For those of you that have had success pounding on doors and getting access what are your tricks? What works and what does not in your experience? What do YOU say? How do you ask? Personally, I have heard creating a “hunting resume” helps. It adds professionalism and clearly states you are serious about properly and respectfully hunting on their land.
only went somewhere other than my dads land once. my buddy and i wanted to hunt a farm near his land. we took pics of deer we shot and talked to him about hunting there. told him that we would hunt from the ground if he didn't want tree stands put up, we had only portables, no climbers, he said it was fine to leave our portable stands there, just that he wasn't responsible. i think the biggest selling point to him was that we were honest and also told him we'd share the meat if he would like some. bringing info along never can hurt, because it gives them evidence insted of just stories that you obey the laws and do all in your power to recover your harvest. some people are nice, some are not, had one guy say get off his property, he wouldn't even talk to us, mabey he was against hunting??? like i said i don't have alot of experience going out year to year and asking for permission, but if you give them your name and show evedince of how your an ethical hunter, and just be honest you always have a chance. just watch out for the rare few that will shoot you just for walking up to their door , good luck
I've always received permission by walking up (or calling if they live out of the area) and introducing myself. I ask if they would consider giving permission to bow hunt on their property. I remain polite no matter how the conversation goes and thank them whether or not I get permission. There have been many times that I have been originally been told "No" and after speaking with them have them change their minds. EXAMPLE: "Good morning Sir, my Name is Mark C------. I am a retired Air Force Sergeant who really enjoys bow hunting for deer to fill my freezer. I noticed there are a lot of signs of deer entering your fields and was wondering if you would consider giving permission to hunt here?" "I don't let people hunt. People have shot my livestock and my barn got shot once." "Holy cow! I swear some people have NO respect for other's property! People like that have no business hunting at all!. I fully understand why you don't want hunters on your property Sir. I'm sorry that you experienced that from those idiots and won't bother you any more. I hope you have a great day Sir and I'll get going." Many times, after this the land owner will give me permission and set limits. When they do, I give them my name and telephone number and assure them that I will abide by their restrictions. I also make sure I have their name and phone number so I can keep them updated on what I see and take. They get thank you cards after the season, Christmas cards, and a call or letter before the next season starts. I have only had one farmer sell his land without letting me know and the pre-season call updated me on the situation. The keys are: 1. Be polite throughout; 2. Always abide by their rules; and 3. Always keep them reminded that you are grateful. Good luck!
- clean shaven, if you do keep facial hair make sure its neat - always a collared shirt - if im wearing a hat i take it off at the initial greeting, each and every time - bunisess card with ALL of my info on it - i let them know i am hunting to fill the freezer just like IA Vet said - offer them first take of the meat if i do get a deer - i have offered to display my shooting on a target for them before at diff distances - always send them a x-mas gift and call on the holidays (easter/turkey day etc.) just to let them know how greatful i am... again just like IA Vet mentioned - let them know ahead of time when im thinking about hunting and for what times, sometimes at specific properties i can bring a friend and i make that known when there will be someone else with me - if its a farm or a place i know they could use help i always offer to help out with chores in the Spring and most of the Summer, maybe shovel some snow in the Winter - lastly i am soooo fortunate that my job allows me some "perks" here and there and i usually will offer some of them up to the people who have taken care of me first.
I like to find out some info about the people, then write a letter, with my phone number. if they call me back then so be it. i always ask if they need any help, any deals on things, and do legwork for stuff. offer them game, and send a thank you note at the end of the season, usually with a gift card
