As most serious deer hunters are aware, the Indiana Deer Season opens Tue., Oct. 1, for archery hunting. Most of us have already obtained permission to hunt from landowners, and most of us have already made numerous trips to the property, scouted it out, and placed ground blinds, tree stands, or ladder stands in strategic locations that showed deer activity.
I have had people ask me "When is the best time to ask permission to hunt private property?" The answer to that is right now! If you waited until just a few days prior to deer season, you could be out of luck! Many hunters are seeking permission, and most have already gained permission by asking early and securing access by leasing property.
When I started deer hunting in 1964, all that was required was to politely meet with the landowner, introduce yourself, and ask permission to hunt. Most landowners granted that permission, and after a friendly handshake, the hunter was set for scouting and determining hunting spots.
If you have not secured hunting permission, you really need to get on the ball. When hunting season gets closer, the farmer, who is constantly busy, will have more responsibilities harvesting his crops. It can be difficult for them to find time to discuss possibilities with you.
Trust me. No landowner wants someone dressed in camouflage knocking on their door at 4 a.m., waking him and his family from a sound sleep to ask, "Hey, dude. Can I deer hunt on your property?" You have already struck out.
Over the years, the leasing aspect has become more and more apparent. For many people, it is extremely tough to come up with several thousand dollars to hunt. I know I am one of those people. I am fortunate that one of my locations I can hunt for free. On my other spot, I am leasing it.
Both spots are relatively small, but I have taken countless deer on them. I really hated when leasing became popular, but I realize the landowner has a lot of time and money invested. They deserve to make a profit on their property. I try to gain their respect by volunteering to help them out doing some chores and sharing venison with them.
When you approach the landowner seeking permission, I recommend you call them on the phone and ask for a convenient time to meet. I don’t suggest wearing camouflage and trying to appear as Daniel Boone.
Dress casually. Try to make a good impression. Meet them with a firm handshake, and don’t try to impress the landowner by bragging of all the deer you have taken over the years. If you will be hunting with a friend, take them along also so the landowner can meet them as well.
Ask for permission to hunt with whatever weapons you intend to use. Some landowners may be receptive to archery hunting but will not allow firearms. Get that clarified up front before hunting season.
If you gain access to their property, ask where they want you to hunt so you will not interfere with access to their driveway or farm lanes. When you arrive before daylight, don’t shine your headlights into their house. Also, inform them you will not attempt any shots in the direction of their house.
Tell them you will respect their property as if it were your own. I carry trash bags in my truck to haul out any beverage cans, plastic bottles, wrappers, or any trash I find.
Also, ask them if they allow hunting on Sundays. I have had permission to hunt every day except Sunday. That is fine. I also give the landowner my card with my name, address, telephone numbers, and email address. And if they have any family get-togethers, I ask them to let us know so we do not hunt that day, respecting their privacy.
Another question I ask is whether they allow shooting deer of either sex. On one property I hunt, we can shoot any deer, buck or doe. On the other property we can only shoot bucks with a minimum of eight points.
That makes it much tougher. Sure, it is tempting to shoot does, but we respect the landowner’s wishes by sitting there, watching the does almost climb the tree with us because they know they are safe.
Over the last few years, I have had difficulty walking and climbing ridges, so I use an ATV. But I ask for the landowners’ permission to use it. I have spent money making it as quiet as possible, and I mainly use it for hauling deer from the woods to my truck, especially when I hunt solo.
I don’t like hunting alone, but I am retired. Most of my hunting friends are not. I have equipped the ATV with a front winch, an LED light bar, and a gun/bow rack. I don’t try to run high-speed races. I am more interested in towing power.
One thing I will recommend that has been very instrumental in gaining access to properties is I prepare a typed release of liability form, stating in the event of any/all injuries, including death, that may occur while hunting the property, the landowner will in no way be held accountable. I sign it, and any person hunting with me also signs it.
I retain a copy, and the landowner also has a copy for his protection. I also have the copies notarized. I also inform the landowner that I do not use any form of alcohol or drugs, and they have the option at any time to nullify our hunting agreement if we do anything against the agreement we made.
If you knock on some doors, expect to get turned down a lot. You have no choice unless you want to hunt public ground and be surrounded by other hunters. Be polite and be respectful. And be prepared to possibly be offered a lease option. The rest will be up to you. Good luck!