Strategies to Obtain more Hunting Ground
Strategies to Obtain more Hunting Ground
Locking down permission to hunt private land in Iowa is like winning the lottery. Hunters on private land enjoy higher success rates and influence how often the farm is hunted, how many animals are harvested, and how habitat is managed. Moreover, hunters that respect landowners’ wishes and are willing to help with projects and maintenance, can develop lifelong relationships that secure access for generations.
Finding private land can be extremely competitive and frustrating in Iowa. In many areas permission to hunt the best farms has been passed down for decades, and these bulletproof relationships are nearly impossible to negotiate. In other areas outfitters are gobbling up hundreds of acres every year in long term leases. As a result, if you don’t have rural connections and can’t afford to lease or purchase a farm, finding private ground can be extremely difficult. So, what can the average hunter do to secure a quality piece of hunting ground?
Research and Scouting
Securing private land starts with research and scouting. Locate promising areas on maps first and then identify the owners. Most county assessor web sites have GIS programs that show property borders and provide parcel information. If you’re not comfortable with technology, low tech plat maps with the same information may be available at the local library.
After you locate several potential properties, take a drive and scout the farms in person. Is the ground already posted with “no hunting or trespassing” or “leased hunting only” signs? Is the habitat capable of supporting dense populations of target species and have you observed any animals? Are the farms a comfortable driving distance from your home? This process will narrow down the list of candidates and maximize the efficiency of your search.
Contact Landowners
The next step is to initiate contact with the landowner, and I recommend calling and scheduling a face to face appointment. Be courteous and polite in all communications, and always mind your manners. Saying “please” and “thank you” could be the difference between getting permission or not.
As someone who lives in the country and doesn’t appreciate unexpected guests, avoid making “cold” calls at peoples’ homes. This is the fastest way to end a negotiation before its even started. If you treat landowners professionally and respectfully, even if they don’t have any ground available, they may refer you to a friend or relative that has a place to hunt.
Don’t give up
If you can’t get permission on private ground in your area, there may be public hunting opportunities available. While these lands have habitat designed and dedicated specifically for hunting, they experience maximum pressure on weekends as well as during the week. Moreover, access is generally uncontrolled and determined on a first-come-first-serve basis. Take a drive and scout the public areas that pique your interest. What parking lots are used most often? What days of the week draw the largest crowds? In general, to be successful on public land you need to avoid “forked stick” zones, hunt unconventionally, and venture into remote areas where few are willing to go.
Summary
Locking down private land to hunt in Iowa is a challenge. There is a finite amount of ground available, and as my Dad used to say, “…they’re not making any more.” Spend time doing your homework and then treat landowners like you would want to be treated. Be prepared to spend an hour or more getting to know people and engage them honestly and respectfully. It’s very likely you won’t be the first person that has asked for permission to hunt, and it is critical, no matter the outcome, to leave the best possible impression. You never know when a piece of ground may become available and building positive relationships with people can pay huge dividends in the future with a little patience and perseverance.
by Joel Johnson
April 2020
Check Out this article on How to purchase hunting land check out this article –
