Metaldetectorist's Code of Ethics

A code of ethics for metal detection is a set of simple, clear-cut rules for responsible metal detecting and treasure hunting, both on land and in water. Since these rules of search and ethical behavior establish the standard that all metal detecting must be conducted in a legally compliant and ethical way, they are for all in the hobby to adhere to! At a minimum, ethical behavior entails following the Local, County, State and Federal Law. As the detectorist's code of ethics refers to what detectorists can and cannot do, it also helps as a watchdog for the metal detecting community and the hobby.

A code of ethics in the hobby of metal detecting and treasure hunting is very important because it defines how detectorists must maintain a positive public attitude towards their metal detecting activities through maintaining integrity in public interactions and protecting the hobby's reputation by avoiding using illegal and unethical practices. News of violations of the law and ethics by treasure hunters reaches social media and other public outlets quickly, and even a seemingly minor infraction can have a devastating effect on the public’s perception of the metal detecting hobby. By committing themselves to the importance of the code of ethics in every action that hobby enthusiasts take, they can insulate themselves against all the consequences of negative publicity, and protect the hobby.

The law-abiding and ethical conduct by metaldetectorists demonstrates respect, responsibility, and good citizenship. When a metal detector hobbyist commits to conducting his/her affairs with integrity and concern for the welfare of others, not only does he/she gain respect and invitations to hunt together from fellow detectorists in the community, but also increases his/her chances of obtaining permission to hunt on private property. Nowadays, with the increasing number of restrictions on metal detection in place in many parts of the world, private property is sometimes the only area available for metal detecting. A detectorist's code of ethics cannot prevent unlawful or unethical behavior, but it can have an impact on the detectorist's decision-making. If a metal detectorist knows that a certain course of Target Search/Target Recovery action violates the law or ethical code, he/she is likely to give more thought to whether or not he/she should pursue that course of action. This approach ensures that one gets the maximum enjoyment from this diverse and rewarding activity without getting on the wrong side of the law.

It is illegal in only a few countries. In the rest of the world, metal detecting is permitted with varying rules or restrictions, depending on the country's archaeological laws, and the metal detecting hobby is considered a popular recreational activity. Before beginning metal detecting or treasure hunting, one must always be aware of the legal requirements for the search area in focus, this could involve Local, County, State and/or Federal legislation. The legality level of the metal detecting hobby directly depends on behavior of people who are engaged in it. Only their responsible conduct and strict compliance with all laws, as well as unconditional respect for the rights and property of others, can keep the hobby enjoyable for years to come.

No, absolutely not, as long as you follow the ethical behavior rules (see 18 rules listed above on this page) during your treasure hunting endeavours. People of all ages and walks of life can pursue the metal detecting hobby where it is allowed. If a detectorist obeys the law and does not cross red lines in ethical behavior, this hobby offers many benefits to both the hobbyist and his/her community, and even his/her country (e.g., the UK with its best Archaeological Law in the world!). Of course, ethical codes require a great degree of self-regulation. The effort will pay off because the more you adhere to the code of ethics, the more benefits you get from metal detecting!