Hoshua1
Member
I'd like to inquire with some cattle ranchers in our state and see if they'd allow me to hunt on their property. Any insight into asking for permission from a stranger is very appreciated. I want to present well.
How to ask
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redneckrepairs
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First thing out of your mouth should be
" No sir i do not chase cyoutes with my pickup , and i leave gates as i find them , if its open i leave it that way , and if its closed i know how to close it behind myself . "
As a rancher myself thoes two statements tell me that the hunter is responsible and not likely to either shoot my livestock , run his vehicle thro the fences , or just thro pure lazyness turn my cattle out . This goes a long way twards my smiling on his endever to hunt whateaver on my ground .
" No sir i do not chase cyoutes with my pickup , and i leave gates as i find them , if its open i leave it that way , and if its closed i know how to close it behind myself . "
As a rancher myself thoes two statements tell me that the hunter is responsible and not likely to either shoot my livestock , run his vehicle thro the fences , or just thro pure lazyness turn my cattle out . This goes a long way twards my smiling on his endever to hunt whateaver on my ground .
Rembrandt
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Provide them a photocopy of your hunting license, plate number, description of vehicle you'll be using, and cell phone number.....same for anyone hunting with you. If anything happens....the rancher has a way to contact you (or turn you in). Don't assume you can bring all your "friends" because he gave you permission, check with the rancher first.
Follow up after the hunt and thank them for the experience. This is the same technique car dealers use to get your return business. Offer cash or services in exchange for the hunt.
Follow up after the hunt and thank them for the experience. This is the same technique car dealers use to get your return business. Offer cash or services in exchange for the hunt.
B.D. Turner
Member
A friend of mine did just what you did and got more than he ever thought. Here where we live the deer hunting clubs run hounds. Many are careless about the property owners rights which leaves a bad taste to some folks. Some seem to loose their minds when they turn the dogs out and shoot near houses and property.
Well my buddy went around the neighborhood asking folks if he could hunt their property on the terms that he would post the property free of charge in a lawfull manner. He also stressed to them that there would not be any deer hounds released on the property. He would also install gates at the owners request if needed and keep an eye on the property for them. The land had never been leased by any hunting club they had just always used it like they owned it. Five years later he is looking out for several hundred acres of prime hunting land with deer, black bear, turkey ,dove and quail. All because he just asked.
Well my buddy went around the neighborhood asking folks if he could hunt their property on the terms that he would post the property free of charge in a lawfull manner. He also stressed to them that there would not be any deer hounds released on the property. He would also install gates at the owners request if needed and keep an eye on the property for them. The land had never been leased by any hunting club they had just always used it like they owned it. Five years later he is looking out for several hundred acres of prime hunting land with deer, black bear, turkey ,dove and quail. All because he just asked.
Hoshua1
Member
The prospective landowners are all hours away from where I live. It's to my favor, in a way, to send out some correspondance ahead of me. Weed out the no's and visit the yes's so to speak. I would offer the pursuit of coyote or other predators.
MCgunner
Member
In Texas you just ask 'em if it's leased and if not, do they want to lease hunting rights and for how much. That's about it.:banghead: Nobody hunts for free.
Sunray
Member
"...correspondance(sic)..." That'd be pitched along with the flyers. Go knock on some doors. Be polite, don't go on Sunday or wearing camouflage clothing. If they say no, thank them and leave. It doesn't hurt to ask if they know anybody who might let you hunt on their land though.
If one says yes and you kill a deer or other game, a 'thank you' roast or two is a good idea. A buddy of mine was given a nicely mounted turkey tail and wings. He doesn't hunt or shoot, but he's tickled pink having it on his wall.
"...offer the pursuit..." You're not offering anything. You're asking permission to be on their land with a firearm.
Accidentally got to listen to a Texas insurance guy talking to a client a week or so ago. 20 grand was the insurance for the bull. This is why a lot of cattlemen are reluctant to let people they don't know on their ranches.
If one says yes and you kill a deer or other game, a 'thank you' roast or two is a good idea. A buddy of mine was given a nicely mounted turkey tail and wings. He doesn't hunt or shoot, but he's tickled pink having it on his wall.
"...offer the pursuit..." You're not offering anything. You're asking permission to be on their land with a firearm.
Accidentally got to listen to a Texas insurance guy talking to a client a week or so ago. 20 grand was the insurance for the bull. This is why a lot of cattlemen are reluctant to let people they don't know on their ranches.
oregonhunter
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In oregon many people hunt for free and to have friends that are ranchers is huge. I hunt on a 60,000 acre ranch out in central oregon. So many deer and elk as well as cyotes and fun varmint shooting. I say just ask and if it is a yes make sure you do not shoot in the direction of equipment such as pivots(giant sprinkler lines) repairs of these can be spendy and will get you an angry rancher.
redneck2
Member
There is some of the best hunting land in the state right around the corner from my house, maybe 1/2 mile away. Every spring you'll see flocks of 20 birds or more right out by the road. Everybody in the area said it was a waste of time to ask because the owners are hunters.
I stopped in anyway and spent a little time making friends. Turns out they were trying to find access to the lake I live on, so they use my right of way to ice fish in the winter and I turkey hunt there the spring.
Couple things to remember. Anybody that we used to let hunt our farmland seems to turn into a fool. Ultimately, they'd run over crops, let the cattle out, or shoot up something.
Never dump garbage. If you see something, pick it up
Never leave gates open.
Do not trample crops.
Find out up front what the rules are about bringing other people. Unless you know someone very well, keep the property to yourself.
Never cross in the middle of a fence span.
Find out what they want you to hunt, and what's off limits (even if it's legal)
I'd offer to sign a liability waiver right up front.
Offer to share your take if the owner is so inclined.
Get them something nice or do something nice in return for their generosity. Remember, you are nothing but a potential liability and a problem waiting to happen.
I stopped in anyway and spent a little time making friends. Turns out they were trying to find access to the lake I live on, so they use my right of way to ice fish in the winter and I turkey hunt there the spring.
Couple things to remember. Anybody that we used to let hunt our farmland seems to turn into a fool. Ultimately, they'd run over crops, let the cattle out, or shoot up something.
Never dump garbage. If you see something, pick it up
Never leave gates open.
Do not trample crops.
Find out up front what the rules are about bringing other people. Unless you know someone very well, keep the property to yourself.
Never cross in the middle of a fence span.
Find out what they want you to hunt, and what's off limits (even if it's legal)
I'd offer to sign a liability waiver right up front.
Offer to share your take if the owner is so inclined.
Get them something nice or do something nice in return for their generosity. Remember, you are nothing but a potential liability and a problem waiting to happen.
'Card
Member
If it were me? I'd stop by their house on a Saturday afternoon (nobody likes unexpected visitors at night). Dressed and groomed well (not wearing a suit and tie or anything, but shaving and putting on a clean shirt can't hurt). Smile a lot. Be friendly and respectful. Don't beat around the bush and waste their time. Just let them know why you're there, and let them know you're an experienced hunter who understands their concerns about having armed strangers traipsing around on their property. 
Another thing I'd suggest is that you try not to be nervous about asking - and that's not always easy. Just keep in mind that the worst-case scenario is that they'll say "No", and if they do you'll be no worse off than you are now.
Another thing I'd suggest is that you try not to be nervous about asking - and that's not always easy. Just keep in mind that the worst-case scenario is that they'll say "No", and if they do you'll be no worse off than you are now.
redneck2
Member
Exactly. I suspect that, if you present yourself well, you'll get at least 1 of 5-10 that would let you hunt. Just gotta wade thru the ones that won't.
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