Whitetails 365: Please and Thank You

Whitetails 365: Please and Thank You

By Noel Gandy

I recently had a conversation with a good friend where he said he’d sure like to hunt a particular block of timber. I asked if he had sought permission to hunt said timber to which he replied, “No.” When I questioned as to why there was not a good reason other than he just hadn’t taken time to stop.

Friends, the best time to seek permission to hunt someone’s ground is yesterday. The second best time: now!

Often times when deer season ends in January a lot of time, thought, and effort might not go into what is happening with the deer herd. I’d dare say that some of the most successful hunters will be found doing the work now and in the very coming months that others might not be willing or even think about doing. Part of that success is often times locating and seeking hunting privileges on particular farms that hold quality deer.

I would wager a guess that most deer hunting permission is sought in the months of August-September of any given year. I have no scientific data to back that up but it’s probably a good hunch. My reason for thinking is because most media, publications, and social media begin ramping up their deer hunting content during this time and we all begin to get the “itch.” If one waits until this particular time of year several variables factor into play: maybe that permission is not granted and you’re left without a spot. Perhaps you gain permission. Great! Now, though, crops are high which leads to poorer scouting, stand hanging and trail camera work is tardy in happening, and you risk intruding on deer due to lack of terrain knowledge.

I believe that out of sight and out of mind keeps people going year to year without particular permissions on particular properties. I propose that the late winter and early spring of the year is the ideal time to seek out hunting permission or at the very least lay the groundwork for the next year. If nothing else, you might beat the next guy who is seeking the same privileges as you!

Tips for asking for Permission:
1. Go in person
This seems to go a long way with many folks. I tried for years giving a phone call to a particular farmer and always heard “not this year.” It was not until I bumped into him in person that he got to meet me, understand my personality, and therefore offer permission without me asking. It can be a bit daunting but taking time to stop in and introduce yourself could go substantially farther than a phone call. Pro Tip: Don’t go after dark. This could be a major turnoff for some folks due to security issues. Also, take time to be presentable. I’m not saying you have to wear a collar and a tie but try to appear decent. People will take a little more kindly to someone who is clean and tidy.

2. Have a reference
Any time I have mentioned the fact that “So and So told me I ought to drop by” or something of that nature I have had a much better response than just stopping in. Proving that you are relatable by having connected relationships often allows for defenses to be lowered. The trick here is to legitimately have those relationships. That way, if the landowner checks up on that reference down the road, it will be confirmed for him. Pro Tip: If possible, have a reference give the landowner a call or a message on your behalf. This usually works best if the reference and the landowner know one another and the landowner will respect the referral.

3. Specialize
One overlooked tip in regards to seeking hunting permission is to ask for specific permission. Asking for “hunting permission” is very broad. If you believe the landowner could be a little skeptical to offer his ground I encourage asking for “special” permission. Maybe you ask to just archery hunt in November. Perhaps you offer to hunt exclusively during the first shotgun or the late muzzleloader seasons. Doing this indicates that you don’t intend to be on their ground for an extended period of time and allows you the opportunity to prove that you are a reliable and safe tenant. This could clearly open the door for years to come for further access and other seasons. Pro Tip: I’ve had the best luck seeking archery permission only. Some folks are a little less intimidated by archery equipment than they are gun hunting. This often leads to access. Also, I’ve sought permission to only take my kids hunting. People tend to be a little more generous to youth. All of these opportunities allow for you to prove your reliability as a good steward of someone else’s ground.

4. Don’t Be Upset
I’ve been told no way more than I’ve been told yes when it comes to hunting permission. It used to make me sore. Here’s what I’ve come to realize: it’s their ground and they can do what they want to! Land is tough to come by and people have the right to do as they wish with what they own. I begin to realize that a little more as I get older. I pay $0 for most of the ground that I hunt. Someone else foots the bills for crops, harvests, upkeep, taxes, etc. I am privileged to be able to hunt what I hunt and blessed by those who are so generous. Pro Tip: Never leave a conversation and burn a bridge. To my first example, I was told for two years that I could not have permission on a particular tract that is now my main hunting source. Kindness and persistence paid off big time!

So much else could be said in the way of seeking permission to enjoy someone else’s property but much has been discussed before: treat the property and the landowner with respect, share your harvest, offer to work in return for permission, etc. All of these are important and are encouraged! The best piece of advice that I have to give though is simply: Ask! Be kind, be humble, expect no and be pumped when they say yes!