Asking permission to hunt private land
Connecticut
Contributors to this thread:
I have been wanting to ask someone to hunt their property and havn't got around to it. They moved 2 weeks ago. Is it too soon for me to ask the new land owner to hunt the property? If so how long should I wait? I waited a month on another property that had this same issue. When I went to ask someone had already asked and got permission. I have asked about 30 people this year and sent 12 letters this season with NO luck at all.
ask ASAP... bring them a nice fresh apple pie... it always works for me... good luck... if they say no always ask if they know anyone else with possible property... always finish with thank you and please keep me in mind...
SO go to big y and buy one or do I bake one myself ? They just moved from New Jersey so they are not going to know anyone else with huntable land. Its 3 houses down from my in-laws.
I am a bee keeper, Most places that are good hunting are also good bee yards, I have started my conversations with them about bees on their property and feel then out, I have got permission for both bees and hunting in the same visit, I some times bring a jar of honey and a business card, some times they say no or need to think about it. Catch them outside and start up a conversation , bring your wife and kids and don't wear camo
Pass, I'd suggest that you do it ASAP, and that you open the conversation introducing yourself and welcoming them to the neighborhood. Tell them that your "wife's parents live right over there". Mention that the area has an excess of deer, and that you bowhunt your in-law's property. Tell them that you are very safe, responsible and respectful.
You wanted to stop in and ask if a deer ran from the other property to theirs, if it would be ok to recover it. By the way, if they they would consider allowing you to also hunt their property, that would be very much appreciated.
Offer to introduce them to your in-laws as well. Remember to have a permission slip in your pocket, and be sure to point out the statute mentioned at the top that shields them from liability.
Good luck.
I usually state who I am, where I live and get right to the point. Im not one to beat around the bush or feel them out usually. I have nothing to really offer or ask other then to hunt . (maybe an apple pie?!?)The new owner drives a jacked up new tacoma with a huge roof basket and beefed up tires. That tells me ther eis a good chance he is into the outdoors in some sort of way. this property is only 7 acres but i have permission to walk/retrieve a deer on the surrounding properties already. I hunted 40 acres next to this property and helped the land owner get rid of a poacher. that said land owner called me the next year and said my land is private from now on and no one is allowed on it. well i gave them 2 years and went back with my wife. They let 2 other neighbors hunt it. been an aggravating year so far to say the least.
I always carry a copy of the Liability to land owners along with a permission slip when going to ask someone. along with a pencil and pen. My plan was to go and welcome them to the neighborhood.(I live right down the street also) To state that i just moved down the street myself last year. Im not by any means a people person and this takes every ounce of courage for me to knock on doors. even after knocking on over 100 doors in the last few years. Every door I knock on i am nervous and feel out of place. so striking up a random conversation without it being awkward is difficult. not to mention I am 6'2 220lbs and I have been told by some folks I seem intimidating. Watching people peek out windows and not answer sucks or getting doors slammed in your face.
don't for get to ask them if the want any deer meat I always give them my card and tell them feel free to call me if they have any questions on deer or deer hunting even if you don't allow me to hunt some time a year later they find out that all there flowers are eaten .Steve
" Im not by any means a people person and this takes every ounce of courage for me to knock on doors. "
You have to get over this. The only way that will happen is to do it more. Shy is ok, work that to your advantage, some people are way over confident, and that's usually a big turnoff. Believe in what you are doing, dress appropriately, and look them in the eyes.
"Im not one to beat around the bush or feel them out usually."
It's not 'beating around the bush, it's called building a relationship and making them comfortable. You're not in Sales or a customer facing business are you? Take a couple of minutes to put them at ease, then ease into the asking for permission.
Also think about the fact that if you avoid asking, someone else will probably be hunting there. You could also take along a friend, but frankly you really should learn to do this yourself. Once you get the hang of it, it's not hard.
