Hunting Permission Private Land

[Demonical]

Is it a good idea to make a sheet with your personal info on it, to give to a landowner?

I'm thinking of something with some simple agreed 'rules of access', vehicle picture, my picture, my contact info etc...

Or do you cause yourself more liability problems by giving too much info?

And what about each party signing it?

 

[jaydog]

I have seen government created sheets for 'landowner agreements' along the lines of what you describe. Having good contact with the landowner always helps- I think its the guys on the edges who get people's nose out of joint. (ruling out full on idiocy of course!)
I always gave the landowner my truck description, plate number and phone number in NS. Worked for me.

 

[Magellann]

A neighbor was given verbal permission to hunt on a piece of land, then he asked the landowner to sign such a sheet and the fella changed his mind on him hunting there. He was scared he would be liable if anything ever happened.
Ive hunted on the same land parcel for almost twenty years now with only a verbal agreement.

 

[hoytcanon]

I'm a handshake and relationship guy... I knock on the door and introduce myself. Get straight to the point and if it goes well, I check in regularly, do helpful things, pick up garbage, close gates, offer assistance when and where appropriate... call at Christmas etc... and I give two or three months notice and specific dates when I will be on the property. The only personal info I give is my name, phone number and vehicle description.

 

[redruns]

My plan is always to keep it simple. I'm not sure if too many details is a great way to get a happy "yes". You want a big "NO" next time, then show up with a contract this time. Great idea to have your name and phone number though. Some people are rally good at the cold call, I'm not so great.

My gopher and coyote trips usually have a meeting that end with "Can I leave you my name and number? That way if something comes up or you change your mind, you can give me a call. I'll check back with you in a couple of weeks to see if the timing still works OK."

LOL I just had the chills, I hear my old mans voice in my head "I ain't signin this sh!t, GTFOutahere ya knowitall. And don't pet that heeler, she hates everybody."

 

[bjake]

I made up some business cards up with my information that I give out when I ask for permission I've never worried about written permission I always figured if I made it more complicated than just saying yes i would probably get no for an answer.Having said that I'm 66 and live in the interior most of my life in a time when someone would stop and see if you needed a ride when you were waking down the road with a rifle instead of calling the cops

 

[156821]

I cant imagine actually pulling out a piece of paper with rules on it and asking the landowner to sign it... I bet you would get told to f-off. I would be embarrassed to even attempt it. A card with your contact info might be a good idea just so they know your not a fly by night kinda guy. A firm hand shake goes a long way! My old heeler hated everybody too haha

 

[Superbrad]

I treat asking for permission the same way I treat a job interview..... Firm handshake, eye contact and no nonsense.....

People value their time, and I value mine... We both know what the weather is like. I tell them they have a beautiful property to start (they do, or I wouldn't be asking to hunt it).... I tell the my intentions, mention that I am respectful and OFAH insured. I have goose properties I hunt where the landowners have actually asked if I would take their child out and show them the ropes.....

I am sorry, and I don't want to paint everyone with the same brush, but don't show up looking like a "baller" with your hat on backwards, your jeans halfway down your arse and using the word "like" 5 times in a sentence....... Do not bring "rules" but bring a pre filled written permission form that CLEARLY states that permission can be revoked at any time for any reason as well as a business card (if you don't have business cards, take the time to make something)....

One cheat, if you have a child, bring them with you if they are well behaved.... Lol

Also, treat their property like you would your own..... People talk, and your efforts may open up opportunities elsewhere for another hunter.....

 

[silverfoxdj]

I'm a handshake and relationship guy... I knock on the door and introduce myself. Get straight to the point and if it goes well, I check in regularly, do helpful things, pick up garbage, close gates, offer assistance when and where appropriate... call at Christmas etc... and I give two or three months notice and specific dates when I will be on the property. The only personal info I give is my name, phone number and vehicle description.

Bet you don't get turned down too often..if more hunters did this ...

 

[Drillbit]

A neighbor was given verbal permission to hunt on a piece of land, then he asked the landowner to sign such a sheet and the fella changed his mind on him hunting there. He was scared he would be liable if anything ever happened.
Ive hunted on the same land parcel for almost twenty years now with only a verbal agreement.

