The simple act of asking permission to access, hunt, or fish private lands is a book-length subject unto itself. In younger years I read lots of articles and how-to advice on the topic, knowing that any stream trout, turkey hunting, or morel adventure outside of our own land would always first start with some permission. Even growing up as a kid in the country whose father knew everyone, asking to fish and hunt on family friend’s and neighbor’s property, there was much to learn. I was lucky to have that door at least partially opened for me, and still made mistakes. Now I’m a landowner, regularly granting and denying access depending on the circumstance, such that maybe I can shed some light at least on “what NOT to do.”
Don’t:
Make Assumptions
I’ll admit, it’s gotten the better of me at times, especially as a young hunter. You rationalize that such and such won’t care, or that “he always let me on in the past” and consider their property like it were yours. I’ve learned the hard way that you can’t assume anything, and each entry typically requires a request to enter. That’s difficult for those that have never been in the habit of asking in the first place, but something that’s ultra-important if you hope to access now or ever again. For better or worse, first impressions make a big difference going forward, and assuming you have permission when you don’t may keep you out of there for decades to come.
Take It Personally
I had a gentleman call and ask permission to fish the other day on a stretch of stream we have, and he was great. He parked by my sign, called the number on it, and politely asked more information about fishing in the area. He asked to be educated on property lines, do’s and don’ts, along with what my wishes and wants were for everything from what he kept to where he parked. Contrast that with another group that called two days prior and were also kind and courteous. That group I had to say “no” to, and the guy before I said “yes” to when both behaved exactly the same. The difference was that I was fishing the same stretch with my kids that weekend and didn’t want anyone going through just before us. Sometimes there are qualifying reasons as to why permission is or isn’t granted, and as a hunter or angler, we don’t always know why. Don’t take it too personally, ask if you may seek permission again in the future, and look elsewhere for the time being.
Ask Or Argue for Permission While Trespassing
This should seem obvious, but you have no idea how many people are willing to do the right thing after they’ve been on your ground. Many more want to argue about details of posting, legal access, or high-water mark, etc., after they’ve parked in front of your no-trespassing signs and ignored them. For the uninitiated, unless you have truly researched the legalities and know the signs to be errantly or erroneously posted on purpose, you’re likely in the wrong. A landowner that otherwise would’ve just asked you to leave might now be doing all he can to ensure you’re ticketed.
I’ve been yelled down by other hunters standing together in a field I own, while they told me I wasn’t standing on my ground. Having signed the deed and paying the taxes to prove it apparently wasn’t enough for them. These people and their friends will never access again, no matter the friends or connection. I’ve also had stream anglers tell me they waded up the stream legally past impassible logjams, mudholes, and deep water, right next to their bootprints on the shoreline. Others yet have hidden from wardens looking to make contact with them, dumped their fish in the weeds, or ditched rods to say they got lost while hiking. It’s experiences like these and others that make private access harder and harder these days. Most landowners just don’t want the hassle, and it’s hard to blame them after seeing this with my own eyes.
Go In Blind
These days, it’s easier than ever to be in the right. Mapping apps like OnX, which display property boundaries on top of aerial photography, contours, and so many other layers, make it nearly impossible to be somewhere you think you’re not. Not only has it helped me stay on ground that I do have permission for, it’s given me ideas for access and permission granting that I never would’ve otherwise sought out. It’s opened up more opportunities to both access legally, and in the end, hunt and fish better land that I would’ve previously thought access to be unattainable.
Stockpile
Sometimes, in certain areas with the right connections, it’s easier to come across multiple chunks of ground to access. The temptation becomes gathering access more to keep others out, than to use for yourself, or, to take more hunters in as friends or family to the burgeoning acres of land you have growing permission to hunt. Well guess what, neighbors and landowners frequently talk, and before you know it, may wonder if you’re overharvesting, guiding, or otherwise just taking more than you give. What seems like a short-term boom of acres to hunt and fish turns into hard “no’s” that stay that way for life. Continue down that path on other ground, and you’re soon recognized as a person that’s desperate to lock up land you don’t recreate on, or create problems for landowners with additional hunters that are your “buddies.”
Forget to Respect the Privilege – Before, During, and After
This is golden-rule type stuff, so I don’t need to harp on the basics of it, but it’s worth noting that most of the long-term permission I’ve secured has lead to decades of friendship. The landowner and I have gained a mutual respect, both in the way we treat each other as well as the way I treat his or her land. That’s especially when asking, but also when recreating, and too after I’m done. Everyone has a special deal, angle, or access to something of value that the landowner may be interested in as a simple gesture of “thanks.” These are typically the same items or experiences you offer your friends, so consider doing the same for someone that’s gracious enough to let you hunt and fish. As a landowner, I don’t ask or demand a gift or fee, but even heartfelt “thank you’s” are remembered the next time it comes to ask.
I’m a big proponent of public lands, and when possible also like to pay forward the many years of successful private land hunting and fishing I’ve personally enjoyed. Hopefully I’ve given some perspective as a hunter, angler, and landowner as to what NOT to do, as avoiding these pitfalls has been key to successful permission seeking no matter where I’ve ever gone.