Hey guys, I haven't been on here in a while and hope everyone is doing well. I've been working about 7 days a week at times and when it's not hunting season I think everyone kind of gets quiet around here. I'm getting pretty fired up right now and ready to take the bow out, although my places to hunt have gotten pretty limited. I've been checking tax records online and found some places I'd like to ask permission to hunt, but I'm not quite sure how to go about it. My first thought is to go to their house (although I'm not 100% sure it's theirs) and say something to the effect of, "Hello, my name is Jared L. I live in the area and am an avid hunter and would like permission to hunt your land if there is anyway we could work that out. I'd be willing to follow any rules you might have and share some meat if you'd like. So if you're okay with it I'd like to work it out, but if not I understand." I guess mostly I just need some reasurance from anyone who has asked and got good results, because I'm a little worried about the outcome. I guess the worst they could do is say no and give me a  face, but I would like hear any suggestions that any folks have had about getting permission.

Sounds like your schedule is pretty full, but I have had success by saying what you pointed out, and adding the option of I would trade some work for the opportunity too. There is always stuff that needs done. Good luck.

I was in the same spot this time last year. In the area that I live people give you a evil look when you mention the word "hunting" So what I did was instead of knocking on doors and getting the look of evil I posted an add on craigslist in the "Wanted" and "sporting" sections. I put that I would follow all rules they set in place, leave the property in better condition that I found it in, offer up some meat if they would like, offer to do some work around the property (Which I do currently) Ex. Cutting and splitting wood, yard maintenance ext... Explain that you have completed the States hunter safety course and the number of years hunting. These are just some of the things that I did and now have access to a 18 acre piece of property that has plenty of deer and turkey on it. I am also the only person that hunts it. Another thing I did was mention that I would only be bow hunting because alot of people in this area are not big fans of firearms around there property. But once I got to know the owner well and have helped out with some work around the property I can hunt all 3 seasons now. When and If you get the chance to meet up with someone who will let you hunt the property make sure you are dressed appropriately to show that you are mature and serious about what you are asking. (Not looking like a bum) Make sure that you mention the exact number of people who will be hunting with you and make sure you get permission in advance if you plan on bringing someone out with you. Hope this helps out a bit, if you have any other questions id be more than happy to help out.

Sounds like offering work is definitely a good thing to do and I had seen someone post on craigslist, but wasn't sure if it would do any good and then I forgot so thanks for the reminder. I also like the idea of telling them I could exclusively bow hunt if it made them feel better. Thanks guys.

No problem. Just get your foot in the door first then work your way in from there. Also a card around the Holiday season will give you a few points in their book. Let us know how you make out with your search for property.

BK,

what you have there is a good approach...dress neat...look sharp and be prepared to answer any question they may ask...bring along your cert that proves you completed the hunters ed program for your state...i approach it like a job interview...and just like an interview have some personal cards made up...that way if he says yes you give him a card and say "if there is anything I can help with don't be affraid to ask"..or if they say no then you hand them the card, thank them for seeing you and say "if you ever change your mind, please give me a call.."

Quite a few years ago, I wanted to Bear hunt over bait, In talking with a dnr agent, i picked an area of Northern Wi, I took a trip to look over area, saw a lot of private farmland, Most farms seemed to be owned by older folk, So one day I was thirsty and hungry, saw a local neighborhood bar, Stopped for refreshmant and to cool off---The joint was loaded with older farmers---So I bought all a drink after eating and left, The next weekend, Did the same thing, The next weekend, stopped again, ordered a drink for all, Before I could leave most asked why and what I was up to, To make a long story short, I gained acess to almost all of thre hunting areas, Was even guided by local farmers as to whwere they have seen bear, Also taken to corn field that had bear damage. made some very long term friends also !!!!! Worked for me !!!!

Make sure that you mention the exact number of people who will be hunting with you and make sure you get permission in advance if you plan on bringing someone out with you. Hope this helps out a bit, if you have any other questions id be more than happy to help out.

