Landowners

[tomtom]

What has worked the best for you guys as far as gaining access to other people's property? I have lots of folks who are more than happy to let me dump the tailgate, but what about the smaller acreage folks around the big acreage folks who don't really understand what your doing? All they hear is "dogs running loose" and that's all they need to know. I know in certain areas a hunting lease is 5000 acres, but what about the more rural areas?

[DerekE]

Where are you located? I'm an hour west of Fort Worth in lone Camp.
Derek

[tomtom]

I live in La Grange. Between Austin and Houston.

[nmplott]

I think it depends on the game you are hunting, something like hog will almost be a definate go ahead just be respectful, but something like cat or bear may take a more personal relationship. Remember these landowners have a bottom line to look after so if it means getting rid of something that can positively effect thier line they are more likely to let you on. Some landowners look at it as why should I take the risk of letting these guys on my land, chasing my cattle or my game.

[tomtom]

I can hunt hogs with the guys I got my pups from. It's the coyote hunting I really miss. The problem is a 2 mile race and catching on land (if I can get good enough dogs) where there is a no go attitude with the guy who has 40 acres next to the three 500-1000 acre places. Just part of it I guess.

[LCK]

It takes more than just asking sometimes. Spend some time, offer to do some work for them, get to know them and let them get to know you. Do what you can to show them you are a decent person, who does have their best interst at heart when it comes to their land etc.

[tomtom]

Yes Sir you are absolutely right. You surely get out of it what you put into it.

[nmplott]

Financial compensation can help too

[tomtom]

Yes Sir it most certainly can. For the most part, I was really wanting to know how to approach them. It just seems like these select few only hear "I want to get on your land". They tune out what you are saying as soon as you even mention accessing the property. They don't hear that more than likely I won't even be getting out of the truck. I just want your blessing (don't shoot em') to let my dogs trot across your land. Only if the dogs actually catch one would I need to cross the fence and then only if it were daylight would anyone possibly notice. The dogs will most certainly not aggravate anything other than what they are trying to catch (I don't bring up trashing). And more importantly, I'm trying to catch the very thing that ate your Heeler last month. I know it is an issue delt with by most hound doggers, so I though it would be a good topic. Like I mentioned earlier, where I live is pretty rural, but there are quite a few nice places and yotes are everywhere.

[Grzyadms4x4]

I have had good success by telling them a little bit more about yourself and less about the hunting. That way they can get an idea of who you are instead of specifics on the hunting. And write them a letter. I seem to have better luck that way. Also offer to help them around their property with fences, tree cutting or whatever you can do to help. I've met and made some very good friends this way.

[nmplott]

be straight forward about what you are wanting to do. Most ranchers in our area hate it when you beat around the bush and that includes my family. Just tell them what you would like to do and how you are going to do it and ask them what they would need for you to be on the land.

[Yellow River Houndsman]

We have been having a landowner appreciation party at a member of the groups hunting shack every year when our bear season is over. Lots of food, a keg of beer, some coffee and soda. We hold it late in the fall and it kinda doubles as a Christmas party for farmers who don't get one otherwise. Everyone who gives us permission to hunt gets an invite no matter how much land they own. It makes everyone feel important and the locals really seem to enjoy it as a once a year get together. They get to know us better and they tell their neighbors we are not a bad bunch of guys and we respect their land. It has helped us gain access to places we couldn't go before and more than anything it has preserved what we have already. No one that has ever showed up at the party has ever revoked our permission. All in all it is an inexpensive way to show how much we appreciate them. I think it goes way further than the almighty dollar.

[tomtom]

NOW THAT'S A GREAT IDEA !!!!