Replacing Travel Bugs

[Baker's Achers]

I have started 8 travel bugs and all are lost now. Some have been lost since the first person picked it up from the cache. Some disappeared after going around for a year. Seven have been inactive for 1-4 years. One just went inactive in March of 2014,after logging over 12k miles, so I am trying to track it down still. I have made attempts to contact cache owners, and cachers who logged that they picked the bug up but have never had response. My question is this: since I still have my copy of the tb code, can I buy a blank dogtag, engrave the code on it and start the tb again? I mean, after 4 years, it isn't going to show up. What do you think about this? I'm sure those who sell the tbs don't want anyone to do this, as I realize it "could" result in multiple travel bugs with the same id if someone were to do this too quickly. Or do I just do it and not say anything?

[nonaeroterraqueous]

You're allowed to do that. It's not a problem. I wish Groundspeak made it easier for us to repurchase tags with the codes that we already own, but they don't. I don't know if they still do, but they used to sell the tags with an included copy tag that you could release if the first one was lost.

 

Also, I think you can reset the travel bug page and start over, if you wish.

[Keystone]

I'm moving this thread from the Geocaching Topics forum to the Travel Bug forum.

[Andronicus]

There are comercialy available replacement tags. I have used both pre stamped replacements, as well as ones I wrote the code on with a sharpie. In addition, you can do fun things like making a wooden nickle or something like that.

[+fuzziebear3]

And you can certainly revamp the bug page -- tell about the makeover, add a new picture, change the mission, etc.

 

But you should not delete the logs of its past history.

[Baker's Achers]

Thanks for the responses. I've been a bit frustrated by the loses and keep hoping the one with 12k miles shows back up. It sounds like I was fortunate in that I did receive a duplicate tag when I bought my tbs, so I will make some new and get them started again. Appreciate the input!

[+Lieblweb]

There are comercialy available replacement tags.

 

Do you have link? I've looked/searched and most folks don't custom stamp tags. Those who do - they cost more than buying a new tag with a new number.

[+Eartha]

Yes, you can release the copy tag, if you have one, or use your own homemade, or store bought dog tag. If the original reappears, try to call one of them home, or stop it from moving. It creates confusion if there is more than one item traveling on the same number.