a bad one?

What I consider a “Social Detectorist” is one who will hunt in groups, doesn’t mind other detectorist hunting the same park or beach or field they are hunting and will be happy to go over and meet the other detectorists they encounter. A social detectorist usually participates in on-line forums and Facebook groups and may even have a YouTube channel. There is a lot to be gained by being a social detectorist, you get to learn from others as well as help others. You get to see different detecting equipment and styles, and you can make some lifelong friends. I have 3 detecting buddies that are close friends that have really guided me through the early days of MY detetcting. “Buster” who helped me get started, showed me different types of gear and taught me how to use the detector, and lives some 60 miles away and drove here to do it! I met Buster through an Internet Forum and had he not been a social detectorist (and a good ambassador for the hobby) I might not be where I am today.

My second buddy is “Jim” who I met on the beach one day shortly after I started detecting. I watched him for a while and could tell he knew what he was doing and had been doing it for a while. I didn’t know how to approach other detectorists since I had never bumped into one before. Luckily he saw me and came over to meet me. We talked a while, he gave me some really good pointers, and we detected together for a couple hours. Upon going our separate ways we agreed to meet up in a few days for another hunt together. I’ve been hunting with Jim ever since, I’ve purchased two great used detectors from him and he showed me a site where I got my first two Mercury Dimes and my first Walking Liberty Half Dollar!

My third buddy I met about a year later, he and his wife come from the “Great White North” every winter for a few months and we get to hunt together while they are here. I met Craig through another Internet forum when he sent a Private Message asking if I wanted to get together for some hunts when they came to town. Of course I said “YES” and Craig and I have had some really good hunts together, our wives have become friends and we have dinners together and hang out when they are here.

I could have just as easily turned and walked away from Jim that day on the beach, and either told Craig “No thanks” or not even replied to his message at all, but I would have been the one who lost out in both cases. I would never have gotten my Surf PI from Jim and learned to be a great water hunter (yeah, I said great, but I get a lot of practice in) nor would I have gotten my Sovereign Elite from him either and realized what a killer beach machine it is. And I probably should thank both Jim and Craig for leading me to the E-Trac I now have as well.

734794_10152412315915635_808718214_n

The other evening I was out with the Sovereign and my Stealth 720i scoop detecting on the beach and I spotted an older than me detectorist swinging a yellow Garrett detector with the stock 6×9 elliptical coil (one of the lower end ACE series, a great machine but usually a sign of a beginner) and carrying a kid’s plastic shovel to scoop away sand. As I watched him he never looked at me although I am sure he had seen me as he came up the beach from behind me. I watched and waited to see if he would look at me, and he didn’t so I decided to go over and say “Hi”. As I headed toward him from some 25 yards away, he immediately turned and headed off in the same direction away from me. So I stopped and figured what the heck? I know I was sweaty from being in the 88 degree heat but the wind was in my face so I know he didn’t get wind of me… (LOL) But it sure seemed odd. Did I intimidate him with all my gear? I carry my scoop over my shoulder and it is pretty imposing, but no one has ever run away from me before. Did he think I was coming over to run him off of “MY Beach”? I don’t know, but I might have been able to give him some tips or some useful information. I guess he was a “Solitary Detectorist”,,,

A “Solitary Detectorist” is, in my opinion, one who hunts alone, won’t group hunt ever, doesn’t like to see other detectorists around in the areas they are hunting and will walk away from or just generally avoid other detectorists when they happen upon them in the field. They may make great finds but with no one else around to verify the fact that it is a “find”, they can be ridiculed and doubted when they show off their finds. Information won’t come as easily to them either, with no network of other detectorists to draw on. They may learn some things by lurking the forums however. Sharing a hobby is always more fun than being a loner, and many Solitary Detectorists usually give up on the hobby after a very short time.

What I would consider a “Good Ambassador” for the hobby is someone who takes the time to chat with and inform all the “muggles” or non-detecting folks that they meet while out detecting. I can’t come up with a number to put to how many people have approached me while I’ve been out detecting over the past nearly 6 years but it has to be in the hundreds. And that doesn’t include the folks I talk with about detecting at work or just out and about. I did a short 2 minute news interview with a local TV station (here’s a LINK to that interview) and became an instant “15 minutes of fame” celebrity. Hopefully I passed on some good information about the hobby and I do know that it generated a “Lost My Stuff” lost item report because of the news story. I’ve done over 30 searches and recoveries for people both through Lost My Stuff and from people just walking up and asking me to see if I can find their lost item. And yes if they offer it, I do accept rewards, but I don’t ask for it and I don’t think that way I hurt the hobby any. Additionally, while out detecting, I wear headphones, stay clear of folks enjoying a day out in the park or on the beach, try to cut very neat plugs and replace them when done, and haul away all the trash I find, not just what I get recovering a target.

