| By :
Sylvan Newby
To possess a metal detector does not only mean opportunities where you can have fun and earn money at the same time. Just as the cliche goes about having much more responsibility as a result of great power, owning such type of device would also mean that you need to uphold certain rules and duties. Your ability to discover metallic valuables can be subject to abuse if there is no ethical and moral norms to abide. In fact, fully established hobbyist organizations have been known to be strict in the implementation of such rules on their general memberships. Hence, it is best for you to learn some principles on being a great hobbyist who uses metal detectors. One of the first few things you must know before you go out with your metal detector for some combing or prospecting is the law. There may be some laws to abide regarding the activity and it is your obligation to know this instead of waiting for the time a law enforcement officer would do so. There are state, federal, and county laws and you need to be familiar on those that are about using metal detectors to avoid trouble with the authorities. Of course, you also have to respect the laws on privacy even if you believe that you could strike buried metallic treasures on somebody else's land. You may need to ask permission from the owner before you enter the property. As a matter of fact, for formality's sake, you may have to write a formal request for permission. Another golden rule you have to remember is regarding excavation. You must not leave an open hole since this may result in the injury of other people. As much as possible, cover this with the same soil that came from it. Even as you excavate, make sure that you lessen the damage resulting from the activity. Try not to change much on the vegetation of the location that you are doing your metal detection in. If you are searching metals in a federal park, you may have to report your findings to the authorities first, especially if you believe that what you have found is of significant historical value. If you found someone else violating such rule, then you have the right to report his activities to the appropriate agencies. A metal detector is not just the hobbyist's greatest tool; it is the only tool that can make him last in this field. That means a hobbyist must first learn to seek for the best metal detector around.
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