It may seem like an easy thing for some people to do, but for others, asking permission to hunt someone else’s property can seem like a daunting task! So how do you get started?
I mentioned in my last Blog that it is a good idea to start by asking around among your friends, family, and church members. I simply inquire if any of them know someone that has land and wouldn’t mind letting me hunt there. It is easy enough for you to ask someone you know and feel comfortable with, and then they in turn end up doing a lot of the requesting for you. However, what about a piece of ground near you that you have had your eye on but don’t know the owner, and you don’t know anyone else who knows that person? What is the best way to approach that person?
Some people start by sending them a letter, but I personally like to start off with a face to face encounter. The first thing I recommend is dressing nicely. This especially holds true for you ambitious teenagers out there who are filled with energy and want to get better spots to go hunting! If you present yourself cleanly and with respect, you have a better chance of gaining access to that piece of property. The landowner will see that you make an effort to take care of yourself, so you may be the type of person that will also take care of his or her land. You also have enough sense to look respectable. As part of this, and this goes for the adults especially, don’t show up with a load of chewing tobacco in your mouth. One of the first things many tobacco abusers do when they are nervous is reach for a cigarette or a pinch of chew, but you simply can’t do that AT ALL! The last thing you want is for that land owner to smell cigarette smoke on you or see the residual of that brown sludge on your lip from the chew you just threw out of your mouth just before approaching their door.
The next thing to do is go during the daylight hours. Don’t knock on the door in the dark. People are just less likely to want to address strangers in the dark. Also, don’t go during normal meal time hours for people. One of the things you need to do when getting permission is build a little rapport with the people. You basically want to have as much time available as THEY are willing to give you to chat.
Some people even join an insured group, or look for liability insurance specific to hunting on someone else’s land. You have to keep in mind that to let someone on their property puts an element of liability on THEM, so to remove that fear or concern by having your own liability insurance will greatly enhance your chances of gaining access. Additionally, if they seem to bulk at the idea of allowing you to hunt, you can propose the idea of a lease, where you pay a fee to gain access. You’ll need a good contract at that point, which is a separate topic. Sometimes you can simply contact an outfitter and ask what type of contract they use for a lease, and some have actually even given me a copy of theirs.
Also keep in mind that it sometimes is a numbers game. You may need to knock on 20 doors to get one or two permissions. In that respect, you need to persevere and not give up.
Lastly, think of practical stuff, such as where to park. Ask the land owner where is the best place for you to park when you come to hunt. Try to cover all of your basis in that way. Take as much or all burden off of the landowner, and try to be respectful and stay out of his or her way! I also ask if they would like any of the venison if I am fortunate enough to harvest one. Putting some steaks in their freezer is always a good idea for getting invited back. Even if they don’t want any, make sure you do something special for them by the end of the season. I often send out a hand written thank you card and maybe even a gift card to a local gas station or something like that.
Thanks for reading this Blog, and God bless you!