Asking permission to hunt...

[Deershutzen]

What's the best way to ask permission to hunt somebody's land? There are farmers all around here with plenty of fence rows and swails to run some rabbits, I just never have the "stones" to go ask permission. I've got the courage now so what has worked for you?

I've always hunted family property and state land. But with the crowds on state land and my family getting more spread out I'm looking for some new places.

[Backwoods-Savage]

One answer will not cover every farmer for sure. One thing I will advise you on: DO NOT GO ASK FOR PERMISSION DURING HUNTING SEASON. As far as that goes, not even a month before hunting season. For a land owner that is a big turn-off.

Example: It is always amazing to me how many "friends" remember me along about September 1 every year. A few I used to let hunt, but then they would completely forget me the rest of the year.

[SPH]

I don't know about deer hunting but have not had a problem getting permission to rabbit or coon hunt after deer season is over. Always ask in person and never over the phone. Make sure you look half way presentable when you show up so they don't think you are a total slob. I have some friends that scare the ***** out of people just from walking on the porch.

[Chris@hydeboats.com]

I like to show up with a loaded gun and booze on my breath. :D

Like SPH said it is pretty easy to get access to hunt rabbits and the like. Keep in touch and your possibilities increase and you just might make a good friend.

Good Luck!!

[bhntr]

Dont forget to ask if they would like to come along and hunt with you if you get permission. And if you dont get permission always say thanks for their time. Manners go along way because alot of people dont seem to have many anymore.

[hunting man]

Down right begging is still a big tool in my asking a farmer for permission to hunt. :yikes::lol: Go right ahead and get on those knees and give it a try.;):dizzy:

[SR-Mechead]

Just go ask and if they say no then you got the second best answer,but thank them for there time.

[plugger]

Try dating the daughter first, it worked for me.

[Salami]

Offer Somthing In Return!

[SR-Mechead]

Try dating the daughter first, it worked for me.


And if that don't work take his wife :lol: :lol:

[Cobra]

Found the easiest way to get onto new land is to ask about woodchuck hunting in the spring. Farmers have no love for them and will often say "please and get them all". It may not pay off the first year or 2 for deer or geese but it time it usually does. Once you have the permission let him touch off a few rounds with your gun, big boys with new toys. Offer to help around the barnyard. Had many days when I'd show up to hunt, see the farmer trying to do something, offer assistance, then spend the rest of the day not even taking the gun out of the case. Picked up a 560 acre farm with sole permission to hunt geese on that way. Leave them you name and number so they can call if they need a hand on something. Have no problem spending a couple hours helping out, and it is truely appreciated. Word of mouth from farmer to farmer never hurts. Have had neighboring farmers walk across a field to ask me if I'd mind swinging over and maybe eliminating a couple of 'chucks for them, rather neat, and absoluetly no problem.

[Backwoods-Savage]

Cobra: What this world needs is a few more people with your attitude. That will get you more hunting spots that you can even cover. Good luck to you.

[lwingwatcher]

Found the easiest way to get onto new land is to ask about woodchuck hunting in the spring. Farmers have no love for them and will often say "please and get them all".

Coyotes are the same way....

Geese can be, unless the farmer has been burned by a guide, had to deal with tresspassers, or is a waterfowl hunter himself.

Our goose crew has actual business cards with our phone numbers and a picture of the goose trailer right on it.

[lang49]

All the answers are good and it is never too late to ask-even now. The business card thing is good-include your license plate number on it and ask where would be the best place to park to be out of the way.


Can mention needing some exercise and want to take the kid along-if he/she is old enough. Dont want to imply any liability on their part. Dont forget the thanks-even if it is a no.

[jk hillsdale]

Found the easiest way to get onto new land is to ask about woodchuck hunting in the spring. Farmers have no love for them and will often say "please and get them all". It may not pay off the first year or 2 for deer or geese but it time it usually does. Once you have the permission let him touch off a few rounds with your gun, big boys with new toys. Offer to help around the barnyard. Had many days when I'd show up to hunt, see the farmer trying to do something, offer assistance, then spend the rest of the day not even taking the gun out of the case. Picked up a 560 acre farm with sole permission to hunt geese on that way. Leave them you name and number so they can call if they need a hand on something. Have no problem spending a couple hours helping out, and it is truely appreciated. Word of mouth from farmer to farmer never hurts. Have had neighboring farmers walk across a field to ask me if I'd mind swinging over and maybe eliminating a couple of 'chucks for them, rather neat, and absoluetly no problem.

