Hunters today have three basic options for where to hunt. There is public land, such as our Pennsylvania state game lands and state forests, but they can sometimes be crowded by other hunters whom you don’t know, and you can’t be too sure they are ethical sportsmen. You could join a hunting camp or buy into a lease, but that can be expensive. That leaves private land, which is plentiful, but it can be tricky to get permission from a landowner to access their property for hunting. There are a few things to keep in mind if you decide to try to line up some private property for this coming fall season.
Make a good first impression. Don’t show up on the farmer’s porch steps the day before hunting season and expect to be welcome. Such short notice is disrespectful to a landowner. Over the summer months is the ideal time to attempt to gain access to a new hunting property. Instead of dropping by just before hunting season, go now in hopes of gaining access to hunt coyotes or groundhogs. Most landowners would be very happy to have someone help eliminate groundhogs, which burrow under the foundations of buildings or dig holes in pastures used by their cattle. Very few property owners would balk at the idea of someone eliminating coyotes on their land. Begin a relationship with a landowner by reducing the number of varmints on his land, and it just might lead to a friendship that allows access for fall turkey or deer hunting.
Farmers and landowners don’t just sit around idly, passing the time. They are busy! There is always work to do. If you want to build a good relationship, offer to help with the work being done. Perhaps you could volunteer some time to help cut and split firewood, or aid him in clearing his trails and logging roads. Volunteer your time and let him come up with a suggestion or two where he could use your help. When you do show up to help, don’t arrive empty-handed! Bring along a case of his favorite beverage, or stop by the local donut shop and pick up some coffee and an assortment of donuts to start the day with. It helps to show you really appreciate his giving you permission to hunt.
Yes, farmers are busy, and sometimes too busy to take time to hunt. But they may very well like to have some fresh venison steaks or backstrap to serve for dinner! Sharing your harvest, especially when it comes from their property, can go a long way toward building a long-term relationship.
If you are having a picnic this summer, make sure you invite your new landowner friend and his family. The time you will spend together at a cookout will go a long way in strengthening your friendship.
If you are fortunate enough to gain permission to hunt turkey, deer, or bear, then, for heaven’s sake, offer to share the harvest! Even if the landowner says “no’ to the offer of fresh organic meat that came from their property, you can still show up with a nice fresh out of the oven roast that he can enjoy for dinner.
Above all, be respectful. Make sure you completely understand any particular things the landowner will expect from you. Be certain what you are allowed to hunt and what they would prefer you not hunt. Are there any days of the week that they have already reserved for someone else, or a family member, or will you be allowed access anytime? Make sure you know where you can and cannot park a vehicle. Offer to call ahead of time so the landowner knows when you will be there and is not surprised to see you walking out of his woods or through his fields. Are there any places on the property that are off limits to you? Establishing these boundaries and guidelines shows the landowner that you respect them and will respect their wishes.
Gaining access to a new hunting property is not all that difficult when you use common sense, show respect, and act responsibly.
