What is the best way to approach a landowner?
 

I am just wondering what some of you guys do and what tends to work best. I also have a couple questions.Do you ask for permission to hust land that you already know someone is hunting or do you just let it go?
Does one way of approach work better than others? Like calling or going to their house or what? Thanks for any info. Just want to know the best way because I will soon be starting the ask for permission stuff. Thanks

RE: What is the best way to approach a landowner?
 

The best approach is face to face , with you dressed neatly in street clothes , hat in hand , and very polite . The way you speak to them varies by their response to your introduction of yourself , watch their face and proceed accordingly . After you introduce yourself be direct so that you don't waste their time , tell them that you'd like to discuss the possibility of hunting on their property . At that point they'll either talk about it or send you packing . If they're open to the idea then go into details like what you would like to hunt , when , etc . Do more listening to them than speaking , never interupt them or try to argue with them , you won't win . That covers the basics .

Pretty much act like they have a choice car sitting in the yard that you'd love to have and would be willing to work for . Landowners always have things they need to do but don't have time for , offer to do them if your skills permit . Farmers love varmint hunters , offer to blast the woodchucks for a dairy , beef , or horse farmer . Make sure to point out that you'll offer them indemnity for accidents in writing , most states have laws governing that , my state's DNR website even has a form you can download describing them . Trying for land that someone else already has permission for can go either way , my experience has been that they won't to avoid conflict with the other hunters , especially if they're family . It doesn't hurt to ask though . A "No Hunting" sign doesn't always mean what it says , but don't press it .

You're going to get more no's than yes's , don't be discouraged by the no's . Remember , you're selling yourself and what you can offer the landowner , if they like what they see you're halfway home . Ask around with people you know who have friends or family that own land and have them make your introduction for you , I've found that the "good ol' boy system" can be a potent tool for getting permission . Someone they know asks for someone who knows you , which tells the landowner that it's probably someone trustworthy or the family member/friend wouldn't be asking . Above all else , show respect for the landowner and their time when you first meet them , a firm handshake , looking directly into their eyes , and a respectful tone has netted me more entries than anything else .

RE: What is the best way to approach a landowner?
 

Thank you so much for the info kevin1 I really appreciate it.

RE: What is the best way to approach a landowner?
 

Good advice Kevin especially the Firm introductory hand shake and look in the eye. That speaks volumes about a man. Also always use Sir and Mam I don't care if there 20 years younger then you. It is the first word out of your mouth and the first sign of respect. One thing I have learned is NEVER, NEVER try to gain permission over the phone to me that shows a person is lazy and don't want to take the time to come and see me face to face how does that speak about any work they say they will do. Now that might make me sound funny but belive land owners can be funny and paticular about who they let on their land and a voice on the telephone don't say too much about the person. Good Luck Mike

RE: What is the best way to approach a landowner?
 

This is the hardest part about hunting IMO.

RE: What is the best way to approach a landowner?
 

Just do it..... Actually getting the nerve to knock is the hardest part. Also, make sure you are very friendly, even if they turn you down. I've gotten permission from several farmers even after an initial "no".

RE: What is the best way to approach a landowner?
 

Same here , even from a couple who had "Posted - No Hunting" signs on their fence .

RE: What is the best way to approach a landowner?
 

When all else fails, break out the Benjamins.

RE: What is the best way to approach a landowner?
 

marry the landowners' daughter!:D

RE: What is the best way to approach a landowner?
 

I've had the best success when I would say something like "well this sure is a great piece of land you have here..." If you start out by complementing their property they might be more open to letting you hunt on it.

Also, offer to pick up any trash you find and don't be afraid toshare some venison with them (if they like it).

If you do get permission to hunt there, stop by after the season to say thank you and again before the start of the next season tomake surethat you can still hunt there. If you are respectful and friendly you shouldn't have any problems.

RE: What is the best way to approach a landowner?
 

With Ben's facing up!

RE: What is the best way to approach a landowner?
 

