Do not mark the location of the cache with stones, flagging tape, arrows, cairns, etc... You found it without the extra help, so can everyone else.

Do not leave the cache exposed unless you are absolutely sure that is the way the owner wants it.

Do not move the cache so it will match your coordinates, or to a "better" spot. Leave it where the owner placed it.

Do not leave food in geocaches. This includes dog biscuts, gum, MRE’s (yes, they are considered to be food) and cans of soda. It doesn't matter how well sealed the food item is, just don't do it.

Do not leave heavily scented items like soap, candles, incense, pot-pourri, etc... The scents may be as interesting to animals as food.

Do not turn over, or move every rock and down tree in the area during your search. When you leave the area, it should not look like a cyclone went through. It isn't necessary and may tick off land managers.

Do not log it as a find if you didn't find it. It will confuse the cache owner and subsequent searchers.

Do not take a travel bug if you won’t be able to move it along quickly.

Do not take all the nice stuff out of the cache and/or leave junk. A cache is not a free commissary, nor should it be a garbage bin.

Do re-hide the cache well. Use the difficulty rating as a guide if you are unsure how well to hide it

Do trade evenly. If you’re going to take that new Mini Mag Lite, leave something more than a state quarter.

Do make sure you re-seal the lid. Many caches are ruined because someone failed to close the lid properly.

Do log your find online. It's a courtesy to the cache owner. It lets them know the cache has been found and their effort is appreciated.

Do let the owner know of any problems with the cache. You can do this via your log or e-mail.

Do follow any instructions or requests on the cache page. If the owner says "no pets", or asks that you not hunt the cache at night, he did so for a reason. If for some reason you feel you must ignore the owner’s request, for Pete’s sake, don’t mention it in your log.

Do log a "not found" if you didn't find the cache. A "DNF" provides important feedback to the cache owner and helpful information to other geocachers. A "not found" is nothing to be ashamed of. We all have our share.

Do try to leave the area around the cache as undisturbed as possible.

Do follow the trail where possible. Often a trail will turn away from the cache, then loop back in its direction. Resist the urge to bushwhack. It won't save you any time and more often than not, you'll just run into the trail again.

Do try to make sure you aren't being watched. In high traffic areas, it’s a good idea to take the cache and move to another spot to make your trade and log in. Then return the cache to its hiding place when you are sure nobody's looking.