Thoughts On Seeking Permission…From A Landowner Perspective
Sometimes I find it really hard to say NO to folks. A few years back I was approached by some neighbors who wanted me to run for local township government. The said they would “write my name in” if I would accept the position if elected. Even though part of me felt flattered to be asked, the sensible side tried to urged me to say no. The words that somehow passed through my lips were…”Okay, I’ll do it if I get elected.”
Same goes for being on a committee for this or that cause. Usually my heart tries to say no, but somehow people have learned I have a weakness and/or an inability to verbalize that same declining sentiment.
Things aren’t much different when it comes to hunter or trappers stopping by my farm to ask permission to recreate on my land. If you’re well dressed, friendly and show a genuine sense of caring for the sport…I often grant the permission they seek. Now, if you show up the day of the season or look desperate (or lazy) in seeking out those opportunities…it makes it a hell of a lot easier for me to say “sorry, not this time.”
This year I have really been impressed with the sportsmen who have come early and asked permission for hunting and trapping this fall on my land. In each case I did not know the person, but after striking up some friendly conversation I realized their passion for the outdoors often rivaled my very own. I’ve been impressed that these sportsmen have expended the effort necessary even with the rising cost of gas.
Actually, over the years I have been on both sides of the fence either granting permission or asking for it. Personally, I would rather ask permission and get declined than to have to turn down a person who has done everything correctly. This is especially true if the permission seekers are courteous and respectful of the landowner. I’d have to say in most cases I have formed my opinion of the permission seeker within the first 30 seconds of our encounter.
Let me re-emphasize that point. First impressions of the meeting are crucial. If you want to gain access on my land to hunt or trap impress me both in the way you dress, but also in the way you conduct yourself. Don’t waste my time chit chatting if I don’t know you. Be honest and up-front about what it is you seek so I know the purpose of your visit. If the landowner wants to chit chat (which is probably a good sign) let them be the one who initiates it.
Also, don’t come with a truckload of people. I only want to talk to two people maximum. Any more than this and it makes me nervous. Ideally the one-on-one contact is what I prefer, but if there will be two or more of you limit how many folks actually confront the landowner. To me numbers (especially if strangers) can be intimidating.
Also, if I don’t know you will you do something for me? Photocopy your driver’s license, your firearms safety certificate and perhaps any advanced certifications you might have and leave this information with the landowner. Not only does it show you care about your sport, but it shows you care enough to give the landowner contact information so they can get in touch with you if that is what they choose to do. Remember, to the landowner you’re on their property. If you’re a stranger…do the sort of things that make you less of a stranger and give the landowner a greater feeling of comfort.
Also on this sheet write down the description and license plate numbers of the vehicles you may use during your activities on the landowner’s property. This is often a quick way for the busy landowner to reference if the vehicle they see parked on their property is one that should be there or not.
Finally, don’t forget to leave a parting gift either after the season or around the holidays. A $25 gift certificate at a local popular restaurant or some other gesture of goodwill goes a long way toward cementing the relationship for next year and beyond. Believe me, my own Aunt once told me not to hunt and interrupt the strangers on her land because they are the ones who give her a gift each year and she didn’t want to upset that charitable tradition.
In closing, put yourself in the shoes of the landowner and ask yourself if you owned the land would you grant yourself permission to hunt/trap. Often there’s no incentive to the landowner and more often than not your presence can be down-right burdensome to their lifestyle. And with the fall seasons soon upon us those permission requests should be wrapped up very soon. If you’re lucky…you just might find a landowner like me who is a sucker for granting the permission you seek. Good Luck!
2008 Jim Braaten. All Rights Reserved. No Reproduction without Prior Permission.