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Tips on getting landowner permission…

So a retired buddy and I drew NR antelope tags for area 23, Wyoming. 23 doesn’t have a whole lot of public land but we knew that going in. We only had 3 points between us. We’ve done some research and have a a plan for public but are going to look on OnX and make some calls in an attempt to obtain permission on some private land in the area. We’re driving out from Georgia and, being from the South don’t have much experience getting the OK to hunt on private. Here’s a few things we’ve been told to let em know. Would appreciate any additional advice! ~ We’re both retired military. ~ We’re bow hunting only, the first couple of weeks of the archery season in August. ~ We’d be willing to pay a reasonable trespass fee. ~ We won’t call before 7 PM. ~ If we’re fortunate enough to get permission, we’ll take some Georgia peaches, Vidailia onions or a bottle of liquor with us as a thank you. What else???? Thanks!!!

Don't come in my driveway, with a truck with sponsored decals..... Be polite, be honest, be yourself.

I'd call mid morning maybe. Many times that was when the LO was back in the house for coffee or something. If the wife answered I treat her with same respect as the husband, ask if the family allows hunting or trespass fee hunting. Ask if you're calling at a bad time first of all.

I always ask how their numbers are looking, population of what you want to hunt. And if they want a call just before you come out if they give access.

Haying season will start soon for some, that means long hours on the tractor and they may not feel like talking much after a long day.

I would call the G&F Sheridan Regional Office, (307) 672-7418, and ask if they have a list of landowners for your area that allows hunting. I wouldn’t wait any longer to do so, since many landowners that do allow hunting limit the number of hunters. I wouldn’t limit the time you call to only evenings. I’ve had good luck making calls around lunchtime. As you alluded to, be upfront about your plans and answer any questions they may have. Above all, be polite and respectful, even if you’re turned down. Good luck!

When I get ask one thing that always opens my door is when they say What do we need to do to be allowed to hunt antelope that week? I like to know if a guy is retired military but I don't like when that's the first thing out of his mouth. I don't like to be offered a trinket ahead of time. I know what my permission is worth. It offends me when a guy says I'll give you this or that little thing. I do however really like the gift later after the hunt. No matter how small.

If you get turned down, don't forget to ask if they know of any neighbors that might allow access. That's how I got my first permission to a great deer hunting property near where we now live.

I also agree with Saphead, nothing wrong with mentioning you are retired military, but don't lead with that. I'd lead with your full name, where you are from, and why you are calling. Then, ask if it's a good time to chat. You'll know your answer about access based on their response to that question most likely.

Call the area game warden. He knows all the landowners and could steer you to some permission properties. My first antelope came from a property the warden tipped me off to.

I have made up info sheets with a picture of my vehicle, the license plate and any other pertinent info to give to them upon arrival or send to them with a cover letter with the dates you will be thier, and your intentions, also asking them when a good time is to contact them.

Being from Wisconsin and having a cheese house with excellent product right down the road from me, I never head out on trips without a cooler of curds, string cheese, and specialty Muenster. When I go back again they always remember the guys that brought the cheese. Being able to talk ranch lingo helps a lot too. The rancher knowing your not going to be doing anything detrimental to his operation, and him not having to worry about a “ city slicker” from out East definitely will help. Good luck you’ll have a blast!!!

Cheese meister and ranch lingo All said in one sentence. Yes the world is over as we knew it.

Friends put an add on Craigslist about looking for a place to hunt in Wyoming. Actually got a response. The rancher responded they were welcome to come and asked since you’re from the coast could you bring some seafood for his family? Well 4 guys pooled money together and ordered a whole lot of seafood from Alaska shipped fresh tithe rancher, a whole bunch!! Well they now have a place to go hunting for years to come.

Great stuff guys! Thanks!

They take trespassing a little more serious out west than we do. Be careful. I’m not sure about sea food and cheese but money will open up some hunting spots.

I have no personal experience, but an acquaintance of mine told me he contacted the town hall of some little WY town and they had a list of landowners who would sell permission.

Haying season is under way. Game wardens have good info.

Wyobullshooter x2. About 5 years ago, that’s what I did. Called the Sheridan office and they gave mea landowner list. We called a couple and both were very easy to work with. When we settled on one, he charged us $50 trespass fee. Don’t remember what unit # it we were in though.

I called the Sheridan office and talked to the game warden. Neither had a list and said they don’t do that any longer. GW was very nice but didn’t know i of any private land prospects

Try feed stores

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