And I’ll just lightly touch on this last one, but if you are one of these, please change your ways or find a new hobby. Many NEW detectorists will unwittingly fall into this category because they just don’t know better and that is why I have decided to touch on it. I am not calling anyone out but I guess I should expect some pushback on this…

If you go detecting in a crowded park without headphones, encroach on folks having a picnic, dig big holes and leave them open or leave the trash you pull up beside the hole, are rude to people who come up and ask you questions, or just generally disrespect other people or property, then you make a bad impression on those who see you and that is bad for all of us. So please, don’t fall into this last category, We have a “Code of Ethics” that we try to live by as good detectorists and good ambassadors for the hobby, here is a copy and really good explanation of each point that I ran across in Lost Treasure Magazine:

By R. Neil Simmons
From page 16 of the November issue of Lost Treasure magazine.
Copyright © 1999, 2000 Lost Treasure, Inc.

In order for any profession or group to rise to the top of their field and remain there, the individuals involved must conform to standards of conduct that sets them at the, top of ethical behavior. Treasure hunters and detector users must abide by the highest standards of behavior if we are to have the continuing right to practice our hobby and profession.

As detector users we must have the consent and permission of outside agencies to practice and pursue our interests. Those agencies range from the federal government through state, county and city governments , to private groups and individuals. In order to receive cooperation from all of these entities we must prove to them that we conform to the highest examples of behavior. To guide us we must have a code of ethics. The “Treasure Hunter’s Code of Ethics” exists in various forms but they are essentially the same. In order to better understand the “Code Of Ethics” lets review them and look at the reasons behind them.

“I Will Respect Private Property And Do No Treasure Hunting Without The Owner’s Permission.”

In the United States of America we believe in the private ownership of property. Although it is not specifically stated as a right in the U.S. Constitution, private property ownership is recognized there. Along with the ownership comes the right of “no trespass,” the reasonable expectation that the owner holds all right of entry and can allow others on the property at their discretion. The owner also has the right to bar anyone from entering the property, along with the expectation that no one will enter without their permission, explicit or implied.

Respect, in this case, means to honor the rights of the owner and to hold them in a high enough regard to abide by all the expectations, privileges and legal claims that accompany land possession and title. Obtaining permission to enter any private property shows respect. Conversely, entering any property without permission is trespassing, shows disrespect, and is subject to all the laws pertaining to it. Bottom line is, obey the rules and ask permission.

“I Will Fill All Excavations”

Digging holes is an essential part of recovery. Whether you cut a flap in the turf to retrieve a coin or dig a large hole, you have excavated. Filling excavations restores the lawn, pasture or field to its original condition. As conscientious hobbyists it is in our interests to obey this ethic.

“I Will Appreciate And Protect Our Heritage Of Natural Resources, Wildlife, And Private Property.”

In today’s world movements are sweeping the globe to increase awareness of the importance of natural resources and the protection of wildlife. Often for the same reasons, private property rights are under attack. All are equally important and it is our obligation as responsible hobbyists and professionals to educate ourselves and others in the appreciation of these significant resources. It is also our responsibility to protect natural resources and wildlife, not only because of their intrinsic values, but so others can use and enjoy them like we do. Private property and the rights of the owner are just as important and must be respected and supported if we are to have continued access to hunting sites.

“I Will Use Thoughtfulness, Consideration, And Courtesy At All Times.”

Thoughtfulness is a key ingredient of both consideration and courtesy. When showing thoughtfulness for others you anticipate their needs and wishes before you act solely for your own gratification. If you’re not thinking as a treasure hunter you’re probably not going to be very successful and could end up with a lot of difficulties.

