I have never asked a landowner to hunt their land but I have and have had opportunities. I guess the reason I haven't is because I don't really know how to go about it. Is there a right or wrong way to do it? How do I know if they will be receptive to it or if they're some PETA nut job that will try to take me out? So who can tell me the best way to go about this?
I would go in street clothes, and tell them you're interested in hunting on their property, like Mbhunt08 said all they can do is say no.
I have had my best luck just calling or stoping by there place and tell them who I am and would like to bowhunt on there land. Don't just say deer hunt because most folks will asume u mean with a rifle and say no before u finish your sentence . If u say bow hunt then there is a comfort in safty they like and more then likly will say yes. Sent from my ADR6300 using Tapatalk
Yup i agree with these guys just ask worst they can say is no and when im in that situation they are usually glad I asked to hunt and want the deer out of there. where i am they are nuissances to home owners and eat peoples gardens!!!!Plus you mite be the only one on property..
Engage people in conversation. Actual conversation I had last week and ended up getting permission to hunt his land. Didn't even know this doctor (I work in health care) had property. Doc: Your not playing in that golf outing on Saturday? Me: Wish I could but it's opening day of bow season, not going to miss that! Doc: Oh that's right, my son used to bow hunt on our land but he's moved away. Me: Where is your land at? Doc: Well we've got about 40 acres on our farm in Brazil and I've got about 200 acres in Spencer. I got deer all over the place, I am going to get out during gun season and shoot some - they are tearing up our crops. Me: I will come take care of some of those deer for you. I hunt on some land that John Doe (not his actual name duh) owns down south of town. Doc: Yeah I know John, great guy. But you can come out anytime you want to either of my properties. Me: That'd be great, I will see what kind of luck I have down at John's these next couple weeks and if I don't have much luck I will have to come out. Doc: Just let me know My point is simple - have a conversation with someone and as part of that conversation just thrown in your ask. Heck they might even give you permissions before you even ask. Basically this land fell into my lap, doesn't always happen that way.
Another thing to think about is offering to trade some work for hunting permission. That seems to be how I get permission everywhere I go, trade some labor for some hunting
This year I have chopped wood, fixed rain gutters, mowed lawn, trimmed trails and a plethora of other duties in order for leasing a property. In the 1 instance we have treated this guy so good that his brother approached us and said no strings attached my property is now your property to manage and gave us full rights to it! 1 thing I have really loved about this whole process is there truly are some great people out there. Just be polite, genuine, and honest with them that what people want.
i try to not go in hunting clothes, i try to look half way decent. pull into driveway at an appropriate speed with radio off and windows down in case they tell me to leave before i get out. Ask to BOW HUNt.... most people dont like guns it seems like. For waterfowl, i just simply as if i can KILL geese. Most people hate geese, and they want them gone. I also try to let them know i waterfowl with a group and will have guests with me.
All good advise. One thing that I have done in the past is offer some of the meat. Most folks figure everyone is out for the biggest buck contest. In Nebraska we get the doe only bonus tag. Promising to take out a doe, most will happily give you permission. Offering to have some meat processed into something they would like has worked for me. One guy takes some jerky and his farm workers favorite after work beverage. The little things go along ways to landowners.
Always introduce your self and ask if they allow hunting. Most of the time someone else is already hunting the ground, but not always. I'm from a family of goose hunters. We hunt all over the US, but mostly, ks, mo, and IL. We are very successful because we follow the birds in the afternoon and start knocking on doors after they land. Most of the time we get permission. No matter what you hunt always offer some of the meat to the owner. I've gotten to know some land owers over the years through goose hunting their land and was able to deer hunt on them as well. Heck my brothers and I where even invited to stay at one old farmers house once instead of the motel. If you have small children perhaps bring them with you and inform the owners you are looking for a safe place to start taking you kid in the future. I have a 17 month boy and I can't wait to try this out. Old people and kids. Yep, like taking candy from a baby.
If they say no right off the bat, is it worth trying to plead my case? Or should I just cut my losses and move on
I am most successful by walking up and introducing myself and chatting about whatever first. After the introduction, I compliment their place and explain how someday I hope to have a small farm of my own (which I now have for the moment), then ask to hunt. If they say no right off the bat, I tell them that I understand and thank them for their time. I have had farmers change their mind at this point because I was polite. Lokarz7 - to answer your question - NO! It is their land and they have a reason for telling you no. If you start pleading your case, as you put it, it shows that you think they made the wrong decision and is insulting to them.
It also depends on how well you know the land owner. For instance, I looked on Beacon and found out that a guy I know really well (actually is my finical adviser) owns about 30 acres that backs up against land I already have permission to hunt. I find this out and get on the phone immediately - I'm like score for sure! He says' "I've resisted the urge to let anyone hunt my land, plus it's like target practice out there anyway - not hunting, too many deer". I've let me know that I won't gun hunt it and that too many deer is a good reason to let me come out and hunt. To make a long story short, he aint going to let me hunt that land. I am sure to remind him of it every time I see him - like a little kid, it's more of a running joke than anything else. My point being, it depends on the situation and how well you know the person.
I would definitely wear street clothes and if you have the option drive a nicer vehicle. Don't want the old beater making a bad impression being loud with rust falling of it in the driveway. Then do what all these guys said. Introduce, make small talk if you can then ask. They will probably now what your asking about quickly anyway so no reason to draw things out and really get buddy buddy with them. Just be nice and polite. If they say no thank them for their time and move on.
Definetly wear street clothes and think of it like asking out a woman. The more you ask the better your chances.:D
