Need Help!

[whammy]

So im obviously a newbie, because this is posted on the newbie forum, but i am really asking for a favour from anyone who would be able to help.

I had quite a frustrating couple of hours driving around to some ranches and farms around the calgary area the other day, looking for places to try my hand at gopher shooting. Theyre out in the feilds all over the place and i have a neww .22 that i wanted to test out. It is actually my first gun and ive only shot it once. Sad i know, but what im wondering is if there is anyone on this forum within 45 minutes to an hour from calgary who would allow me to shoot on their land.

Also how far out of calgary do you generally have to go before theyre laid back enough to let a couple of respectable and polite guys test out their little .22's on their property. Maybe some approach tips would be helpful too in how to ask for permission.

I appreciate the help.

 

[maynard]

Don't go dressed in hunting clothes with a beer in your hand I am not saying to wear a suit, just look presentable. Be polite and if they say no, ask if they know anyone else in the area that would like some rodent control done.
At the end of the season we always drop off a small gift like a bottle or in our case maybe a few venison steaks. Might not be a good idea to offer them gopher steaks, but you get the idea

 

[TDC]

Try placing an AD in the local paper or Ranchers/farmers newsletter. Plenty of folks don't want to make a decision while you're standing at their door. State the obvious, you're looking for land access for "rodent control" or "pest control" indicate you are licensed and can/will clean up after yourself. leave an email address or phone number.

TDC

ETA I've printed up some "business cards" on the computer and left them with both those who allow you access and those who don't. Once your name gets around and someone in the community trusts you, you'll have no problems getting access.

 

[dumbdawg]

patience is the first word you need to know.

 

[superd222]

Hey Whammy,

You have just received some great advice - I don't think I can even add to it... A "Hunting - Card" is a great idea and gives you credibility. When you're talking with a landowner, make it sound like you've been doing it for a while or at least know what you're doing shooting wise (and that you understand rifle safety and aren't going to shoot anything other than the critters you both agree on).

Don't get discouraged - keep knocking on doors. You'll get permission eventually.

When we're out trying to gain access to new property, we ask as if we will come back for future shooting - if you're too anxious to get going right away, it may be intimidating - especially if you're speaking with the the lady of the land. Have a conversation with them so they can get to know you (and you'll learn about them too!). This will give you something to discuss the next time you're out to see them. Once you've been chatting for a while, you may want to suggest you have come prepared with your "tools" and gently ask if you can start today... This seems to work for me in Li....Lib......Li....Liber......Li....oh I can't even say it - you know what I mean...Ontario when we're out Ground-hoggin'. Shoud be a piece of cake for you!

Good Luck ! ! ! - SD