IRDI Code of Ethics

IRDI Member Resource

Our Commitment

As a member of the International Responsible Detectorist Institute, I commit to conducting myself in a responsible, respectful, lawful, and ethical manner while participating in metal detecting and related activities.

Respect Property Rights

I will obtain permission before detecting on private property and will respect all conditions established by the landowner or authorized representative.

I will respect boundaries, restricted areas, crops, livestock, structures, landscaping, and other property entrusted to me while detecting.

Leave the Land Better Than I Found It

I will carefully recover targets, properly refill holes, minimize disturbance, and make every reasonable effort to leave the land in the same or better condition than I found it.

I will remove trash and other potentially harmful debris I recover whenever practical and dispose of it responsibly.

Follow the Law

I will understand and comply with applicable laws, regulations, permit requirements, property restrictions, and rules governing metal detecting and the recovery of objects.

I understand that IRDI membership does not grant permission to detect on any property and does not replace my responsibility to determine whether detecting is lawful and authorized.

Protect Our Shared History

I will treat historically significant objects and sites with care and respect and will act responsibly when discoveries may have archaeological, historical, cultural, or public importance.

I will not knowingly damage, disturb, or exploit protected historic, archaeological, cultural, or burial sites.

Act with Honesty and Integrity

I will be honest in my dealings with landowners, fellow detectorists, members of the public, organizations, and others affected by my activities.

I will honor agreements concerning access, recovered items, property ownership, reporting, and other conditions established before or during a hunt.

Respect Landowners

I will communicate respectfully with landowners and will recognize that detecting on private property is a privilege granted by the property owner.

I will respect a landowner's decision to grant, limit, or withdraw permission at any time.

Represent the Hobby Responsibly

I will conduct myself in a way that promotes public trust and reflects positively on responsible detectorists and the metal detecting community.

I will avoid conduct that damages property, harms historical resources, creates unnecessary conflict, or undermines the reputation of responsible detecting.

Promote Safety

I will use reasonable care to protect myself and others while detecting and will exercise appropriate caution around hazardous objects, terrain, wildlife, utilities, structures, and environmental conditions.

Respect Other Detectorists and the Community

I will treat other detectorists, members of the public, landowners, professionals, and organizations with courtesy and respect.

I will encourage responsible behavior through education, cooperation, and positive example.

Lead by Example

I understand that responsible metal detecting is about more than recovering objects. It is about stewardship, trust, integrity, education, and respect for the places and people that make the hobby possible.

As an IRDI member, I understand that these principles are an ongoing membership commitment. I will strive to uphold them throughout my membership and help strengthen the future of responsible metal detecting.