I wouldn't want anyone hunting on my property that wanted me to sign anything either.

I do what hotcannon does. Go visit. And call once in awhile and make improvements while I'm there.

I leave my business card so they have my info, and slip in somewhere that I'm insured through my Rod & Gun club.

 

[kodiakjack]

Verbal only, and we always make it a point to invite the landowner over for a big meal during the season with the whole gang so they get to know everyone on a personal level - see them with their kids, etc. outside of the "guy on my land with a gun" image. Always a good time, and a chance to get some insider information on game movement. Not to mention, sets a pretty high standard to compare to when some bloke comes knockin on their door with a land use contract in hand ;-)

 

[Superbrad]

I understand the feedback on the permission slips (not the rules).... But technically, if confronted by a CO on land that is not yours, you are supposed to be able to present it..... The one I have drafted up is very simple.... And gives them an out.... It's more about me having something to present the co, and less than a "contract".... I typically ask them if they would mind and if they balk, i drop it... And explain why I asked.... Usually they end up signing......

Also, Hoyt brings up a great point..... Don't forget them at Xmas and don't forget them when you harvest something..... And for god sake don't give them a cheap cut..... Some nice smoked sausage and a bottle goes a long way to building a relationship and showing thanks and respect......

 

[PEKS]

I'm a handshake and relationship guy... I knock on the door and introduce myself. Get straight to the point and if it goes well, I check in regularly, do helpful things, pick up garbage, close gates, offer assistance when and where appropriate... call at Christmas etc... and I give two or three months notice and specific dates when I will be on the property. The only personal info I give is my name, phone number and vehicle description.

Same drill here, if someone wanted to hunt my land this would work for me..

 

[Demonical]

I always prefer the face-to-face intro also, I just wondered about the permission thing.

I will draft up a note that has my info and vehicle description, for the guy to have.

Thnx!

 

[Longwalker]

I make up some "business" cards and give them to landowners when I introduce myself. I carry a municipal map with the landowners property plotted. I ask if I am enquiring about he correct parcel of land to the correct person because I would like to hunt on it and want to make sure I have the correct information. That always leads to a conversation, and then almost always to permission.

 

[GCJ]

Google Ofah landowner agreement. Pretty much covers what you need. Having said that, I am old school. We have a 53 acre deer yard and have a few hunters on a handshake agreement.

 

[farmer47]

i had some fellows who hunted ducks on the river and enjoyed shotgunning barn pigeons which all ended up in the pot. these guys were European and did not speak the greatest English but they made some of the best wine ever .the pendulum swings both ways when you are looking for permission.

 

[hoytcanon]

Bet you don't get turned down too often..if more hunters did this ...

I have a number of 30 year relationships with some landowners that started with a knock on their door... Just last night I called all of our turkey property owners, to reaffirm permission and to advise them of our schedule... they were all welcoming again... during and after the hunt I scout and knock on more doors... we pick up a couple new properties every year. Best advice is "get comfortable being uncomfortable." Which asking permission surely is... here is a neat tidbit; on many occasions, I have had landowners change their minds after an initial "No" because of a friendly and courteous acceptance of their denial... One fella, whose place we have killed a nice opening morning Tom on for the past 12 years straight, actually chased me down the driveway and caught me at the mailbox when I noticed him in the rear view mirror...

 

[Aniest]

I'm a handshake and relationship guy... I knock on the door and introduce myself. Get straight to the point and if it goes well, I check in regularly, do helpful things, pick up garbage, close gates, offer assistance when and where appropriate... call at Christmas etc... and I give two or three months notice and specific dates when I will be on the property. The only personal info I give is my name, phone number and vehicle description.

This has gotten me permission of every one of the places I hunt on. I recommend this highly.

 

[Royzo]

Running a business, I know all the locals so getting permission to hunt is not an issue and its always a verbal agreement. Many times I have hunted with the land owners and had a great time. Many long term friendships have developed over the years. I usually give the land owners a roast or steaks and once in a while a bottle of hooch. Only problem with giving them a bottle is they quite often throw away the cap and start pouring. My wife hates that part, she has had to pick me up a few times and haul my sorry arse home.