Much of my access was obtained the same way that you describe. I find something easy they can say yes to (crows, woodchucks, etc.), always follow up with a thank you note and small gift certificate, and in most cases it leads to archery access within a year or two, sometimes firearm season as well. This is also part of the process I've folowed in securing leases for the properties that I've found to be most desirable.

[john warren]

yup i have two farms im hunting now from chucking. also i hunt them with my bow so they don't mind me getting close to buildings.Found the easiest way to get onto new land is to ask about woodchuck hunting in the spring. Farmers have no love for them and will often say "please and get them all". It may not pay off the first year or 2 for deer or geese but it time it usually does. Once you have the permission let him touch off a few rounds with your gun, big boys with new toys. Offer to help around the barnyard. Had many days when I'd show up to hunt, see the farmer trying to do something, offer assistance, then spend the rest of the day not even taking the gun out of the case. Picked up a 560 acre farm with sole permission to hunt geese on that way. Leave them you name and number so they can call if they need a hand on something. Have no problem spending a couple hours helping out, and it is truely appreciated. Word of mouth from farmer to farmer never hurts. Have had neighboring farmers walk across a field to ask me if I'd mind swinging over and maybe eliminating a couple of 'chucks for them, rather neat, and absoluetly no problem.

[PAbuck]

I agree with not asking during the season, and we used to get some nice farms to hunt in PA with the groundhog approach. But I recently got my financee (lawyer) to write a liability waiver form that is signed by the farmer and hunter. The farmer seems to like it- as it releases him from liability of something happening to guest on his land and being sued.

A guy at work is using this now and is seeing the same feedback..... Good luck.

Marshall

[jk hillsdale]

I agree with not asking during the season, and we used to get some nice farms to hunt in PA with the groundhog approach. But I recently got my financee (lawyer) to write a liability waiver form that is signed by the farmer and hunter. The farmer seems to like it- as it releases him from liability of something happening to guest on his land and being sued.

A guy at work is using this now and is seeing the same feedback..... Good luck.

Marshall

I think that property owners in MI are automatically protected from liability by the Recreational Trespass Law, unless they charge money for access.

[kidtwist]

I always show ID when I ask so they know I am who I say I am, and I never am prepared to hunt when I ask. I wouldn't recommend asking wearing camo and slinging a rifle across your back. And like was said before, if they tell you no, thank them for their time and shake their hand. I actually had one farmer call me a couple of weeks after he said no. I must have left a decent impression.

[FREEPOP]

I think that property owners in MI are automatically protected from liability by the Recreational Trespass Law, unless they charge money for access.

Yes that is true here in Michigan.

[Ninja]

Yes that is true here in Michigan.


Not always.....here is a quote from the statute.

324.73107 Action for injury to person on property of another; exception.



Sec. 73107. (1) Except as provided in subsection (2), a cause of action shall not arise against the owner, tenant, or lessee of property for an injury to a person who is on that property with oral or written consent but who has not paid the owner, tenant, or lessee of that property valuable consideration for the recreational or trapping use of the property, unless the injury was caused by the gross negligence or willful and wanton misconduct of the owner, tenant, or lessee.



(2) A cause of action shall not arise against the owner, tenant, or lessee of property for an injury to a person who is on that property with oral or written consent and has paid the owner, tenant, or lessee valuable consideration for fishing, trapping, or hunting on that property, unless that person's injuries were caused by a condition that involved an unreasonable risk of harm and all of the following apply: (a) The owner, tenant, or lessee knew or had reason to know of the condition or risk.

(b) The owner, tenant, or lessee failed to exercise reasonable care to make the condition safe or to warn the person of the condition or risk.

(c) The person injured did not know or did not have reason to know of the condition or risk.





History: Add. 1995, Act 58, Imd. Eff. May 24, 1995 .

[part timer]

Not trying to steal the post...

A landowner has very, very little liability if they allow someone to hunt their property without financial consideration. (No charge) As Ninja posted the only way a landowner would be subject to action by someone on their property in this situation is:

unless the injury was caused by the gross negligence or willful and wanton misconduct of the owner, tenant, or lessee.

It would be very difficult to meet that characteristic without going out of your way to do harm. e.g. Letting you on my land and then releasing a dog with a history of aggressive biting of strangers.

Nevertheless: A simple liability waiver that you would sign wouldn't be a bad thing.