i am looking to get access to a couple properties for this fall. when would be a good time to ask people?

ASAP!!!

ya as soon as possible so the good spots arent gone!

yesterday

I go trompin' up doorsteps all across the county looking for more ground every year, be polite, and don't just call them up on the phone, means much more to show up in person. good luck!

i start asking asap but if they want a lease i ask to walk the property a couple of times

The sooner the better and good luck. Present yourself in a nice way and you might get some permission.

A great time of the year is during hay season. Offer to help the farmer put up his hay. Another great way to get permission is to help him fix, or run new fence. The more you help, the more you will be welcome. I am a land owner. If you are not willing to help with some of the work that needs to be done, then do not ask. Hunting on some one's property is a privilege, not a right. Tom.

I agree with Tom I always ask long before the season starts. I asked if I can help around the farm since I grew up around one. I also share the game with them.

Yeah, what the head said as far as doing work to earn the priviledge. BUT ASK NOW! That gives the folks to think about it, find themselves in a spot where they will NEED your help and an opportunity to maybe stop by again.

Depending upon your community (and you), offering up some sort of reference(s) can help. Maybe your Aunt or someone works with someone in the family you want to ask permission of. i.e. "Hi, I'm Curt Hoffart. My Aunt Helen works with your wife over at the mill. Listen, I wouldn't think of asking someone I really don't know for something for free. I feel good earning my keep. I can see you got a really nice farm here and nice farms like yours don't just happen - they require work. Would you be open to a fella helping you out on your farm in exchange for some hunting?"

90+% of the timehe's been asked more than once before - but you will probobly be the first to actually make an association with him (Aunt works withthe wife), compliment his work (nice farm), offer some muscle and then ask for permission.

Even if he initially says no, it doesn't hurt to stop by again sometime to say hi and drop another subtle compliment. Who knows, he might say something like, "So did you find anywhere to deer hunt this fall? Ya know Clem Watkins over on County Line Road was telling me the deer eat his crops pretty hard over there. You might want to talk to him. Tell him I sent you. He's a pretty good guy."

Good luck, keep your chin and faith up.