[meteorite-list] How about a thread to discuss hunting ethics

From: Adam Hupe <raremeteorites_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Thu, 2 Apr 2009 14:45:34 -0700 (PDT)
Message-ID: <190056.10106.qm_at_web30703.mail.mud.yahoo.com>

I am not judging anybody in particular about this. I know Sonny very well and fully believe the statement Mike Miller gave. I have hunted with Sonny before and know he follows the rules.

Just like any good Treasure Hunter (THr) knows, follow the rules or be cast out permanently. Treasure hunters had such a bad reputation during the 70s and 80s that most land was deemed off-limits. Only after developing a code of ethics and policing each other was the hobby restored.

It took a lot of volunteer work with metal detectors over several years to restore faith in a hobby which almost died. THrs as they are referred to, helped law enforcement recover valuable evidence with their metal detectors. They left property in better condition than when they arrived by removing all trash. They always asked permission to search private property. Sometimes permission was not granted but informed THrs were polite about it anyway knowing that one sour puss can ruin it for a lot of other people. They never left holes behind and learned how to remove objects without destroying the property. They donated historical items which were found to museums. They volunteered to help people recover lost rings without a monetary reward, only accepting the smile on somebodies face as more than enough payment. They made sure that newbies to the hobby learned the rules quickly so as not to endanger the great avocation for others.

The press was avoided at all costs because it nearly destroyed the hobby permanently. All press was considered bad at the time because the reporters always turned a good story into a bad one. Lets face it, the press would rather report bad news than human interest stories. They let the press die down while they slowly rebuilt the reputation. Now, mainly a spokesperson for each club will address the press and only to promote the hobby, not themselves. Any body caught patting themselves on the back and bragging about press they received was quickly admonished. This is how fragile the situation had become.

THing is now deemed a healthy and thriving hobby that an entire family can enjoy. The press chasers that were so busy patting themselves on the back have now been vilified.

I consider hunting for meteorites just another form of Treasure Hunting is what I am getting at. Let the bad press die down before it is too late and more land is closed to hunters.

Best Regards,

Adam
Received on Thu 02 Apr 2009 05:45:34 PM PDT