Requesting Access to Private

[MN_Bowhunter4]

Like many of you I do the bulk of my hunting on public parcels and enjoy the challenge of it. However, I am not above requesting permission to access private. Being it is the middle (end?) of winter, this is on my mind now well in advance of the upcoming seasons. I use a combination of face-to-face conversations as well as letters/emails to those owners who live out of state. Below is a sample of what I use. My letters are intended to be courteous and to-the-point. How do you go about requesting access?

Sample Letter:

<Mr/Ms XXXXX,>

I am writing to request permission to access your property (<XX County parcel ID XXXX>), located at the below address as shown on the attached screenshots:

XXXX Road
City, St Zip

I am interested in accessing the property for the purposes of archery deer hunting during the <2018> season.

I am asking permission for myself only and would provide my vehicle information, license plate number, hunter education certificate and MN license ID number if granted access. Additionally, I would seek to sign a waiver releasing you from all liability while on the property.

I realize this is a strange request and appreciate your time and consideration. If you have any questions, I can be reached via email at <emailaddress> or phone at <phone-number>.

Thank you for your time.

Regards,

MN_Bowhunter4

 

[BrentD]

Nothing wrong with that. If you are going to send a paper letter, you might stick a stamped, addressed envelop in there for a reply.

 

[belshawelk]

I am a private landowner and get requests from time to time. Couple more things to think about either before or after you get permission to discuss

-not to drive off any roads or quad trails
-verify property boundaries to make sure you don't go on neighbors property
- any specific animals off limit? ( I have a 190" mulie on my property and a 350" bull I have pics and sheds from. For me they are off limit together hunters.) Offer to show pics of your harvest. ( that will ensure you get to come back). Shed taking is a no no also.
- I like any hunters to whack any coyotes the see

Otherwise good luck!

 

[BrentD]

I like any hunters to whack any coyotes the see

I was hunting private land in Wyoming once with my wife for antelope and the landowner was showing us around when a big coyote in a really nice coat started loping by about 400 yds out. He wanted me to shoot it with my Sharps (bordering on infinitesimally possible), but with my wife along, I didn't even dare faking it. He was none too happy, but it would have cost me a marriage Ah, that was a long time ago, but a good trip.

 

[kenton]

I've been sending out letters for a long time and I would suggest that you tell a little bit about yourself. I have gotten many responses thanking me for taking the time to tell them who I am. Also, if your sending out a bunch of letters, stagger the send out dates. I usually do 25 at a time rather than getting 100 phone calls in two days and struggling to keep them straight.

 

[MN_Bowhunter4]

Couple of good ideas there Kenton. I keep all my sends in a spreadsheet to attempt to keep it straight.

 

[bigdonniebrasco]

So what I am hearing, .. if I ever make it to Oregon, I can come hunt on your place if I whack all the coyotes I can find, and opt for specific deer and elk? Heck, I'll be free labor for a WEEK for that deal!!
I'll even cook you dinner!

I am a private landowner and get requests from time to time. Couple more things to think about either before or after you get permission to discuss

-not to drive off any roads or quad trails
-verify property boundaries to make sure you don't go on neighbors property
- any specific animals off limit? ( I have a 190" mulie on my property and a 350" bull I have pics and sheds from. For me they are off limit together hunters.) Offer to show pics of your harvest. ( that will ensure you get to come back). Shed taking is a no no also.
- I like any hunters to whack any coyotes the see

Otherwise good luck!

 

[MN_Bowhunter4]

One no, and one not right now but check back. Both with positive comments regarding the letter sent! Not bad for the earliest that the mail could have hit.

 

[belshawelk]

Sure you come out and you can whack some yotes. Got a Turkey problem too.!

 

[Trial153]

I own some property in NY that haven’t hunted on in years, actually two fairly sizable pieces. I sold half to the DEP and there is now public accces on it in agreement with the watershead agreement. I can count on one and and still have few fingers left the number of times I been asked to hunt on the property.

 

[Duck-Slayer]

Sure you come out and you can whack some yotes. Got a Turkey problem too.!

Turkey's eh..... I have a 10 year old daughter is crazy about turkey hunting.... is it a general turkey area?, She just went through her first hunting season this past year. She had a great time, we went too CA for Turkeys she got close but no dice. Headed back there again over spring break. I also have her in for a draw tag here in SW idaho, so i'm crossing my fingers that she draws the tag. Got a couple of friends that know a few landowners and she should be able too get a pretty big Tom.... and if we come across any yotes they won't be a problem anymore
Matt

 

[Gellar]

I’m a landowner and I’ve only received one letter asking for permission to hunt inthe mail, it was actually from an outfitter to lease our land. I do get a lot of people who stop by out of the blue and ask for permission though. I usually save my land for friends and their kids so I usually decline. If I were to receive a letter and decided to grant permission I would want to meet the individual(s) before I granted permission. If I were writing a letter I would ask to meet with the landowner at a time convenient for them to talk about hunting and I would include A stamped and addressed postcard with a spot to check YES, I would like to meet with you at _______. Or NO, at this time I am not allowing guests on my property. If you are sending out many requests you could include the landowners return address on the postcard to keep them straight.

 

[MN_Bowhunter4]

Yeah I do include a self addressed stamped envelope, along with language about meeting up and my desire to sign a waiver releasing the landowner from liability.

I intended this thread to be more of a “here’s what I do” type discussion. Certainly not a “how to ask” type thing.

What works for everyone else?

 

[Steiny]

In my experience, face to face visits are much more effective.

 

[dmarsh2]

Thanks for the discussion here, everyone! 4 years later, I'm actively referencing it as I prepare for next season!

 

[hank4elk]

Tip.

Bring a pie and tools when you ask nicely...