Many hunters find signs posted on land that might actually be available for hunting--just for the asking.
The most exhilarating moment in a hunter’s experience is the instant of the shot at an animal or a bird. But much has happened before that point of the hunt takes place. Many factors determine whether your hunt will be successful. It begins with hunting for a place to hunt.
What do you want to hunt and where does it occur. For many the convenience of hunting close to home has a large appeal. In that case what you hunt might becomes a matter of what game exists within driving distance of your home. Whitetail deer occur just about everywhere east of the Rocky Mountains. This makes them one of the most accessible and popular game animals to hunt. Other game animals and birds that might occur close to where you live includes ducks, geese, dove, quail, turkey, wild hogs and various types of varmints.
Game close to home might be big or small, or birds. It makes hunting easily accessible and convenient.
Here’s a few ways to find local hunting spots:
- “Word of mouth” is a good way to learn about available local hunting areas and game. This might come from co-workers, gun store employees, and outdoor columns appearing in your local newspaper that report on current hunting seasons, conditions and results.
- Take out an ad in a local paper indicating your desire to find land to hunt. Be sure to state that you are an “ethical and safe hunter.”
- Knock on doors or make phone calls to ask landowners for permission to hunt on their land. Some states provide printed forms that landowners can sign giving permission to hunt on their land. Be sure you treat the property with respect and honor the landowner’s wishes.
- Hunting clubs are a good way for a group to pool resources and contacts to either purchase or lease private property. You can join an existing club or start one.
- The Internet is a wonderful way to access information. Many websites are available to help hunters find land. Here’s a few—www.leasehunting.com www.nationalhuntingleases.com www.findahuntinglease.com
- And don’t forget your own state’s DNR website. Most have sections that allow viewing of Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), as well as listing state and federal wildlife refuges that allow hunting.
If anyone has other methods for finding places to hunt let us know.
Joe, I for one am someone who does not own any property. The 3 pieces of property I hunt are owned by friends of my family; people who are nice enough to allow my father and I to use their property for hunting/fishing purposes. Two of the properties I hunt have been hunted by a ‘Chipps’ for over 30 years now. Every year I hold my breath hoping I can continue to have rights to their ground.
One thing my dad has always taught me is to respect others property as if it were your own, and make sure to thank them every opportunity you have for allowing me to hunt. By doing so, we’ve maintained a great relationship with these landowners.
Over the years, we have slowly lost acreage to hunt, due to change in owners or ground being turned into development property. The days of getting sole permission to hunt one’s ground is quickly disappearing. I have always dreamed of taking my kids to the place where my dad first took me hunting, but around the areas I currently hunt, I feel that dream slowly vanishing.
However, your advice has given me a new energy to pursue new opportunities and continue to show gratitude to those who allow me to use their property!
Joe
Caught your post rut elk hunt show in Montana with a European hunter who shared their traditions of honoring the animal. This was a terrific touch. Also you had a great cowboy hat on. It was short, box body and flared brim. Whos the maker and model #??
Hi Chris,
Thanks for your comment. It was a great hunt, and I was honored to have Dusan on the hunt. His including the European tradition of honoring the animal was a very fitting and heartfelt moment.
Glad you like the hat–it was custom-made in South Dakota a few years ago by the Weather Hat Co. P O Box 36 Belle Fourche, SD 57717-1415
[email protected]
Phone: (605) 723-2277
Best,
Joe