Approved Trespassing- A Unique Way to Gain Permission

A few years ago my wife and I were given the opportunity to be caretakers for a farm in what was an unexplored area for me at the time. While being responsible for the care of the home and barns I was granted permission to hunt the property.

I was excited not only to set up a new house for my young family, but also to be refreshed with the idea of hunting a new deer herd.

It was mid-summer when we got the keys to the front door and a few days later I was carrying box after box up the creaky farmhouse steps. From our new bedroom window I could survey the hay fields that contoured along the property line. The sun was setting and each time I labored another box of my wife’s belongings up the steps I would quickly scan the fields. Each trip up the stairs rewarded me with a few new deer on the horizon as they appeared out of the hardwoods to feed.

Before I had the last truckload unpacked I made it a priority to place my trail camera fleet on fence posts around the property. The deer were frequenting the orchard grass and clover filled fields and after a few weeks of receiving mostly night time photos I realized that almost all of the daytime deer activity was taking place on neighboring property.

The adjacent property held an old log cabin that, while maintained, was not a full time residence. Each day on my way home from work I would glance over at the cabin with hopes that I would catch the owner but it became clear that an opportunity was not going to present itself. I would have to think outside the box if I was to make this happen.

This was prior to the OnX revolution but after the pre internet dark ages. I was able to use a state agency website to find the tax records for the property, revealing the landowners name and address. Progress! I drafted a short letter to the property owner stating who I was, what my intentions were, and asking if there was anything I could do in return for permission to hunt the property.  In closing I referred to a postage marked envelope with my return address and a pre-written permission slip. Being the first time I had done this I was surprised a week later when I received a phone call from the landowner who was more than willing to grant me permission and all he asked in return was that I keep an eye on his cabin in his absence.

I kept in touch with him throughout the season and sent him stories of the deer I encountered and how I enjoyed hunting his property. It has now been over five fall seasons since our initial conversation and I am still enjoying tree stand sits on his back forty.

We have all heard hunters say “to kill big deer you have to hunt where they are”. If you are only hunting the same property year after year you have likely experienced ups and downs, good years and bad. I too have been in this situation and the best way I have found to increase my odds of having mature deer to hunt was to expand the land (public and private) on which I can hunt. The more options you have the more likely you will be successful.

It might seem intimidating to approach an unfamiliar person and ask for land access, but be assured that by getting the ball rolling with the first interaction it will become easier and eventually enjoyable.

Here is a template that I have used in recent years. It can be molded to meet any situation or hunting season and it might just be what is needed to get you started. This template can be sent through the mail, conveyed over the phone or in person as many landowners prefer an in person meeting.

While the traditional mail service is still a great way to reach many landowners quickly sometimes a phone call or face-to-face visit will work even better. Think about it from their perspective, would you be more likely to give access to your property to someone who sent you a letter or to someone who came to talk to you in person? Also, make the relationship mutual. What can you offer the landowner that benefits them? Maybe it’s helping with farmwork, painting property lines, or sharing meat that you harvest. A reciprocal relationship will ensure that you have access for seasons to come.

Gaining permission on the first property I inquired about gave me a sense of confidence that I could gain access to more private land. Since that initial envelope I have addressed innumerable letters with destinations across my hunting area, some of which were even out of state. Most landowners will respond with a phone call stating that they themselves hunt the property or the rights have already been gifted but about 1 out of 10 will award me access to their land. A 10% return is more consistent than most mutual funds and can translate into more bucks in your pocket. Keep at it and a few years from now you will reflect on all of your new opportunities.

Below is a sample letter that can be manipulated to fit your situation.

Dear Mr. Smith,

I am writing to you in regards to your property on 123 Main Street. I am familiar with the area and would love to have a conversation with you about me gaining permission to hunt your property during the Fall 2020 season. 

Like I do with all the areas that I hunt, I aim to treat your property with the utmost respect. In addition if there is any way that I can return your generosity I would be more than willing. 

My intentions are not to create conflict, and if you have already given permission to hunt your property to another outdoorsman I completely respect that. 

Along with this letter I have enclosed a permission slip, that if you wish to sign, can be returned to me in the marked envelope I have included. Please do not hesitate to contact me at 123.456.7890. I hope that this letter finds you well and enjoy the summer!

Thanks again,

Signed