Of course before hunters can step on private land, permission must be obtained. This means contacting the land owner. Unfortunately, hunting season falls at a particularly busy time of year for most land owners. Many times they are busy getting ready for the upcoming cold weather and don’t have much time to do it. With this in mind, earlier is better. Meaning, if you know where you would like to hunt, contacting the owner before the season begins could be advantageous for you. Also contact the owner at a reasonable hour and disclose all necessary information to him, like how many people are in your party, what you will be hunting, how long you would like to use the land, etc. And don’t forget that he may have already given permission to as many people as he can, so don’t be mad if the owner turns you down. He has to protect his land and livelihood.

Land owners typically have many concerns when it comes to allowing hunters on their land. Many times owners depend on their land as a source of income and a way of making a living. This dependence raises concerns for them such as property damage, killing of livestock, and other forms of negligent behavior. Many land owners take care of their land and manage it well. Due to this management many species of animals can thrive which can also lead to overpopulation. A responsible land owner will recognize how hunters can assist them in managing these populations. If a good relationship is established between land owner and hunter, the result can be a win win situation.

The basic rule to remember when you hunt on private land is to respect the land and follow the land owner’s rules. Close gates that you open and leave gates open that were already that way. There may be a reason for that. Try to follow the roads and trails already created. If you want to get somewhere where there is no trail, walk! Driving where you want can cause serious land issues for the owner. Also be mindful of harmful weeds that you can accidentally spread. Clean under your vehicle and any equipment you are hauling to avoid spreading those seeds. These harmful weeds are not good for livestock nor the habitat of the wildlife living on that land.

Taking the landowners concerns into consideration and respecting their rules can lead to a positive relationship that can continue in the future. Always show appreciation for being allowed to use the land the owner has worked so hard to maintain.