Ive hunted the same land since i was little, Ive never met the landowner, its always been a simple phone call from my dad, but after changes in life(parents divorce...) I called him on my own this year,he said yes but he really doesnt know me that well, and i want to send him a simple ThankYou card, but have know idea how to start it or what should be said and worded.
He is a retired lawyer that goes back and forth to florida, i dont even know if this card will make it to him, I searched whitepages and the phone# was valid so im hoping the address is too. Any ideas would be great, i also want to ask him if i can clean up all the scrap metal and tires around the property too, how long should i wait before i give him a call and ask him agter i send the card?
I know as much as you guys blow the sirens on grammer on these forums one of you will know what to say.
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Yesterday was the past, Tomorrow is the future, but today is a Gift, that is why it's called the Present.
Send him a letter and include a pic of you and your deer. Tell him how much you appreciate the opportunity to hunt his land and what it means to you. Then, to show your appreciation, tell him you'd be willing to clean up the property if he didn't mind.
I believe that this would show your appreciation better than a simple thank-you card because you took the time to compose the letter. It's more personal.
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So there I was, Nov 12th 1996, flying down the highway, smoking cigarettes and drinking coffee, windows down for scent control.
Send him a letter and include a pic of you and your deer. Tell him how much you appreciate the opportunity to hunt his land and what it means to you. Then, to show your appreciation, tell him you'd be willing to clean up the property if he didn't mind.
I believe that this would show your appreciation better than a simple thank-you card because you took the time to compose the letter. It's more personal.
GregH gives good advice, Aaron. You need to convey to him EXACTLY how much it means to you.....that he has entrusted you with being a good steward of his property.
The only thing I'd disagree with Greg on (through my own personal experiences with the properties I hunt).....is...I'm not so sure a photo is in order....especially of a dead deer. MOST (as I'm thinking about.....all but 1) of my landowners are borderline animal LOVERS. I don't ever take a deer out of my wood sin the daylight where the deer is visible to anyone. If it's night....I just carry it on the 4-wheeler. If it's daylight......I check to see if anyone's around.....and if they are....I take a trailer and a tarp and cover the animal up. I'd rather be safe than sorry. A photo of yourself (no camo) is a great idea, though.
Every time I've ever asked for hunting permission....I've sent the landwoner a hand-written note. It's gotten me into my best two spots....when initially I was told "no". On both occasions.....the landowner received my letter (mailed) and changed their mind.
If it were me.....you already HAVE permission. I'd send the FIRST letter simply thanking him for entrusting you with his land. I'd send the photo here. Secondly.....I'd send a follow-up letter a few weeks later......and mention the clean-up, then.
The best advice I could give you is to word it like you're "in"....and never leave room for anything else. The fact that you're "there" is an afterthought. You just want to show your appreciation.
The more I think about this.....the more I think your photo should be one of you and your girlfriend beside your work vehicle. People have really good impressions in their mind for people in your profession. If you have those magnets....stick 'em on the Jeep and make sure you can see them
What I do with a good piece of property is to go in person and take a pie or some other good gesture. You have said that the guy has never met you, so there is no personal connection, what happens if someone else asks in person? He has really no personal interaction with you. One of my properties I talked with the guy and he gave me permission and later that summer he was riding by the property and saw me and a buddy cleaning up garbage. He stopped and talked and found out that it was my third truckload, now i can do anything I want there. I like the personal experience better than a letter.
I agree send him a thank you with a pic of you and maybe your family looking good and professional . deffinatly offer to pick up around the land and what ever else he might want done
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"The believer is happy. The doubter is wise."
From a personal standpoint, A face-to-face thank-you is always the best as long as it isn't during their busy time.AChristmas fruit basket along with an offer to share some of the venison from your harvest(especially some deer sausage) also goes a long way in forming a good bond withlandowners. Look at it this way, if you allowed someone on your property, but you never saw them except for the first time you granted permission, what would you be thinking? I'd think they didn't appreciate it very much.
Where does he live? You mentioned he was back and forth between (I assume) VA and FL. Does he even have a residence anywhere near where the land is?
If so....sure....go by there. If not....the letter is fine.
IF you go to see him.....you are opening yourelf up for him to talk about the hunting with you. If you send a letter.....the permission is already given and he can't discuss that with you. I guess what I'm trying to say is.....Don't risk a dialogue that might could change what you already HAVE (i.e. permission). Just send him a letter thanking him for said.
That's the way I'd approach it.You do what you think is best.
Need help saying Thanks...
. If you have those magnets....stick 'em on the Jeep and make sure you can see them
