Mentoring a new hunter at an NDA Field to Fork event is about as rewarding as it gets. Time spent in the blind is especially interesting because new hunters are full of questions about anything and everything outdoor related. I am frequently asked how these new hunters can get permission to hunt on private lands.
Having trapped, fished and hunted since I was 8 years old, I have asked for permission quite a few times. Even after all the practice I’ve had, my heart still beats hard in my chest – somewhat because I’m nervous, mostly because I’m excited – as I wait for a landowner to answer the knock on their door.
The last time I asked for permission was in summer 2024 at one of my favorite bass-fishing spots – a public stream lined with big fancy houses on private properties. Previously, I had been parking my truck, walking about a quarter mile down to the public park access to get in the water, and then wading upstream to the location I wanted to fish. While doing this, I was keeping my eye out for a landowner in the vicinity to be available. After a handful of trips, I had a pretty good idea that a weekday evening after 6:00 would be the best time to ask.
One evening, I worked up the courage and practiced what I was going to say. Dressed in my waders, carrying a fishing backpack, and with rods in hand, I knocked on the door of the first house along the creek. They answered from the second floor balcony above. This caught me off guard, but I looked up and put my best smile on. I introduced myself and asked if I could have permission for the summer to use their yard to access the creek. I told them I may bring someone with me occasionally. They kindly obliged, and they even gave me permission to access the creek at the next property up as well, as they had just purchased that land! I was ecstatic. We exchanged information, I told the landowner “thank you,” and I went on my merry way.
During my time as the NDA’s Pennsylvania Field to Fork Coordinator, this is a topic I’ve heard discussed frequently. While our public lands hold vast hunting opportunities, private lands can be hidden gems that allow you to expand upon your woodsmanship skills in a more controlled environment. When you find yourself preparing to knock on a landowner’s door and inquire about permission, there are some surefire ways you can increase your chances of hearing “Yes.”
Do Your Research
Find the area and properties where you’d like to gain permission to hunt. Apps like onX Hunt can be great assets to help you find nearby properties with potential, and onX Hunt even provides you with landowner information. If you’re hunting in a suburban area, you also need to find properties with enough deer habitat and that are large enough to allow for hunting.
Ask For Permission Early
Even though someone owns a large chunk of land, it does not necessarily mean they are familiar with hunting. Asking permission well ahead of hunting season gives the landowner time if needed to think about your request, and it shows your preparation. Dropping a request like this last-minute could be enough to change a “yes” to a “no.” There may also be more hunters knocking on doors closer to hunting season.
Present Yourself
Respect for the landowner and their property is at the top of our list always. Respect for their time is important, which is why it’s best to ask for permission well ahead of time. Additionally, there are good and bad times to go knocking. Holidays, early in the morning, during dinner time, and when it gets dark are not ideal times to ask.
Try to plan as best as you can around your work schedule as well as the landowner’s. A farmer may be harder to get ahold of than someone working 9 to 5. If you knock at what you thought was a good time and receive no answer, it’s okay to leave and come back another day and time to try again. Don’t get discouraged!
As someone who is seeking a favor, you want to portray yourself in the best light possible. This involves dressing in a clean but casual manner. A plain t-shirt and clean pair of jeans work just fine. It wouldn’t be professional to wear anything containing vulgar language or references. This can be a huge turn-off for landowners.
Be Prepared
With presenting yourself comes being prepared. Don’t forget to introduce yourself! You should be well-versed in answering questions you anticipate being asked by the landowner. This could include questions about deer, when and how often you plan to hunt, what you will do with any deer you harvest, hunting regulations, and more. Showing you know what you are talking about and are able to do it in a professional manner goes a long way.
It is an excellent idea to have a business card or note paper of some sort with your full name and phone number printed neatly and ready to give to them. This will allow them to contact you and remember who you are. You only get one chance to make a first impression, and this is one of the most important impressions you will make!
Adhere to your state’s laws about obtaining permission. In Pennsylvania, you are required to carry a written permission slip from the landowner with you while hunting on legal Sunday hunting days. There are several options available for a printable hunting permission slip online. Print a few of these out and carry them with you, and a pen. Even if written permission is not required, it is still a good idea to have.
Now that you’ve done your research, picked out some properties, and prepared to ask permission, it’s time to go knocking!
When They Answer the Door
First, introduce yourself. Kindly ask for permission, and explain what your intent would be. Usually by this point in the conversation, you are able to tell which way the landowner is leaning. If they decline your request, kindly thank them for their time and wish them a nice day.
If they seem to be leaning in your favor, mention details that may help close the deal. Tell them you will purchase hunting liability insurance that covers yourself and protects the landowner (NDA offers a very affordable plan). Offer to share your venison with them or assist with land management chores.
Don’t neglect the details of your request. Explain the species you would like to hunt and the weapons or seasons you will use. If you plan to bring other people with you, like your children or your friends, make sure this is okay. Ensure the landowner knows what your vehicle(s) look like, and ask them where they would prefer that you park. Make sure you are familiar with the locations of property lines.
Additionally, inquire about any specific restrictions they may have on species, times or days you would be allowed to hunt. Adhering to any rules the landowner puts in place is very important and will build a good foundation of trust. Answering their questions in terms they will understand can be helpful as well. Try to refrain from using slang or jargon common to the hunting community.
If you secure permission, don’t forget to express your appreciation and thanks. You should have already handed them a card with your information on it and have recorded their name and phone number in your phone, and on your permission slip. Keep in regular contact with landowners so they remember you! Establishing regular communication is a great practice. Many folks appreciate a call or text beforehand when you are planning to hunt on their property, even if they did not ask you to do this.
Last but not least, treat the landowner and their property with utmost respect. Adhere to their rules, pack out everything you pack in, be extra careful to pick up any and all trash, and leave things better than you found them. Consider giving them a gift at the end of the season, too. A bottle of wine or a gift basket with a thank-you note is a nice way to show your appreciation and increase the odds that you’ll be welcomed back next season.
Good luck this season, and remember – you can’t hunt them from the couch. It’s never too early to start preparing for next season!