I guess I was born with the gift for gab. I usually can get permission to hunt. First thing I do is find a spot, drive along looking for signs that say "hunt here", well the state puts them out and calls them deer crossing signs. Go Figure! Might as well be a neon sign to me. Also look for deer in fields, yards, gardens, etc. Then find out who owns the property, some states have plat map books, worked great for me in Michigan, these tell how large the property is, who owns it, who owns the adjoining land, etc. Then go knock on some doors. I usually look for them out in the yard, or drive or garden. At least outside. What's the first thing you say when someone knocks on your door? "Who the hell is this?" So if I can find them outside, stop and introduce yourself. Smile and be polite, if they're workin the garden, "nice looking garden, myself I can't grow facial hair let alone a garden. HA HA I happened to be driving by last night and had 6 deer cross the road in front of me. Almost hit one. Bet they wreek havoc on a garden." If you can get them to carry on with you, you are half way there. Gently work your way into hunting, if they object to "guns being fired near the house,cows, horses, grandchildren. "Oh no MR/Mrs........ I was looking for a place to bowhunt. It's a very safe means of hunting, as a matter of fact the deer are never safer than when I am bowhunting" When you let them know that your shots are elevated downward to the ground with shots never being more than 30 yards it helps them feel safe. Here in NC they have what is a "blue law" called "berry picker laws" meaning that if you are on someone's land for recreational purposes they cannot take legal actions for injuries occuring during. Another help is if you offer to do some chores or help out with some things, painting, splitting wood, cutting grass. Yea it sucks but it let's them know that you are responsible. Go out of your way to show them how much you appreciate them letting you hunt. One older couple, who used to let me hunt, get sweet corn from me a couple of times a summer and I'll sit and have some sweet tea and talk for a while. It led to me having access to friends of theirs property. Hope it helps and wasn't too long winded

RE: What is the best way to approach a landowner?
 

The one piece of advice I will give is come alone. Don't bring every Tom, Dick and Harry with you when you ask... No thing a farmer/rancher likes seeing less that 3 guys rolling up in a truck and pilling out askin for permission to hunt..

RE: What is the best way to approach a landowner?
 

Funny story about the first door I knocked on here in Iowa. Drove around all morning, found a big-farm, walked up and knocked. When the smokin' hot farmers daughter opened the door I was completely taken back. I forgot what I was doing for a minute. Few minutes later I was inside talking with her and her monther. Daddy ended up owning 3,000 acres! I've been waiting to run into that girl somewhere ever-since moving here! Laura, I love you! he he he he....

RE: What is the best way to approach a landowner?
 

I actually chuckled when I read that.

That is funny stuff.

I hope you bag her:D[8D]

RE: What is the best way to approach a landowner?
 

You don't look like Earnest T Bass do you?
:D

RE: What is the best way to approach a landowner?
 

Get in good with his daughter:D:D:D:D

RE: What is the best way to approach a landowner?
 

Like Kevin said. If that doesn't work offer him alcohol or offer to pay his way into a strip club

RE: What is the best way to approach a landowner?
 

walking

RE: What is the best way to approach a landowner?
 

Almost 20 years ago, when I first got permission to hunt a farm in WV, the farmer told us, NO! My buddy and I were polite and stayed around and talked a little bit about the weather and his cows. We ask if he knew of any other farms in the area that had deer problems and would allow hunting. We talked a little while and he said yeah we could hunt his farm.

We were nice even though we got turned down, but we went on talking about other things. It seemed this guy liked to talk.I think alot of country folk are like that. Get them talking and they warm up to you if you are respectful and polite.

That was nearly 20 years ago. In that time, he and I got to be almost like good friends. Him talking about his divorce and family problems and me about mine. I'd always make sure to take some time to go in the barn and chat with him. One year for Christmas I took his two young daughters down a few small presents. We usually got his mom and him a turkey or ham for Thanksgiving.

We found out in hunting season of2002 that his tractor had rolled on him and killed him. He was a heck of a nice guy and I felt like I lost a friend. I haven't been back to that farm since.

But yeah! Sometimes when you get a NO! for an answer and you talk a little bit that no can change to a yes. Just be polite and respectful. Ask if the know of anyone else that might allow hunting.

RE: What is the best way to approach a landowner?
 