In our area that is exactly why permission is never given and everyone posts every 50 ft....When we bought our place the Farmer said " Chris never give permission...for once you do there will
be ppl you've never seen before telling you to get off your own land... they have exclusive rights from the owner!!" Give permission to one next thing you know...he's bringing a "friend" or relative...then word gets out

So my advise would be...enjoy hunting alone and make sure they know you won't be mentioning their place to other ppl...Good luck

Badger is right, If you can get access to a piece of property then don't mention it to anyone. Having a place that has little hunting pressure will benefit you in the long run.

That has always been a concern of mine although I would feel bad hunting a place and not telling a few people but I could see where that would get me turned down very easily. Even in ga where I finally got permission to hunt I had a close friend I wanted to ask for but I didn't think it was a good idea. If I did get permission I think I'd just wait for the land owner to bring up other people, which probably wouldn't happen meaning they didnt want them out there to begin with.

If the land is posted, (even if it's not) get the permission IN WRITING.  That way there is no question that you have permission to be there.  Good luck to you and be safe.

all good advise..more if you want it (or not)...if you do have someone you hunt with be sure to let the landowner know this up front..and that he/she'll only be hunting if you are there also introduce the person to them before you hunt...make sure both of you are aware to HIS RULES prior to hunting HIS LAND if he says you alone then don't try and slip someone else in...and make sure you give a discription of any vehicle you will be using and that he knows when you will be hunting...have some form of communication with them to let them know that you are out there, f you park out of sight...

Goose... Don't worry I learned that lesson last year when I "got permission" and it wasn't in writing. Twotales thanks for the advice and I like the idea of telling them which vehicle.

I think someone mentioned doing a card, another idea is taking a ham or some chocolates around christmas or thanksgiving. My inlaws own a lot of ground in NW KS and let a few ppl hunt and the hunters always bring them something like that to show appreciation for letting them on the land. I did that few years ago for a guy that was hesitant but decided to let me go. I took him and his wife a ham and chocolates the next couple years and got to be good friends with him. Just my 2 cents good luck.

I'd say the best way, is to actually get business cards made with deer you have shot in the past in the background and put your name, phone number, address, years experience, passed hunters saftey course, and any other accomplishments you may have. If they say no, leave them with a card and let them know if anything changes please give me a call. Plus helping with stuff around the house or farm may be a way in like others have stated, mowing grass, weed eating, mulching or even tilling and helping bail hay or straw. Something to think about. good luck to ya

Contacts made thru your church may be an option. Good Luck!

A lot of great advice! I usually introduce myself and tell them I live in the area, shake their hand, tell them I am sorry to bother them but was wondering if they ever allow anyone to do any bowhunting for deer. I word it that way because I feel that if I ask if they will let "me" hunt, sometimes, depending on tone and body language, it can come off aggressive or selfish. If I get a positive answer, then I will get into the specifics about letting "me" hunt. BEST thing you can do is be polite, humble and appreciative. Please, thank you, yes sir/ma'am, no sir/ma'am, etc. Like others, I always leave a card whether they say yes or no. Getting it in writing is best, especially if there are other hunters on or near the land. Offering to help around the farm or house and offering deer meat are huge bonuses. And, as someone else already mentioned, many landowners are much more likely to allow you to bowhunt rather than gun hunt. In my experiences, for two reasons: 1) Many more people gun hunt so there may be people who already hunt the land using a firearm. 2) If the landowner lives on or near the property, some people just don't like guns being fired around their home. The two pieces of private property I have permission to hunt, only allow me to bowhunt for reason #1 above. Once I have been hunting for a couple years and become comfortable with the landowner and vice versa, I may ask about gun hunting. Oh, and NEVER bring someone with you to hunt unless you have specific permission to do so. That is one of the quickest ways to lose your priveleges. I may ask about others hunting once the landowner and I become more comfortable with each other and have felt out the situation. Sorry to ramble. Good luck to you!