Asking permission to hunt.

[knightsquad]

I have read quite a few posts about you guys asking permission to hunt other people's property.
I have never done that before, always thinking I would get turned down but I see a lot of you don't get turned down.
What is your pitch? How do you ask?
I always figured people would say no that you can dig up my yard ha ha
So what's your line?
Thanks guys
Pete

 

[kingingkunsan]

I have never asked for permission due to the fact there are so many places to go that do not require it. Some where on this site this question has been asked multiple times. Do a search and you will get plenty of information. Heck, one gentleman even has a permission letter saved on here. If you are the timid or shy type, all you have to do is copy and adjust it to suit your needs. Print and you are done. The theory here is, drop the letter in mailbox of house you want to detect. Include self addressed envelope and wait for a response. If you never get one then assume it was a "no" and move on. It only cost you the stamp, envelope, ink, and sheet of paper (less than a dollar total in my guess). Good luck

 

[GunnarMN]

If you call 1st be fast because they may think you are a telimarketer, , show & tell what you find, Most people are nice , the fact that i trapp gophers & moles helps, becuasei can set traps and then detect, and they want the moles gone & the gophers ,

 

[BarberBill]

You can't or shouldn't hunt private property if you don't ask. If you are refused you can't or shouldn't hunt the property so you've really lost nothing. Just be presentable and friendly when asking.
BB

 

[kozyman]

This is from my buddy that I hunt with website on how to ask permission to hunt.http://www.goes4ever.com/getting-permission-faq.html

 

[Hombre]

This is from my buddy that I hunt with website on how to ask permission to hunt.http://www.goes4ever.com/getting-permission-faq.html

Thanks for the link kozyman, I enjoy goes4ever's posts, he always has good pictures and stories. His methods of obtaining permission are similar to what I have been using for the past decade. I like to ask people as they are doing yard work and are outside during warmer weather. People usually are more agreeable and friendly when they are outside. Cold calling... as in knocking on doors is about a 50/50 chance of getting permission in my experience. If you are afraid of rejection, maybe this is not the method for you. It always helps to have a backup plan/site when all else fails.

 

[Wraytex]

You might also ask them if they have ever lost anything in a particular area that you might find for them.

 

[knightsquad]

Thanks guys!
I figured it was just a matter of getting up and asking!

I'll let you know how it goes in the next few days if I find a house I'd like to ask!

 

[pointer80]

Yes Terry(Goes4ever) is a master at door knocking. He door knocks 90% of the time. The main think to remember is if you dont ask it is a automatic no. Just be yourself, be friendly and do not use the word dig! You are doing nothing wrong. This is a clean fun hobby. If you get turned down just be friendly and thank them for their time. Good luck and HH.

 

[knightsquad]

Got it,!

Thanks bro...

 

[Topdecker]

I like to ask people as they are doing yard work and are outside during warmer weather. People usually are more agreeable and friendly when they are outside.

Sterling advice - Hombre is absolutely dead-on. Another thing to look for are home with the windows up - someone is almost always in the house and they seem to be in that same state of mind as being outdoors working on something.

When I first started in the hobby, it never even occurred to me to go to a park or other private places. From day one I was asking for permission to hunt private property. I've never been afraid or bashful about asking permission.

I personally have found it useful to know as much as you can about the area as possible. When I stop and speak with someone, I don't just ask for permission. I try to get a dialog started and take the time to have a conversation (assuming that they aren't in a hurry) and having something to talk about is helpful. A lot of time, even if they decline my request to hunt, they freely offer up other places that might be of interest. You have to look at it as an opportunity to learn AND a chance to get site to hunt. Regardless, you need to get a little trust generated - I've found that having a few minutes of conversation prior to asking permission to hunt gives me the best chance of getting on the property.

One of the great moral dilemmas that you might encounter is a simple one - should you ask if the person you are talking to is the property owner or renter? I personally do not ask. Renters can lay on things like landscapers - and I will certainly be doing less than a landscape might, and permission from a renter is sufficient. But if I am told that they are renting, I will make sure that the renter does not mind, and then take it up with the landlord. So I am basically sitting on the fence as best I can.

Finally, I should mention that country people can really get uncomfortable with visitors. Catching them outdoors away from the safety of home can work against you - I've even apologized for making one elderly lady nervous (which helped calm her down). My success rate out in the country is really low - probably 30% to 35% compared to over double that in towns or villages - unless I know the name of someone they know. If we have common friends or acquaintances, things go a lot smoother.

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