"Asking Permission" Mark Drury

First, do your homework. Look at land maps and addresses and aerial photos.

Also and this is huge! Drive by the place. See if it's posted and use your head. Look for any clues that they hunt and don't want you around. Is the land posted all over, is there an archery target out in the lawn. Does the truck in the driveway have hunting stickers on it. Can you see blinds or stands out in the fields. Look for clues!

Next work up the courage to drive out there, get out of your truck and knock on the door. These people don't bite. They are all actually very nice. We all get denied a lot but just be yourself and be friendly. I have been told "no" numerous times in the most pleasant way and I have never had a bad experience and been chased away.

These land owners will be nervous when you walk up to the door because let's face it, farmers and land owners and most anyone doesn't get complete strangers knocking on the door.

Start with ........

Sorry to bother you today, my name is___________________. You have some really beautiful land here. I couldn't help but notice___________(positive about the property or farm or anything). Find some common ground from this point on.

Look for stickers on their truck, something in the yard. Find something that you have in common.

DO NOT LIE!! Trust me when I say you can not fake something you don't know much about! People see through that crap and you are a dead duck at that point.

You should be able to not mention hunting at all for a few minutes at least.

Segway into hunting with "I really love the outdoors and was wondering if you allow people access to your land". Something like that.

Then get on the topic of "do you allow people the privilege to do some hunting on your property".

This should get you off on the right foot.

Remember....you are asking for the "PRIVILEGE" to hunt the land. Use that word.

Avoid "yes" and "no" questions.

Tell them what you do for work. You may have a skill they could use. Maybe you do construction and they need something fixed (great bartering tool). Maybe you are an accountant and can help them worth free service. Only you know what you can offer them. They don't know you.

You have to have the ability to sell yourself.

All of this is only if you can work up the courage to knock on the door and say hello. And if they don't cut you off and say sorry I don't allow people or hunting.

Either way, keep talking to them for a little bit. Always thank them. And leave a phone number or a business card if they say no and tell them that if they change their mind or need anything at all (that you can offer) to give you a call.

Remember this is a 2 way street.

Here are some bulletins that I use.

-Sorry to bother
-Name intro
-Wondering who owned the land around the "farm"
-Inquiring about "privilege" of hunting your land
-Bowhunting
- you hunt for meat and to provide
-respect land (won't drive or tear it up, no garbage won't leave gates open)
-some/half of harvest will be offered in exchange
-Very safe and follow rules and laws
-Looking to primarily take does and help with deer management as well.
-tell them what you do for work


I should write a piece on this. Sorry for rambling and babbling.

 

The guy that gave me permission called me this morning wanted to thank me for the cookies and apple crisp we left at his house. Any time my wife makes some kind of desert we take to his house for him and his wife though I don't think he shares, but I was surprised he called me. Nevertheless he encourages people to hunt his property he just wants them to ask. He says I hate them dam deer always in my garden. This will be my first year up there. His brother gun hunts so I believe I have the place to myself I'll find out soon enough.