Turkey season is wrapping up for most states now. Camping and fishing trips are on the minds of many as Summer arrives. But how about expanding the areas you hunt? Private property can be some of the best hunting you will find. They contain no crowds and very little pressure. Approaching a private landowner can be intimidating, but with some simple homework and preparation, you just might find a new hunting place.

One of the first things you will need to do is determine who owns the land you are interested in hunting. The simple way would be to knock on the door of the nearest house. However, people are busy working their land and may not be home.

So, now what? If you have read my other articles, you know that I am a fan of scouting from home. It’s the same situation with finding out who owns land. In many states, you can access the county assessor’s website and look up properties from there. You should be able to get at least a name and address. Another tool is plat maps. A source I have used for years is www.midwestplatmaps.com which covers Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming, Oklahoma, Kansas, and South Dakota. A little pricey, but valuable information like land owner names, legal descriptions and maps detailing roads and rivers. Of course there is always Land Owner GPS chips and smartphone apps that will provide a lot of this same information. Keep in mind, even when we have all of this information at hand, land owners can change from year to year.

The next thing to do is make contact with the land owner. A phone call may work. But think about it, do you answer a strange number on your phone that you do not recognize? The best option is to knock on the door. Yes, this is the intimidating part. Here is a couple of points to help break the barrier when approaching the door of a stranger.

1. Timing – Make sure you are not interrupting a meal or pulling them away from work

2. Do not ask to hunt the opening day of the season

3. Read the situation – If there are ‘NO HUNTING’ signs posted, you may want to move on

4. Look respectable – Do not knock on the door wearing torn-up, dirty or offensive clothing

Now, you have made contact with the landowner. Introductions are in order of course. When doing so, compliment the land owner about their property. Tell them what your intentions are. Ask if you can hunt. The worse that can happen is the landowner says “No”. If that happens, kindly thank them for their time and move on.

Some of the reasons for them telling you ‘no’ could be they lease out their property, they are still harvesting or running cattle, they only let friends and family hunt or they may just reserve the first part of the season and then open it up to others. Do not take ‘no’ personal. Consider the landowner just does not like hunting. Worse yet, and likely the case, they have been burned or disrespected by other hunters. Again, thank them and move on. 

Over the years of working with land owners, I have compiled a list of why they tell hunters ‘no’ or do not allow them to hunt on their property.

1. Brought too many hunters

2. Parked and blocked access to a field

3. Left gate open

4. Hunted too close to livestock

5. Made assumptions – like target practicing on property

6. Today is a yes to hunt, do not assume next weekend you can just show up and hunt again

7. Left trash behind

This is a sample of complaints that have ruined hunting opportunities for others, but probably one of the worst is making assumptions. These assumptions range from hunting an area that was not discussed or established between the two parties, not checking in after the hunt to report and simply not saying ‘Thank you’.

But at last, you have met someone that has said yes! Now is the time to really shine. Show the landowner that you are responsible and prepared. Here is a list of items I like to have established with the landowner. With these simple agreements in place, you put the landowner and yourself at ease.

1. Let them know if you will be bringing anyone with you and ask if that is okay – nothing ruins an invite like when you bring additional hunters that were not discussed

2. Establish rules – Where to hunt, what to stay away from and what to do with gates. This is a big one. “If I find a gate open, should I leave it open or close it?”

3. Exchange contact information – If you run into a Wildlife Officer you will be able to show you have permission to hunt on that private land

4. Report back after the hunt – landowners love to hear how you did. Let them know about any problems you encountered, as well.

5. Say “Thank you!”

Recognize that you are trying to build a relationship with that landowner, hopefully even gain a friend. Remember to thank them after the hunt. Send them a simple Thank You card, a gift at the holidays or even offer to help do some work on their property.

Good luck and happy hunting!

-Tony Dymek, Fall Obsession Field Staff