Offering meat is something that I always do. I even offer to buy them meat if thats what the prefer. I will never get used to knocking on a strangers door. like I said I have knocked on over 100 doors in the last 2 years. I am a shy person and there is no getting around that. I was a delivery guy once upon a time. No sales background. Looks like tomorrow afternoon I am going to knock on a few more doors. I would never bring a friend with me that only hurts me with a small parcel. My wife is not available so i will be going in alone. Although having my adorable 110lb 5'5 wife with me could help tremendously, but it seems everyone is saying get on it ASAP. I would love to go today but they get home after dark and knocking on someones door in the dark I feel make it less of a chance of success. I prefer asking while its raining actually. Most people invite you in when they see your soaked. Thanks for the feedback so far. Its all good info. Looking forward to more input if anyone else has any. Ill be sure to post the outcome tomorrow.
I'd mention that you Hunt the surrounding properties...if u want I'll come with you to guard the Apple pie...lol
HAHAHA apple pie is my favorite and I will have trouble guarding it from myself, but thanks for the offer.
I would never go after dark the best time is on weekends I like to catch people outside in the yard some people won't answer the door if they don't know who it is .keep trying when you get one spot word of mouth is the best there word of mouth.Steve
How in miss the old days 30 years ago you could nock on a door and ask to hunt 90 times out of 100 was a yes and they probably ask you to stay for dinner as well know every 1 is scared of the metal cases running around with guns
Sending letters is a big turn off for most. Very easy to say no to someone you never talked to. I hunted a 100 acre parcel with 8 others. Four sent permits to be signed the following year. The landowner threw them out. The landowner had known these guy's for over twenty years also. Then there were four of us. I always offer up some of the harvest. Offer a days labor. Send them a xmas card (wifes job) and always stop by to say hi and see if they would sign once again. If you have kids bring them. If you don't, rent some.
I never made it out to ask Ace. Tagged the forker Saturday morning. Took a while to get him out. I had to wait for the crew to come drag it out. Then spent the rest of the day with my wife so I could go to MA to help my dad hang stands yesterday. I'm going to hope they are outside the next 3 days with the really warm weather. Happy wife happy life or something like that. Soap I agree with the letters being bad idea but I'm not traveling to PO box's to knock on them haha. And some owners are over an hour away. I will be sure to post what the outcome is.
I used to have my lobster license (weekender) back ten years ago. I am now deathly allergic to shellfish so I stopped doing it. I used to catch or buy 20 lobsters ($3.99/lb when on sale) and have them on ice alive in a cooler. I passed them out to my landowners and always asked if they had neighbors who wanted some, well I probably got 4 or 5 new spots. I was thinking about doing it again as I have lost a few places over the Years. (rich people buy/sell houses like we buy new Bows). Fresh Striper or Cod went along way too.
One more tactic Pass, if I can suggest. I went to the town hall and spoke to the animal rescue officer. She put together a list of landowners that are actually requesting hunters! Its worth asking, your local officer.
No one home yesterday. I'll try again today.
What I have tried is putting a a card or index card on bulletin board of supermarket, restaurant, bar, etc cetera. "Licensed (fill in the blank ) plumber looking for bow hunting privileges on private property. Clean cut, respectful. Will do free or reduced work. Name and contact info." It took about a year and a half but I got a few bites and eventually weeded them out and got permission. Worked for me. Mad Dog
All good advice. Create a "package" to leave with landowners. Copies of your driving license, hunting license, the statute summarizing the liability release, and an image of your vehicle (if it's going to be parked nearby). All this shows you have nothing to hide, your are responsible and accountable and law abiding so you have no fear of being reported. Be low impact, don't let them see you coming or going. Emphasize that you have been hunting the area for years with no incidents. And that permission can be revoked at any time.
All good advice. Create a "package" to leave with landowners. Copies of your driving license, hunting license, the statute summarizing the liability release, and an image of your vehicle (if it's going to be parked nearby). All this shows you have nothing to hide, your are responsible and accountable and law abiding so you have no fear of being reported. Be low impact, don't let them see you coming or going. Emphasize that you have been hunting the area for years with no incidents. And that permission can be revoked at any time.
Got a old spot back was at therapy tonight and I hear some one say hay Steve is that you I turn there is a lady I used to hunt for, she said I haven't seen you in a while and was worried about you I told her she was never there when I stopped by the therapist asks her how she new me she tells him Steve knocked on the door and said can I kill some of the deer I told him go head this is in the center of Darian when I left she came out to the truck and signed 2 permits its not that hard LOL
Did you " turn sloooowly" or was it fast like when your kid stole your last cookie...congrats