what to say??

[Jordyn Kaufer]

For this weekend I've been thinking about going around asking some farmers and private lake people to see if it would be a possibility to hunt thier land/water... The problem is, is that I'm not sure what I should ask or say.. My dad wants me to go ask alone now that I have my license and that I cant hunt alone as well.. He has given me some advice but he has never really asked before to hunt land because his dad used to take him to spots that are now dried up.. So if anyone has any tips or things that I should do or say please let me know. if you dont want to post on here you can email me at jkaufer 24 at hot mail dot com. thanks

[merkman]

Just tell the truth.

Be honest and up front, tell them what you would like to do and why you would like to do it, treat them and their land as you would like to be treated. In the end respect thier decsion if they say no, move on to the next area.

Most people are good people if you are honest and upfront with them, and the ones that aren't you don't want to deal with anyway.

I feel that is the best way to go about it.

[Jordyn Kaufer]

so just ask them if i can hunt their land and why i want to? and when it would be okay to do so? or...?

[merkman]

Do you have a particular spot or spots in mind?

Do you know these people at all?

Are they anti-hunting?

Is it a small town where you can talk to them in the coffee shop or on the street somwhere? If it is strike up a conversation with them and just let them know you are looking for spots to hunt.

In the end you may fail once or twice but you will get the hang of it.

Make sure you run it past your dad before you ask though.

He may know something about the people you are asking before you go ask them too.

The biggest thing is to get out there and ask.

If you don't ask you will never know.

[Jordyn Kaufer]

My dad is cine with me going out and asking, he just wants me to do it myself so i can work hard to get my spots...

[merkman]

Do a web search for

how to ask permission to hunt on private land

There is alot of info on the web also.

You will be fine, do your research, practice and rehearse some at home, get your dad's permission to ask, then go out and give it a shot.

[cutter08]

email sent

[Jordyn Kaufer]

email replied

[broken_line]

one major thing dont go in your waders, face paint and full camo! go in nice clothes.. i find it easier to ask over the phone.. have never been denied out of the 10 different people ive asked..

[BucksnDucks]

Try not to get so stressed about what, who, why! Honestly whats the worst they can say....no? So what! Next! I understand ur new to it all, but trust me after ur pop ur cherry so to speak it only gets easier everytime. U will figure out ur knich and how to talk to ppl. As sum1 else mentioned over the phone is ok, but what ive found is more ppl will give permission if they can see with there own eyes the person they are allowing to hunt there land. Good luck, you will do fine!

[broken_line]

also if you do get permission over the phone stop by the house before and after the hunt and talk things over.

[Fred_Bear]

I've found in person is much more effective and easier to do than over the phone. My way is to find the birds then knock on the door of the closest house that looks like they might own the land. Always be very polite and first off ask them if they own the land. Usually they won't own it but will know who does and where that person lives. The thing you have to realize is whoever you are asking permission from most likely has their mind made up before you show up and ask them. Just be polite and if they are friendly and don't seem busy chat with them for a bit. It's not a bad idea to ask them if they have seen birds in the area or know where the birds are usually at. Offer them part of your kill. If you want you can stop and say thanks after your done hunting, but more often than not it seems like they are annoyed that you are bothering them again. Just be confident in yourself and don't be afraid to go knocking on doors.

[Gordie]

I agree with these guys here about asking in person over the phone is kinda impersonable but it does work.

Here are few things that I also do if they are place that I really want to hunt bad. I have offered help on the farms that I have ask for permission to hunt. so dont be afraid to work for it. I have also asked if they would like some of the game I'm hunting and of course cleaned and I have also brought back jerky that I made to them as well. little things like that can make a great impression for the future.

Remember that you are a represenitive for all hunters as well so respect them and there property.

The worst that can Happen is they say NO dont get discouraged cause rejection is part of this game.

Good luck

[Cicada]

One thing I've done, which seems to help, is to make up business cards with a photograph of me and my personal contact information. You can let them know that if they find that I'd done something wrong, I'd like a call so I can corrrect it. Also, if they say no and later something comes up where they change their mind, they have a way to get a hold of me.

[southwest]

The other thing to remember is some of the landowners

will make you feel like friend once you get to know them. Also

give them as much information about yourself as you can, where you live, where go to school ect. The more comfortable you make them feel the better chance you will have keeping the spot.

[Moonie]

Agree with everything above. Remember that your actions before during and after the hunt reflect us all as hunters. Be polite, Pick up after yourself (shells, wrappers etc.), if you find other garbage from others, pick that up too. Be ready to shoot the breeze for a while... some people can be pretty chatty. Good luck!

[Chef]

Just be yourself, Jordyn, you seem to be a very nice young outdoorsman. That will serve you well.

[NR]

It's no worse than asking out a girl . . .

Be yourself, be genuine and polite, always say please and thank you.

I would introduce yourself by name and say where you are from. If you have any connection, use it, such as, I live down the street. I've hunted in the area for 20 years. I used to sit next to your neice in math class. Whatever you got, use it, but don't bother lying.

Be friendly, but don't waste their time - read their body language - do they want to chat or do they want you to leave?

I would skip the part about asking them if they want some of the kill - I've done that in the past and it never goes anywhere. I think, if anything, it makes the hunter look like a shooter trying to dump the kill. I would encourage the question, "Is there anything I can do to say thank you?" But be prepared to discuss at that point - if they say work it off or $$$, what do you say? If you are sincere, the gesture will be appreciated and that probably means the most.

You have to start somewhere, so start practicing, it gets easier with experience, just like girls.

Good luck, get ready for denial and some success, just like girls!

[ddsbyday]

My tip would be scout now. Do your research for next year. Go introduce yourself in the spring. Tell the owner you would like the chance to hunt their property next fall. Tell them you would like to help them out during the summer for an opportunity to hunt their property. Bring a doz. fresh doughnuts. Staple your name and number on top of the bag. If they say no- give them the bag and tell them call you if they need help with something or change their mind. A farmer friend of mine (passed away this Oct.) Told me about a couple that pulled up to his field with a trailer. They asked if they could take some field stone. He said have as many as you want. They walked over to one of his piles and started to haul them to their trailer. he said what are you doing? You said we could take these. His response was those are mine . I picked those. You can have as many as you would like from the field.

[Jordyn Kaufer]

ok thanks all!

I will take all this advice into consideration! I'll let you know how i do as well!

[Jordyn Kaufer]

Well, my scouting didnt go so good! 0-3 and a maybe. i stopped at 8 different farmers and only 4 were home.

[Booster]

May be a good idea if you do get permission to offer a meal of what ever you shoot to the land owner to show your appreciation.