Consideration comes into play as you think about what affect your actions will have on others. When coinshooting in a park you have the choice of filling your recovery holes or leaving them. If you leave the holes open it won’t be long before authorities close the park to all detector users. Consideration for others will lead you to care for the park, cover the holes, and return the ground to the same, or better condition than you found it so others can experience the same pleasure, beauty, and relaxation there.

Courtesy is simply polite and gracious behavior. Courtesy manifests itself in the way you treat others, how you treat their property, and the respect you show their rights and wishes. Treating people the way you would ideally prefer to be treated is courtesy.

“I Will Build Fires In Designated Or Safe Places Only”

This is self-explanatory. The reasons behind it are vital to the well-being of the hobby and the environment. Controlled fires are one of the most important tools of humankind, but uncontrolled fire becomes one of the most destructive forces imaginable. An untold number of towns have been destroyed and countless lives have been lost because of carelessness with fire. On federal lands and in many states, if your carelessness results in fire you may be held responsible for the entire costs of fighting the fire. Always follow this ethic.

“I Will Leave Gates As Found.”

This one speaks for itself If you enter through any gate leave it open if that’s the way it was. If it was closed when you arrived, close it when you pass through it. There are many reasons a landowner or agency will leave a gate open or closed. If someone else left the gate unlike they found it, that is their responsibility and unless you are an extremely gifted psychic you have no way of knowing how it was before your arrival.

“I Will Remove And Properly Dispose Of Any Trash That I Find.”

No serious detector user wants to find the same piece of tinfoil or the same bottle cap over and over again. To just leave the trash is irresponsible. It is in the hobby’s best interest to keep trash in proper disposal containers, not on or in the ground. To leave it might constitute littering, and that ties in directly with the next ethic.

“I Will Not Litter.”

DON’T DO IT! Anything you leave laying around is litter. If it doesn’t belong there, pick it up and pack it out. As treasure hunters, we don’t need the reputation of contributing to the problem, especially with negative images about our hobby that currently exist. If we pick litter up and aren’t shy about letting people know it, that is one small step toward a positive image.

“I Will Not Destroy Property, Buildings, Or What Is Left Of Ghost Towns And Deserted Structures.”

Property and buildings fall under the first ethic of this code that involves property rights. If it belongs to someone else respect their rights. Furthermore, if it doesn’t belong to you, leave it as it is. Deserted towns and structures are deteriorating fast enough from the natural elements without aid from visitors. When you visit sites think about the enjoyment you derive from them. Then, take a moment to consider the enjoyment others could experience. If you take one little piece, then the next person takes one little piece, and everyone after you does the same it won’t be long before everything is gone. Combine that with the destructive forces of nature and it disappears even sooner. Before long no one will have the pleasure of experiencing the old towns and structures. If you want to take a piece home with you, bring your camera and take a picture. It’s a lot easier to carry out and store. Remember, if it is on private land it belongs to someone else. If it is on public lands, it belongs to us all, not just to you. Respect private property rights and public property rights.

“I Will Not Tamper With Signs, Structural Facilities, Or Equipment.”

Tampering with anything that doesn’t belong to you could be dangerous and is just plain wrong. Signs are erected for specific reasons; as warnings, for information, to designate private property, or many other purposes. Changing them, removing them, or destroying them is unethical and may be illegal. The same can be said for structural facilities and equipment. If they are there, it is for a reason. When they are tampered with and destroyed you deprive someone else of their full use. Again, it returns to the principle of respect. Respect for others, for ownership rights, for the law, and for society. If it isn’t yours, have enough respect to leave it as it is.

That’s a quick look at the Treasure Hunter’s Code Of Ethics. If our hobby is to survive and prosper it is necessary that each one of us follow the code. Our hobby is under attack by professionals who resent it, by groups who misunderstand it, by governmental agencies that are misinformed, and by individuals who want control over everyone and everything. It behooves us as treasure hunters and detectorists to behave in the highest ethical manner in order to continue to enjoy our wonderful, informative, and educational hobby.

SOURCES:

Lost Treasure magazine, Club Notes by Della Ruth Huntley; “Treasure Hunting Ethics;” March, 1988.
Constitution Of The United States Of America.

So that’s pretty much it, long winded this time I know but I’d like to thank everyone who read through it and I hope it brought up some good points. Now get out there and swing a coil… and if you see another detectorist out there while you’re hunting, go over and say “HI”, you never know, it might be someone with 20 years experience detecting who might share a secret or two!