A lot of readers ask me how to obtain permission on private lands in the suburbs so I thought I'd share a few things that have worked for me.
I've always heard people say, "it's not who you know, it's not what you know." Sure you should stay in school as long as you can to learn as much as you can, but with most things in life, it pays to know someone and you might know more people than you think. All my hunting properties in Connecticut come from one source - my hair stylist. When people get their haircut they talk a lot and some of them complain about the deer eating their expensive shrubs - that's where I come in - my hairstylist knows I hunt and asks the landowner if they'd like to meet a bowhunter that would help them out. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, just never give up or else you'll never have a good spot to hunt.
Another thing I've noticed, especially around the suburbs is the lack of education people have when it comes to bowhunting. I can't count the number of Ivy League graduates I've talked to that give me an awe struck look when I tell them I want to shoot a deer with a bow and arrow on their property - my most common response "is that even legal?" Don't laugh at these people - educate them. It is very important, in my opinion, that you make the landowner aware that you are a licensed hunter - duh! everyone who hunts is licensed, yes, but most non-hunters are clueless about this. Also tell the landowner that you are an ethical hunter and only take shots that ensure a quick, clean, humane kill. Let them know that you will respect their property, not leave any garbage behind and make them aware of any trespassers. If you plan on donating a deer to feed the homeless make the landowner aware of that too, most likely they've never heard of such a wild and crazy program such as the Venison Donation Coalition.
Another thing I've found extremely helpful is to make a hunting business card, act professional and don't wear camo clothing - stick to a nice pair of jeans and a button down shirt. My "business" card is something I make on my personal computer at home and print out myself. It simply states my name, address, phone number and email address, but also has my vehicle description, license plate number and hunting license number to help ensure the landowner I won't be a problem while hunting their land. I also go prepared with my bow and a target to demonstrate my shooting abilities to the landowner - sometimes they don't really know what bowhunting is and a visual helps them out, other times they're excited to see what its like, and some landowner could just care less, they just want all the deer gone - which brings me to my next point - make the landowner aware of legal bag limits in the area and it will take a few seasons for the localized deer herd to be thinned.
It's also a good idea once you gain permission to hunt one property to ask the landowner if you should visit the neighbors to let them know you'll be hunting there. Sometimes the neighbors will be open to it and sometimes the landowner will rather you not make the neighbor aware for one reason or another. It's best to respect the landowners wishes in this case. If you go to the neighbor to let them know you'll be hunting next to their land, the neighbor might go complain to the landowner and then the landowner might just tell you that you can't hunt there anymore. That's suburban deer hunting though, sometimes it's just best to keep your mouth shut and be invisible to everyone around you - hunting is just one thing most suburban people like to think only cavemen did.
If you have a hunting buddy, bring them with you. In most cases you will be the only person with permission to hunt the property. I've had landowners give me permission and not let me bring my brother hunting and I've had others who say to bring the entire family. Don't assume anything and always ask the landowner first.
Make sure you show the landowner that you are grateful for hunting their land. Send them a Christmas card each year, give them a few bottles of wine or a pie or even offer to help out with some chores around the house.
The most important piece of advice I can give you - don't give up. Knocking on doors can be kind of scary at first if you're not comfortable speaking to strangers, but don't let that stop you. Think about what you want to say and be polite. After knocking on a few doors you'll be surprised how easy it is and rejection won't even phase you anymore. The more doors you knock on, the more properties you'll obtain permission to hunt.
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