Geocaching Etiquette
One of the most important things to remember while playing is to do no harm. There are certain rules of conduct, some of them obvious, some not so much. The idea is to have fun, so let's play it all by the book.
The first thing to remember when placing your cache is to check who owns the land you're going to use for your hunt. Remember, geocaching is very popular and it's spreading quickly. There will be lots of people walking around the spot you chose for your cache. Make sure it doesn't disturb anyone.
If you chose a place on someone's private property, it's a good idea to find the owner and explain the game to him or her. They may let you put the cache where you want it or suggest another place for it. Either way, you'd better cooperate or you might lose your cache when they find out it's somewhere they didn't approve.
Be extremely careful with places like historical sites, cemeteries, parks etc. Make sure your cache is somewhere slightly off the main road, so that it's not found by accident. On the other hand, it shouldn't be too difficult to notice for the players who know what they're looking for. Otherwise, there would be no fun. Also, make sure the route doesn't involve trespassing someone's grave or ruining the grass around an important monument. If you don't observe these rules you're risking that your cache will be removed.
Take special precautions in Wildlife Areas. Generally, geocaching isn't allowed in such places but there are always exceptions. If you contact the administrator and he or she is a nice person, they can show you a spot where placing your cache may be acceptable. Anyway, it never hurts to try. Just make sure you don't leave it without approval. It's not only about you but you may also get other hunters into trouble.
Geocaching doesn't have to be limited to open areas. There are some caches placed in towns – libraries, cafes, offices. Variety is what it's all about. Of course, you will need permission to leave your cache in such places. You'd be surprised to see how many people, not involved with the sport, would react kindly when you describe the game. Let's not limit ourselves to deserted areas. Cache hunting can be fun in the city, too. It's also a good idea to include special caution notes in the cache description on the website just to make sure people will know where they're going to.
Nowadays, when we're all afraid of terrorist attacks, you should be even more careful. You should notify as many people in the area as possible so that they know what they're dealing with unless you want your cache reported as a suspicious item. An unknown green bag placed under a bench in a park may easily cause panic.
Handicaches are a very nice idea as well. Of course, you're not expected to only place your cache in easily accessible places. Tourist attractions are one of the additional benefits of the game. However, there are plenty of beautiful spots that can be reached on a wheelchair. Handicapped people do like to have fun as much as you do. Whenever your cache meets the criteria, make sure you mark it as such. Don't spoil the fun for others.
There are special icons to put next to your cache listing to let people know what to expect. Attributes, such as "easily accessible", "accessible by bike", "bathroom nearby" are there to be used. They make cache hunting easier for other people. They may also enhance the popularity of your cache. There are people out there who'd filter out your cache if they don't find the attributes they're looking for.
Another thing is to mark what kind of cache it is. There are groups of people only hunting for particular types of caches: mystery caches, historical caches etc. Make sure you list your cache properly to avoid confusion.
Another thing is hunting caches. First and foremost, make sure you're not trespassing. You can't always – though it's a sad thing to say – rely on the cache owner that he had obtained all the necessary permissions. Take a good look around for yourself and see if your being there doesn't disturb anyone. Trust your GPS unit to track the exact location but don't forget you're in the real world. Respect other people's privacy as well as their right not to be thrilled about the game they might not even know to exist.
Also, respecting the cache owner's tips and goals is important. Log your visit and make sure you're doing what's expected of you. Don't take away any items you're not supposed to take. If you find a Travel Bug, make sure you can take it where it's supposed to go. If the item's goal is to travel further South, do not take it North. If you're sure you won't be going South, it's better to leave it for the next finder to pick it up.
Don't leave any forbidden items in the cache. The obvious things are alcohol, drugs, cigarettes etc. The game is supposed to be a family sport so make sure children can safely deal with what they find there.
Don't take the cache and place it somewhere else, unless specifically told to do so. Normally, you'd try and leave it the way you've found it. After logging your visit, wrap it up again and hide it exactly where it was.
Don't leave any easily spoiled food or drinks. Remember, it may take some time for people to find your cache. They want to have fun.
Always remember to notify the cache owner of any changes. For example, if they'd left a camera and the battery is down or the film is full they will certainly want to know.