The text that follows is primarily oriented towards hunting, but could also apply to a fisherman seeking to access a private lake, pond or stream.

One of the hardest things for many hunters and to a lessor extent, fisherman, is gaining access to privately owned land. Minnesotan's are fortunate, in the fact that we have a increasing number of Wildlife Management areas and other public lands, plus the fact that leasing really hasn't caught on up here yet. But it is only a matter of time - that's why I am am doing my level best to treat "my landowners" with kid gloves, and lots of TLC.

How do I do that?

I have found - thru experience - that it is easiest for me to gain permission to hunt during the spring turkey season. I haven't fully figured it out yet - but it does seem that way. It is much harder to get permission to hunt in the fall - this may be due to the longer seasons - up here, we only have a 5 day block in which to hunt turkey.

I have also been approaching new landowners on weekend's in February - well in advance - once I know if I have been sucessful in the license lottery.

I scout for new areas I want to hunt year around - I'm always keeping my eyes open for game and bird sightings - so I know the spots I want to get permission. I go out on my access trips equipped with the following:

• plat book - available thru county extension offices
• phone book - for comparing names in the plat book with mailboxes and addresses --- plat books identify the landowner, but not necessarily who lives on the land
• a simple letter of identification and introduction
• clean clothes, showered, and shaved - I know this sounds silly, but I know how I re-act when people show up at my door in their grubbies, seeking permission to hunt the few acres I own.

The technique:
I knock on the door, introduce myself, and ask if they are the owner of the given piece of land, and explain that I have been drawn for a turkey license, and would like permission to hunt during my season, AND for permission to scout their land prior to the season. Usually you will get an immediate YES or NO, but some times you are quizzed - as to the dates - these can result in a MAYBE.

If the person is not the landowner - all is not lost. Some times renters have the ability to give you permission - it depends on what is in the renters lease agreement. You may also run in to a person who only has a small lot or a acreage ajoined to the property you have spotted. These folks can often point you in the right direction towards locating the owner of the property you are interested in.

If you get a NO, thank them for their time, and leave. No badgering them, cussing, etc. It's their land.

In the event I am given a YES or a MAYBE, I hand the landowner my letter of introduction. You would be surprised how often you will get a smile, and often the MAYBE will turn in to YES.

The reason is simple - all the landowner wants is a little respect. I know that in at least two instances, my letter made the differance - the landowner at that point knew who they where dealing with. Be sure to identify who will be hunting - is it you, or a party? If a party - how many people? I have found the landowners in my neck of the woods generally don't have a problem when I say it is myself and my kids. It could be another matter if it was me and people I work with. Always make sure they know who is hunting.

Find out if the landowner has ground rules he or she wants you to follow, ie:

• where you can park - some are ok with you parking along the road, some want you parking in their yard, or some other spot.

  In the event that you might walk in from some other point - such as ajoining ground, be sure to explain that to them - that you could be parked elsewhere.

• which areas you may hunt - I have a landowner who lets me hunt in one area of woods, but not in another piece of woods across the road
• gates and the location of livestock
• the boundries of the property
• times when you may not hunt - such as a time of day, a given weekend, etc

Lastly, thank the landowner, and be on your way.

OK, so your dates to hunt come, you hunt - making sure you followed any rules they set, maybe you take game, maybe you don't, your season closes. Now what?

A month or so later (speaking now of spring seasons), stop by the landowner, re-introduce yourself, and thank them. Spend a few minutes with them. Alternatively, send a card thru the mail. In the fall, I wait until Christmas time, and purchase a small gift - such as a box of fruit, or gift certificates to a local resturant, possibly share some of your game - such as venison sausage. I also make sure I include the "spring" landowners at Christmas time. You can mail a card and certificate, but I have found it works much better to deliver the gift in person. You are keeping yourself visiable to the landowner. You can also offer to help the landowner with work on the land - mending fence, picking rock (removal of rock from fields), cutting brush, etc.

If you do this - be sure:

1) That you can perform the type of work

2) If you are asked to help - that you show up and perform the work you offered to do

I have offered my services, but so far, not taken up on the offer.

What does this do?

Simple - it shows the landowner you respect them. They take care of the land, they pay the taxes. They gave you a gift - the permission to hunt/fish. Show them the same. You can share stories of how you did - you learn about them, and their families, they learn more about you. Does the landowner hunt? Ask how he/she did. We all like to share our stories. Do this for a couple of years, and you become a neighbor, a friend - and not just "some guy (or gal) who wants to go hunting/fishing".

Having followed this approach now for over ten years, I have three landowners who now tell me "hunt any time" and "you don't need to ask", but I still do. I have also found that it is the hardest to get permission the first time. Having followed this strategy, getting permission the 2nd and subsequent years, and then the fall season's is much easier.

I won't say this works 100% of the time, but I've had many more YES answers than NO, and so far, I've been able to continue to hunt these properties. And I am doing everything I can to keep it that way.

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Copyright 2000© Jim Laumann.