You guys are great! I feel like I could ask the Drury brothers for permission to hunt their woods.:DThanks again for the info.

RE: What is the best way to approach a landowner?
 

Amen Windwalker , that's exactly what I was talking about .
Approaching a landowner is the same as approching someone you'd like to have as a friend , and 9 times out of 10 that's exactly what they will become . Thank you for condensing it for me .

RE: What is the best way to approach a landowner?
 

It couldn't have been said any better than what Kevin said! Like Aretha's song RESPECT.Respect and courtesy is what it is all about.People will look for reasons to help you if you are genuinely nice and considerate toward them.
I laughed when I read Lone Wolfs post! Good thing Dad wasn't around initially when you lost your original focus and chose a new focus.You may have never hunted that farm!:D

RE: What is the best way to approach a landowner?
 

I USE TWO DIFFENT APPROACHES, ONE IS AROUND FEBURARY I PUT A SMALL ADD IN THE NEWSPAPER THAT SAYS LOCAL BOWHUNTER LOOKING FOR LAND TO HUNT ON THEN PUT MY CELL PHONE # AND EMAIL ADDRESS. THERE ARE SOME PLACES AROUND THAT SOME HUNTERS HAVE TRIED AND GET AND WHERE TURNED DOWN. I TAKE AND FIND OUT WHO OWES THE LAND AND THEN I CALL THEM AT AROUND 7 PM THAT WAY I DON'T CATCH THEM AFTER JUST GETTING HOME FROM WORK AND DURNING DINNER. I JUST ASK THEM IF THEY COULD SPARE ME A FEW MINTUES ON ANY DAY TO TALK TO THEM ABOUT HUNTING THERE PROPERTY. I LET THEM PICK THE DAY AND TIME. SOME WILL AGREE AND SOME WILL HANG UP. ON THE DAY TO MEET I GO DRESSED IN JEANS AND A NICE SHIRT, THEY ARE USED TO THE OLD BOYS IN ALL THERE CAMO TRYING. I TELL THEM THAT I WOULD REALY LIKE TO HUNT THERE AND WOULD BE WILLING TO SIGN A RELEASE AND FOLLOW ANY RULES TO THE LETTER THAT THEY MIGHT HAVE FROM TIMES I CAN ARRIVE AND SO ON. I TAKE A SMALL NOTEBOOK WITH ME AND WRITE DOWN ANY RULES THEY MIGHT HAVE AND I KEEP A RELEASE IN CASE THEY AGREE. IF I'M TURNED DOWN I THANK THEM AND GIVE THEM A BUSINESS CARD WHICH I MADE ON MY COMPUTOR AND JUST ADVISE IF THE CHANGE THERE MIND I WOULD BE INTERESTED. I HAVE GAINED ACCESS TO THREE PROPERTIES WHICH OTHER HUNTERS HAD BEEN TURNED DOWN FROM. TWO OF THEM CALLED ME ABOUT A MONTH AFTER I SPOKE WITH THEM. ONE BIG THING TO ALWAY DO AND DO AS THEY ASK AND THANK THEM. IF THEY LIKE WILD GAME GIVE THEM SOME, ALSO SEND THEM A CHRISTMAS CARD EVERY YEAR AND BE WILLING TO HELP THEM IF THEY NEED HELP WITH A FENCE OR SOMETHING. YOU WILL HAVE LAND TO HUNT ON AND MAYBE MAKE A NEW FRIEND.
BE CAREFULL AND GOOD HUNTING.

RE: What is the best way to approach a landowner?
 

This is a great subject. I agree that it can be very tough to get up the nerve to knock ona farmers door, but you have to be willing to get several " no's " in order to get a " yes ". Look at it this way, the worst that can happen is that you'll get told no. It's worth a shot to try. Everyone has given great advice and the only thing I will add is that once you get permission to hunt that initial farm, ask the farmer about adjoining properties. Chances are that he knows his neighbor well, and may even go with you to talk to the adjoining landowner. Doing this helped me gain access to about 960 acres of private land comprised of four adjoining farms all because the initial farmer vouched for me. I'd have never gotten permission if he hadn't went with me. Good luck