Geocaching Guidelines for SEEKING Caches

These are some basic Do's and Dont's of cache seeking.

DO:

Enjoy the journey as much as the destination. It's easy to get so caught up in the "hunt", that all of your attention gets focused on the screen of your GPS receiver…and you forget to take much notice of the very thing that the cache hider was hoping to share…the beauty or uniqueness of the surroundings, including the walk into the final destination. Make a point on each cache hunt to enjoy the journey as much as the destination. (I think we will all agree that the trinket at the end is never the really the true prize that we walk away with.) Trade Up, Trade Equal, or Don't Trade Speaking of trinkets, when you choose to trade something from a cache, make a habit of leaving items that are of equal or better quality than those that you take. There is a perception that the quality of caches typically degrades over time. Let's prove to the skeptics that, in Mississippi, that's an exception rather than a rule. (If there is nothing in the cache that appeals to you in a particular cache, it is also acceptable to simply log the book without trading any items at all.) Sign both the physical log book contained in the cache, as well as the online log on the corresponding cache webpage. As a courtesy to the cache owner, and to express your appreciation of the time and effort that they have put into placing the cache for your enjoyment, take a few moments to sign both the physical log book contained in the cache, as well as the online log on the corresponding cache webpage. Not only is this appreciated by the cache owner, but it is also useful for monitoring the ongoing state of a cache. (This is helpful to both cache owners as well as other seekers. For example, if a person has searched for a cache, and wasn't able to find it, the online logs will give him an idea of whether the cache has disappeared or if he was looking in the wrong places.) Be discreet. When seeking, logging, and replacing a cache, be aware of others in the area who may be observing you. Take care to be discreet so as to not attract any attention that could result in non-cachers returning to the site, and taking or disturbing the cache after you are gone. Return the cache to its original location, and leave it in a similar state of camouflage that you found it. When you have finished logging your find, return the cache to its original location, and leave it in a similar state of camouflage that you found it (i.e. if there was bark or a stone covering the container, replace it afterwards). Remember that other people will be searching for the cache after you, and we want to maintain the fun for everyone. "Cache In/Trash Out" or "CITO" Due to our common interest in enjoying the natural areas that lend themselves to hiding caches, and in the spirit of "giving back" something in return for the enjoyment we get from the places we visit during our caching activities, the geocaching community has established a "Cache In/Trash Out" practice.

DO NOT:

Do not take shortcuts! When searching for a cache, do not take shortcuts that could cause harm or distress to the surrounding natural areas or wildlife, and do not trespass on private land, or areas marked as restricted. Even if something is not explicitly marked, always use common sense, and consider things such as erosion, sensitive foliage, nesting areas, etc. (Tip: Most caches are fairly close to marked trails. Unless a cache is rated as having very difficult terrain, following the obvious path is usually the best route. Remember, the shortest distance between to points may be a straight line…but that's not always the fastest route.) Leave No Trace Social trails or "Geo-trails" are pathes that get worn from the main trail to the geocache. These worn lines point like flashing arrows to the geocache. This ruins the hunt for future geocachers and often results in "geomuggles" (not geocachers) finding the cache and discarding it or raiding it. Nobody wants to be the last geocacher to log a cache... Cover up that social trail with leaves and take a less direct rout out to keep from wearing down a path. Keep the contents of the geocache family-friendly. When choosing items to place in a cache, please refrain from leaving anything that could be dangerous, offensive, or illegal (such as explosives, pornography, or drugs). Remember that geocaching is a family activity. Do not place food or scented items in caches. Animals have a much greater sense of smell than our own, and have been known to destroy caches that contain these items. (Also, avoid placing candles, soaps, liquids, or other items that may melt or freeze in a cache, depending on the season.)

BOTTOM LINE:

Treat the land better than you would want your land treated. For both hiding and seeking caches: Use common sense, and treat the caches and the areas they are hidden in as you would want your own property to be treated. Check the Cache Listing Requirements/Guidelines at the geocaching.com website as well. The Cache Listing Requirements/Guidelines are the "official" rules. The ones we have listed may be additional "regional" rules that apply for this area of the country.