August 2007 - Volume 68, Issue 8
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‘Twas the Night Before Hunting Season continued...
Always seek permission before hunting another person’s property, and don’t wait until the last minute. A county plat map, available at most county courthouses, can help you determine who owns property in the area you’d like to hunt.
Showing up at a landowner’s front door on opening day wearing your camo and carrying your rifle or bow to ask a landowner if you can hunt his or her property is like showing up in a tux on prom night to ask a gal for a date.
Make your visit months before the season begins and do it during a time of day when you won’t be interrupting dinner or getting someone out of bed. You may strike out more times than not, but sooner or later you’re going to hit pay dirt in the form of a honey of a hunting spot.
A good way to get access to private property is to ask about furbearer hunting or trapping. Few farmers wish they had more coyotes on their place. While a landowner may be hesitant to let a stranger hunt deer or turkey, a good way for a property-owner to get to know you better is to offer to help thin out the predator population. It just might lead to some other opportunities.
Getting permission from the landowner doesn’t mean you have free reign of the place. It’s your responsibility to find out from the owner exactly where on the property you can hunt and where you can’t.
Farmers usually ask me to leave my truck parked near a gate and walk in to keep me from making ruts across muddy fields. I’ve found this practice helps me, too, because I don’t scare game while driving in.
Also, make a point of learning the location of the property’s boundaries. The last thing a landowner wants is a neighbor who is upset because a hunter who had permission to hunt one property trespassed on another.
Generally, if you take the time to understand things from the landowner’s point of view, and in your manner and behavior show your appreciation for being able to hunt private property, you have a good chance at having a hunting spot for many years to come.
Doing Your Homework
Once you have a place to hunt—public or private—it’s time to do that all-important preseason scouting. One of the best ways to learn the lay of the land is to strap on your boots for a first hand look.
About This Article
Author
WARREN ROSE is the Outreach and Education regional supervisor in SW Missouri. He lives in Springfield with his wife, Sherri, and their son, Nicholas. Warren has worked for the Department for five years and is a life long avid outdoorsman. He enjoys hunting and sharing outdoor traditions with family and friends.
