Acquiring Landowner Permission via Letter

[WHITETAIL_HUNTR_79]

Hey all, I'm getting started on my 2025 whitetail season early.... the private I had access to was sold this year so I'm trying to get a head of the game going into the 'offseason'.

As the title suggests, I'm curious to know if anyone has had a reasonable amount of success acquiring landowner permission to hunt on private property via mail / letters? I'm usually very steadfast in my belief that acquiring permission should be something done in person, but in the last 4-5 years I'm probably averaging less than 1 'yes' in 100+ door knocks here in Iowa. Unfortunately, with two kids (one being a newborn), I don't have as much time to be driving around asking for permission so thought I might try this route.

 

[Gunnersdad49]

I own a little bit of land, and I would much prefer a letter over someone stopping by my house unannounced/uninvited. Maybe I'm just a crotchety old fart, but I'm not a fan of strangers knocking on my door.

I would keep the initial letter short, likely hand written, and offer to stop by to discuss if they would like to meet you. Good luck, and keep us posted.

 

[MTGunner]

I have found that in person request works best. But, if you are attempting to get access via mail it might be helpful to include a picture of your hunting license, all pertinent information, phone number and perhaps a copy of your vehicle registration. I have received access to many posted properties in the past by this action. I do this when asking in person. It has worked well over the years. If the property owners says no, thank them for their time and ask if this policy may change in the future.
I have offered electrical work in the past. I’m a retired electrician. Some jumped on this. But, be careful about what some would ask of you. I was a licensed, bonded electrician. Did not take on large jobs for access. Has to be a reasonable trade. Good luck. MTG

 

[Idahobugler]

I’ve dropped letters in mailboxes as I know some people don’t like being disturbed at home. Probably about 5 in 100 call me back so worth a shot.

 

[LG1]

I own a bit of property and a couple years ago a guy, wrote a letter asking to hunt. That was the only time I've ever had someone write a letter. I gave him permission because it was well written and he seemed to give a damn about my time and property. I'd say its worth a shot.

I've reached the point where calls and texts are getting old and rarely answer the call if I suspect its a hunter and the text just gets a "No" answer.

 

[robby denning]

This year, was trying to access land no one lives on and no one knows the LO that I could find, so I sent a letter to address in OnX, but no response.

Not discouraged though.

Will try again future if in-person not possible.

Like @Gunnersdad49 said, some LOs might prefer a letter.

 

[Fatcamp]

A hand written letter is such a rare thing I would think somebody is bound to respond just because you surprise them.

 

[Sizthediz]

Can't hurt in this day and age of everything electronic. A handwritten note might be a nice surprise. Almost like a letter in a bottle.
Good luck

 

[wyosteve]

I think if you write a letter it should specify your desires, i.e., are you looking for free access, willing to pay a trespass fee (should give a $$$ amount), looking for the entire season or just part of it, gun or archery? The more info, the more chance of getting a response since it shows you've thought about a lot of the things a landowner would want to know.

 

[ElkArcher918]

The last few years I've had my best luck obtaining access to private land by calling, texting, or stopping by the landowners' place. If you are familiar with the unit/area (possibly hunted there previously) it helps with striking a conversation with the landowner. A humble polite approach providing a little personal background with emphasis on safety and ethics goes a long way. When I do get permission I follow up with some sort of token of appreciation like a case of beer, homemade chili, or fresh baked bread.

 

[voltage]

Stopping by will likely have a higher success rate (which will still be very low), but a letter can be done with a lot less effort. You can send 100 letters with less time/effort it takes to stop by 10 houses.

 

[waspocrew]

Letters certainly can’t hurt and will save you time. However, I do think handwritten is better than printing.

My family gets hammered for access to hunting, especially during the season. It gets old, but personally, I’d rather talk to someone in person than get phone calls, voicemail, and texts.

 

[Marshfly]

Letters certainly can’t hurt and will save you time. However, I do think handwritten is better than printing.

My family gets hammered for access to hunting, especially during the season. It gets old, but personally, I’d rather talk to someone in person than get phone calls, voicemail, and texts.

What about a PM on Rokslide?

Looking for a spot for my kids to pop some whitetails with their bows. They both have gloves and work boots and are free all summer. LOL.

 

[cday34]

I've never got a response from a letter I have sent requesting permission to hunt here in Ohio. But I have very high success knocking on doors and having a conversation.

 

[Fisherhahn]

I’ve gotten letters over the years and usually just toss them

 

[String&stick]

I have had some success going this route, I have about a 30% response rate and about 5% success rate. Some responses are "sorry the land is leased or rented and the renter controls the hunting rights" which is understandable.

Things I believe help:
1. My letter includes an about me with a photo. (my photo is a family photo) My about me explains my ties to the area, hunting experience, respect for land, etc.

2. I include a GIS outline of the parcel(s) with the letter so they know exactly where I'm talking about.

3. I always offer to meet them in person so that they know who I am and so I can get to know them. If they are an absentee landowner I also offer to help them with anything I can if they would like.

4. I reassure them by stating that if permission is granted I will sign a hold harmless agreement, clearing them from any liability if I harm myself while hunting on their property.

This letter is typed but signed personally, the envelope is always hand addressed.

If I get any response, good or bad, I send a hand written thank you note thanking them for their them and wishing them well.

I primarily use it for land owners that don't live close by, but I have also sent it as a soft opening to people in the area if I know they are a widow, or someone whom may not want a 6'2" 250lb guy showing up unannounced.

Its definitely worth a try and most people are just going to throw it away if the answer is no, you won't get yelled at because the last guy shit the family dog or left the gate open and the cows got out!

 

[KenLee]

Back when I sent letters, I offered to meet landowner and family at a local mom and pop "meat and 3" cafe to discuss...with me paying. You'd be surprised how that $20-40 meal (back 15 years ago) stirred up interest. Especially from older folks.

 

[YellCoAR]

This is dated information, but I had success several years ago. I would write a letter to the owner. I let them know I did not want to surprise them. So I wrote the letter to allow them time to consider me asking to hunt their property. In the letter I let them know I would call them. I told them I would answer any questions they might have. I would also make sure they knew I respected their ownership and a simple no was all they had to tell me.

 

[WHITETAIL_HUNTR_79]

Thanks, all. Appreciate the different perspectives on this and some of the recommendations on what to include in the letter, its given me some ideas as I start drafting a letter template.