Wel now that I moved back to northern Idaho I think I need to start seeking out private land. Back in montana the adbundance of deer was almost staggering, so generally public land was still relatively easy. In idaho the deer populations are just a fraction of what most places are. The bucks do get big, but they are very few and far between. We have some decent areas but they are mostly mountainious type locations. I've never had the need to get onto private land, thus know nothing of it. For you guys and gals that are/have hunted private land, whats the best way to get on it? Obviously asking the land owner, but how do you approach them? I found one good spot the other night on a WMA..however, it's a swamp and I think the mosquitoes might run me off of it Here's a picture of my dads wife with her first deer ever a few years ago. Grossed 164 and some change. Split Browtines and all kinds of junk on the bases. Not the best picture, but you can kinda see the topography i'm dealing with Thanks!
Looks like some beautiful country. As far as getting permission I've found the best way is to just be straightforward with the land owner and be yourself. Have a conversation with them and let them know you are new to the area and interested in securing permission to hunt. Try to let them know a little about yourself in your introduction. For example if you are a student mention that, or mention your job or your family. Anything that will help the land owner relate to you is a plus. Also, don't get discouraged. I get 20 no's for every yes. Good luck.
It sounds cheesy, but I like to make up a "hunting resume". It lists my contact info, hunting experience, what I am looking for, the rules I uphold myself to, church memberships, etc. It's better when they have something in writing and know you are serious.
I can add this, If you're only going to hunt with a bow, let the landowner know, sometimes it makes a difference. Wear decent clothes, not camo. Have your name, phone number and address written down ahead of time to give the landowner if permission is granted. Make eye contact. Make an honest offer to help out around his land.
Thanks for all of the suggestions guys. We're gonna do some asking tomorrow I think for some areas to do some turkey hunting on. Maybe this will be a gateway to deer in the fall? Yeah I am
Nice country up there BH, I am a little south of ya near CDA... I have a friend/aquantance that I run into now and then at the horn shows that lives up in Sandpoint, hes killed some dandy bucks.. I also run over to Hope every now and then and visit that little archery shop over there, really nice folks.. Down around here I grew up in St. Maries so I pretty much established my few good private spots over the years, knowing people and asking to hunt. I still hunt more public lands than private for whitetails.. if its a little hard to get to and out of the way and has good whitetail buck habitat.. it doesnt matter if its public or private.. My best bucks of all from Idaho lived and used both the public lands and private.. Good luck in your search. Troy
Thanks! I have been hitting it hard the past few days, trying to get some stuff scrounged up, getting there!
My main tactic has been to start early, the last piece I asked about was a week after the season ended. I like to ask what I can do for the landowner so that it is a mutually beneficial relationship. Asking early, insures a few things, one, you will beat others to the punch and you will have time to get any chores that the landowner wants in return done instead of getting crunched in late summer.
