Personally, I agree with Ahab8 and TheSleeper. To me, they both describe being a good ambassador to metal detecting. I don't know why exactly, but I take pride in my detecting and mining. And I enjoy meeting other detectorists and miners.
I feel that it is my responsibility to represent the sport in a positive way, because so many people have a negative opinion of what we do. I am the first guy to talk trash and be difficult in real life, but when I detect I patiently win these people over with kindness and correct information about the "sport" if you will. I can't tell you how many times people were angry with me because of someone else and what they did. I listen to the people, then I explain that we try to detect within a code of ethics, and all the benefits of trash removal, and that we do not damage anything. After I am done these people go out of their way to thank me for taking the time to explain everything.
I know it can be annoying to have to stop and remove your headphones 20 times to answer questions for curious kids and adult onlookers alike, but being a good steward will keep more areas open to detect, and perhaps create opportunities in the future for new ground,
As far as who should keep what, unless you are on private property, what you find is yours. It is your choice whether to track down the owners of traceable items or not. Be aware though, that unfortunately, some people will not reward you for turning in their valuable item. My opinion is that it will come back around if I do the right thing, but that's just me. What you do with your finds is none of my business.
When it comes to private property, it is best to negotiate before anything is done, but it also makes sense to get your split agreement on paper. If you carry a waiver of liability to sign for them, it is easy to add an addendum on the back stating the agreement with the landowner (the waiver should be written in such a way as to serve as permission to be there detecting as well).
There are other issues though. Some states have very different laws governing treasure finds, and the federal government can find a way to claim just about any treasure they want by saying the find has archaeological significance,
...and I did it with two guests here.
It was Abe style too, a random find along a creek and not very close to the site. Had it been the same distance in any other direction I'm sure it would still be there now. I've been thinking some about that area and might have to put it on the list for Spring.
