Ok I am starting to eyeball a few farms around my place to try and gain access to. I know the basics dress appropriate hide my tattoos, yada yada yada. Should I hit the pavement only on weekends as to not bother anyone anymore than I have to? I have always hunted public land or land who I know owns it. I feel kinda like a goof but I realize they can only say no. I just can't take only having 1 small parcel to hunt again this year. I need more and willing to do anything. Any tips as to what exactly or how you can smoothly ask? I usually try and spot the owners outside already as to not have to knock on the door. Do I tell them I hunt a neighboring property already or keep that quiet? Who is a expert on here?
T, here are a few things that I would suggest and most importantly, why. 1. Drive a clean vehicle - This shows landowners that you take care of your stuff and are more apt to take care of theirs. 2. Definitely if you have neighboring farms to hunt, mention it - a lot of families know those around them and have for a long time, if you're good enough for their friends, that'll help you out. 3. Don't go during lunch or dinner hours - just like a telemarketer calling you, they don't necessarily like to be bothered while eating. 4. ALWAYS have a smile on your face no matter how mad you are at the guy before him - nobody likes unhappy people 5. Even if they say "no" now, thank them, shake their hand and leave politely - you never know when that might help you out down the road. That's my advice, I'm no expert but it's worked for me in the past. Good Luck!
Lots of good info above: Always, always make initial contact face-to-face if at all possible. Weekends aren't really any better or worse. Everyday is a potential work day for farmers. Have your permission slip and a pen ready but not visible (better yet keep a blank in your wallet at all times). Never introduce more than one additional hunting partner - you can always justify one via safety concerns. Try to pick landowners with whom you have an acquaintance in common. Work the connections at school, church, family reunions, work, social events etc. Ask about who else has permission. Offer work or meat. Do it now because in the fall you will look like Johnny-come-lately Pick up trash. Shut the gates. Be clear on rules for trucks and ATV's Be clear on rules for what to shoot. Shoot does if asked to do so: Most farmers like to watch the deer (go out the gate in the back of truck). I am not a big believer in having a letter about my hunting experience to give to the farmer. Farmers don't read this kinda nonsense. He (or she) will make an instant decision about what kind of person you are based upon your appearance, demeanor and posture. 90% of the time, they will say YES. If they say NO, they will be poilite and you should be too.
Sounds like great advice and common sense. I am looking at the plat book and have 3 places I would like to start. Still a little nervous just knocking on doors but I never really see any of these folks out much. They have beautiful houses on the property and they are the 3 largest wooded pieces near me. I mean like 3 minutes away near me. lol I am excited and scared at the same time. lol Thanks Guys
From being around a lot of landowners in the past the biggest tip I can give you, if you get permission is SHUT THE GATE(s). This has been the biggest turnoff to alot of the ranchers and farmers that I know. There is a lot of work put into what is seperated by the gate(s), as simple as it may seem. But just be sure and let them know that you can and will shut the gate(s) everytime.
It's not what would need to be done. I will be above and beyond anything they expect. My current landowner does not even know when I hunt. I try not to disturb anything. I dont slam doors, I shut gates, I don't cough near the house, I turn my headlights off before coming up the driveway as to not alarm or disturb them. I don't want them to even know I am there. I offer to help with the work and if they need anything or have something going on or need me to park somewhere else just let me know through a call or note on my vehicle. I truely mean that. I am always alone, I just never had to ask someone I never met to hunt their property. So I was fishing for ideas as to how to break the ice. I have always been on public land. I will truely treasure any land I have rights to hunt.
1. I've always found it easier to get trapping or shed hunting permission to get access to new land. Once I've got my foot in the door and they get to know me... then I ask for hunting permission. 2. Few landowners bow hunt, some don't hunt at all but most rifle hunt or have family/friends that do in my area. I try to be very specific when asking for bow hunting permission or any permission for that matter. Let them know that you will gladly work around their, their families or friends hunting. Tell them that you would be thankful to just hunt early and/or late season staying away from rifle season. You need to show them you have their interests at heart. That goes a long ways and has gotten me on where most haven't. Getting that foot in the door is the hardest part. Find an angle and work it. 3. Take your kids along or borrow a neighbor's kid. Kidding on the latter... well maybe. It is very effective in most cases. It is a lot tougher for them to say no when they have a youngster looking at them. Of course make sure the kids are well mannered. No one likes a bratty kid. LOL Seriously I like having my kids along so the landowner gets to know them as well. Plus your kids will see what works and doesn't work when trying to get permission. Some day they will be looking for permission... might as well prepare them. I've gotten permision for well over 25,000 acres of private. I've beat on a lot of doors to get and keep it. So far it has only cost me a handshake and some great conversations with landowners. Tim
man this thread has got me going again! - one thing i always do is make sure im cleaned up/shaven and my hair is tucked away (for those who know me haaaaaaa) - i call myself an archer, not a hunter and make it clear that i am not a trophy hunter but a meat hunter and like said above offer to share - i always leave them with some way of contacting me... business card cell, address where i live, home phone and email if available(move info you give them the more they will give of themselves) - i also offer sometimes to "pass a test" at the begining of every season... i have him/her watch me shoot my bow at distances of 20 and 30yds! may sound a bit weird but if they know you are a good shot and the animal will be taken cleaning the wife might be more likely to say yes=-) - lastly if it were my land i just try and think how i would want to be approached
