Originally Posted by
kwilson16
As a military guy, I move often and have become somewhat of an expert property scrounger. Here are some non-typical pointers:
1. Gotta make your approach face-to-face! I have only been turned down a couple of times in 20 years and they were on the phone. Avoid first contact on the phone if at all possible.
2. Approach the owner that is most likely to say ‘yes’ first. Then, when you tackle the second guy, you can mention that his neighbor has already granted permission.
3. If you are turned down for permission to hunt, consider asking for permission to track and retrieve (very important for bowhunting) or even shed hunting or crossing the property for stealthy entrance/exit. Then, build a relationship based on trust and respectful land use.
4. A lot of folks will tell you to offer to help with chores and this is fine. However, it is not as important to most landowners as you might think.
5. Expect a chilly reception initially. If you have a previous relation (like the insurance guy), then you are way ahead.
6. You can download a release from liability on the internet. You can sign it and offer it to the landowner if he/she is worried about being sued. PM me and I can send a blank one via email if you don't want to pay/download. A little bit of legal internet research can help here too. For example, it is not possible for a 'recreational land user' to sue a land owner in Virginia (where I live now).
7. Always carry a small, blank permission slip in your wallet/car - in case you unexpectedly meet a property owner at kid's school, church, etc.
8. The best way to get good at finding new properties is to do it.
9. Get familiar your county tax map system. Some use internet sites that are very simple to use for research landowner names, addresses etc. Don't overwhelm the landowner with how much info you know about him or his property. It's creepy.
10. In my opinion, finding new properties is an absolutely vital task just like accurate shooting, bow tuning, post-season scouting, meat care etc.
Having grown up on a private farm/ranch, I can say that this is excellent information. About the only thing that I can think of to add is the information that you will close gates and not drive on/tear up fields - in other words, respect the land owners property. Nothing will deny you, and subsequently the rest of up permission to private land than the dumb @*^# that too often comes with inconsiderate 'sportsmen'.