Tips to use when asking permission:

1. Ask in the spring rather than right before the hunting season.
2. Do it in person, dress neatly, and be polite.
3. If you have a business card, present it, along with your home phone number on the back.
4. Have a typed permission slip already drawn up, like the cards speedbuggy referred to. The cards should not only grant permission, but should also have your code of conduct stated so the landowner knows what to expect from you. He or she signs the permission portion, you sign the code portion. Have a copy for each of you. (Written permission is a great thing to have when you run across another hunter hunting land where he shouldn't be; simply show him your permission and ask to see his!)
5. Ask for permission to hunt groundhogs or other pests during the summer before the deer season. Folks who don't like deer hunting often like having the varmints gotten rid of, and this give you opportunity to build a relationship and demonstrate your ethics.
6. Offer to help out around the place in exchange for permission to hunt. A good time to ask is when a farmer is out working on a project that can use another set of hands. Pitch in!
7. If denied, politely thank them for their time and leave your business card with them! It's quite possible they may rethink their stance and you want them to be able to get in touch with you.

Then there is the whole ethic of what to do when you ARE granted permission:

1. Ask if there are any stipulations, like how far away from any buildings you should stay, or if there are any other areas that are "off limits."
2. Unless otherwise indicated by the landowner, always telephone in your hunting plans at least a day in advance. I did this with one family for two years, and they finally said, "Hey, just come and use the property whenever you want to; no need to check in."
3. If you are successful, check in with them. Couple of the farms I hunt have kids, and they love to see the game taken. Builds relationship.
4. Offer some of the game . . . after it has been processed. I took three deer, my son another, so our freezer is packed. We took the equivalent of an entire deer--cut, packed, labeled, and frozen, out to the farm and it was much appreciated.

These tips have worked for me and others. Best of luck.

cogito, ergo armatus sum.

Edited by - legionnaire on 01/09/2002 12:55:49

I prefer to ask to hunt in person, either catch farmers at the coop or go up to their house. You've got it made in that aspect, you'll surely see the landowner at the stables when you are checking your horse, just mention it in conversation. Ask something like, " would it be alright if I hunted out here sometime?" It's a nonconfrontational setup, and it doesn't sound desperate either. Don't be too depressed if they say no though, I know I wouldn't want ANYONE hunting on my horse pastures (I've actually shot at people who were). Ask them where it would be ok to hunt and what buildings or horses are around so that you can guarrantee that you won't shoot anything but deer or dirt, that's kind of a turn off on return trips if you shoot someones horse, or house for that matter!!!

hey,
i was in the same situation.
i asked and was told yes
know i seams like im the persons slave, constantly being asked to do chores ect.
and whats worse is the person is thankless,
i help them and get no thank you .
im at the point of saying f, you and the land,
its just not worth it.
keep this in mind, you mightbe getting into more work than anticipated
mike

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Don't forget one thing...if you get permission, wheather you are successful or not, bring the person something every time you hunt. Bring something that this person can not get from the area they live. (i.e fresh bagels, bread). Buy them food (canned hams, dry sausages, wine). never come emptyhanded and dont be cheap! hunting land is scarce and precious.

[Deleted by Admins]

Bottom line.... Be POLITE. Ask once and if your declined say thank you and how you appreciate his time. Go back next year and try again... Don't get upset if they say no. If they say yes always offer some steak.